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Interviewing Tips/Questions Answered by Expert Janet White
| Subject | Date Asked |
| how long do I wait after a rounf of face to face interviews to contact the business | 5/24/2010 |
| Q: Janet: I have been out of work since the 15th of February 2010, where the company I worked for had ... A: Vince, First of all, unless you want to work in HR, do not use HR as an intermediary. If you want ... | |
| involuntarily terminated | 4/10/2010 |
| Q: I was involuntarily terminated of my job as of mar 31. I need to know how to approach this when ... A: If you didn’t do well on the job, it’s probably because you didn’t like the work or the company, so ... | |
| Interview questions | 4/2/2010 |
| Q: I am pursuing MBA(HR&Marketing).I am also doing a job along with my study.My questions are: 1.Why ... A: Sonali, You are an MBA student, supposedly studying the companies are run, managed and positioned ... | |
| depression and a job interview | 3/30/2010 |
| Q: I have bipolar depression, and I am starting to interview for jobs. I recently graduated college ... A: Well, this may come as a shock to you, but now that you’re out of college, your grades as a student ... | |
| Plan for life | 3/7/2010 |
| Q: what is your plan for next five years? A: I'm assuming you're asking this as an example of an interview question you believe you'll get. ... | |
| CTC | 3/4/2010 |
| Q: Greetings for the Day !! I am Abhimanyu from India, a Computer Science student. I have just ... A: What they want to know is what kind of salary you expect. Do your homework; ask around; explore the ... | |
| interview | 3/2/2010 |
| Q: most often one is asked to tell something about himself or herself.coming from an engineering ... A: It's very simple - tell them why you want to become an engineer. Janet White, Author Secrets of the ... | |
| interview and resume help | 2/22/2010 |
| Q: sir,i had done 4yrs regular course from an reputed engg college in india in 1993,of mechanical ... A: Kaniyoor, You do not have to explain, defend or justify your life to anyone, especially nameless, ... | |
| Pregnant and Interviewing | 2/4/2010 |
| Q: I am three months pregnant and looking for another job. During my first pregnancy, I interviewed ... A: Well, you have to consider the employer's position. Why would they hire someone who will only be ... | |
| Follow Up | 9/30/2009 |
| Q: I had my second interview with a company last Tuesday. I believe that the interview went well. I ... A: When you plant a seed in the ground, do you fuss and fret and worry if it's growing? Do you stand ... | |
| Software Developer Portfolio | 9/30/2009 |
| Q: I'm a entry level software developer, I have an interview with a company. They told me to bring my ... A: Obviously, they want to see the software you either developed or worked with others on developing. ... | |
| JOBLESS??? | 9/21/2009 |
| Q: I am an RN and was working per diem at a hospital as an RN Case Mgr. While I loved the work, the ... A: 1) Just telephone the administrator and tell him that what he said and what you were told were two ... | |
| portfollio | 8/25/2009 |
| Q: I'm getting my portfollios together--both online and portable. I have a question about the portable. ... A: The clips. Always the clips. Janet White, Author Secrets of the Hidden Job Market: Change Your ... | |
| portfollio | 8/23/2009 |
| Q: I'm getting my portfollios together--both online and portable. I have a question about the portable. ... A: You show the clips when the interviewer asks to see them, and if you choose to leave it with them, ... | |
| cover letter critique and advice | 8/20/2009 |
| Q: I cut and paste my cover letter below for advice or critique thanks. It is with great energy and ... A: Jeroice, It’s clear from your resume and cover letter that you’re trying to make an impression, but ... | |
| portfollio | 8/10/2009 |
| Q: I'm getting my portfollios together--both online and portable. I have a question about the portable. ... A: You don't serve anyone by acting small. Why not include your letters? What have you got to lose? ... | |
| internal interview questions | 6/16/2009 |
| Q: If I am interviewing for an internal position and the interviewer is the CEO/President of the ... A: You're assuming that your interview is an interrogation about you and that at the end, you're ... | |
| Job Hunting Help | 6/12/2009 |
| Q: I am a 34 year old female from India. I have around 6plus yrs of IT industry experience. I am trying ... A: The problem you're having is that you're operating from the assumption that you have to be approved ... | |
| Non referral by former boss | 6/9/2009 |
| Q: I worked for a company for many years and retired. I am now trying to get another job and I ... A: Connie, The mistake you're making is thinking that a job interview is a personal interrogation ... | |
| job searching | 5/15/2009 |
| Q: im 16 and currently unable to get a job , iv applied in so many places but i never get a call for a ... A: At 16, there's really nothing you can do beyond minimum wage jobs, slinging burgers, stacking ... | |
| After the interview. | 4/27/2009 |
| Q: I interviewed for a nursing position three weeks ago this Wednesday. After the interview, she told ... A: Yes, call. And just say, "I'm calling to touch base about the nursing position. Can you bring me up ... | |
| Resume writing | 3/26/2009 |
| Q: I am 62, retired, but recently decided to look for part-time work. I lost my job about a year ago, ... A: I'm confused. You say you retired, but now you don't want people to think you retired. What's wrong ... | |
| Reply to Your Question | 3/24/2009 |
| Q: I applied for a very popular government internship yesterday, and I would like to network with a ... A: Obviously, you took my well-meaning advice completely the wrong way. Since I do not know you or how ... | |
| How To Network With Director of Job I Applied For | 3/24/2009 |
| Q: I applied for a very popular government internship yesterday, and I would like to network with a ... A: If you want to contact the director, simply call up the governmental agency she works for and ask to ... | |
| applying for jobs | 3/16/2009 |
| Q: I am comprising a list of companies now, which I want to apply, and finding more information on ... A: If you read my book, "Secrets of the Hidden Job Market: Change Your Thinking to Get the Job of Your ... | |
| Cover Letter | 3/15/2009 |
| Q: I wrote this cover letter myself and am wondering if you could suggest an edit for me so that it ... A: I’m so glad you’re in business development and sales/marketing, because you should be able to fully ... | |
| when to follow up on a voicemail | 3/13/2009 |
| Q: My question is, when is it appropriate to call a potential employer again after you have left a ... A: If you received the call yesterday, call before end of business today. If you still get voicemail, ... | |
| I want this job! | 3/6/2009 |
| Q: I am a young lawyer. It is true I just started, but I am alredy bored with my postion at work. I saw ... A: This is very simple. Contrary to what you've been taught, you do not have to "make your case" (pun ... | |
| interviewing | 3/5/2009 |
| Q: I got fired from my last job, found out I was pregnant, and then became a stay-at-home mom that was ... A: Here is a truth: "It is done unto you AS you believe" - whatever you believe to be true will become ... | |
| interviewing | 3/5/2009 |
| Q: I got fired from my last job, found out I was pregnant, and then became a stay-at-home mom that was ... A: The only reason you will be hired is because you can do something that someone needs done. Whatever ... | |
| to call or not to call? | 3/1/2009 |
| Q: I am a recent college graduate and normally have no problem finding a job. I know the economy is ... A: Well, first of all, don't expect to hear anything back when you blindly send in your resume because ... | |
| Interview tips | 2/24/2009 |
| Q: I need tips on how to appear motivated and enthusiastic about working for travel airline in a ... A: If you are truly motivated and enthusiastic about having this job, then by all means, let it show in ... | |
| Pharmacy interview | 2/15/2009 |
| Q: I'm really nervous about my pharmacy interview. I am in college right now and i'm majoring in ... A: Danny, There are two beliefs making you nervous - 1) that a job interview with a total stranger is ... | |
| 1.5 yr Gap in employment | 2/12/2009 |
| Q: I'm a Chemical Engineer in the US with approximately 3 years experience in the downstream sector ... A: The "time gap" issue is only an issue because you believe it is. Actually, it's a non-issue. First ... | |
| job offer start date | 2/12/2009 |
| Q: I got a job offer. I am supposed to call the hiring manager tomorrow to accept the offer. The job is ... A: Tell the lady you need to change your start date to March 2nd. If she says "No," say, "Thank you, I ... | |
| Advice | 2/10/2009 |
| Q: I am currently actively employed, but was thinking about trying to look for another job to further ... A: It’s likely that no one has ever told you the secret to getting hired, so I will. It is summed in ... | |
| Job Wanted Ad's Sincere? | 1/23/2009 |
| Q: I was just reading my e-copy of your book and more so browsing it right now as I will need some ... A: Drew, the worst thing you can do to your self esteem is read and answer want ads/job boards. I've ... | |
| Strength is a weakness? | 1/21/2009 |
| Q: Janet, With each move in my work history, I have been able to show an increase in pay, title, ... A: David, You are not responsible for what other people think or feel. If you're good at what you do, ... | |
| How to find new work | 1/21/2009 |
| Q: The longest I have held down a job was 1 1/2 years as a road construction laborer. (That was a ... A: You can get "Secrets of the Hidden Job Market: Change Your Thinking to Get the Job of Your Dreams" ... | |
| How to find new work | 1/20/2009 |
| Q: The longest I have held down a job was 1 1/2 years as a road construction laborer. (That was a ... A: John, the only person who believes your having a six month time gaps between jobs is a problem is ... | |
| jobs switch | 1/20/2009 |
| Q: I've been out of work for five months. I've had some interviews. I think my biggest problem is that ... A: Faye, never assume that a no response to an email means no. If you're going to be in ... | |
| How to find new work | 1/20/2009 |
| Q: The longest I have held down a job was 1 1/2 years as a road construction laborer. (That was a ... A: John, the answer to your real question of "How can I make myself desirable as an employee?" is ... | |
| How to mend my career back on track? | 1/19/2009 |
| Q: I would just like to ask a question regarding my re-entering the workforce. I am 20 years old, I ... A: Drew, as you will read in my book, a question like "Why do you want to apply for something ... | |
| How to mend my career back on track? | 1/19/2009 |
| Q: I would just like to ask a question regarding my re-entering the workforce. I am 20 years old, I ... A: Drew, The best way to answer "Why did you leave your last job?" is to make sure it never comes up. ... | |
| How to mend my career back on track? | 1/16/2009 |
| Q: I would just like to ask a question regarding my re-entering the workforce. I am 20 years old, I ... A: Drew, Take a few deep breaths and relax. Your career is not off track and you have done nothing you ... | |
| Cover Letter | 11/21/2008 |
| Q: I recently applied for a cyber teaching position through an online application. I have a lot of ... A: Anne, The problem I see is that you view a cover letter as a pitch piece about yourself and what ... | |
| Reference check from current employor | 11/20/2008 |
| Q: Really need help/opinion on this ... I went to an interview with a City job (sorry cannot provide ... A: Julie, I think it is appalling that the city's HR person would violate your privacy rights by ... | |
| work history gap | 11/19/2008 |
| Q: I've been a homemaker since December 2006, how do I put this on my resume? Do I put this under my ... A: Contrary to what you may have been taught, your resume is not your autobiography or your work ... | |
| Potential Employer Contacted Current Employer | 8/19/2008 |
| Q: My Manager's Manager is new to our company (he's been there 6 weeks or so). Prior to joining our ... A: Well, your boss's boss knows you're looking, so the cat's out of the bag. I would be interested to ... | |
| Recent (Unlawful?) Termination. How to Handle | 8/6/2008 |
| Q: White, I worked for an insurance carrier for the past 9 years, first as a Claims Rep. and then, as a ... A: Well, I suggest you stop focusing on the past and worrying about how you're going to explain being ... | |
| White Hair | 7/30/2008 |
| Q: I'm a young male trying to get a job and I have long, silver/white hair. My hair used to be the ... A: If your hair is neat, clean, unobtrusive and kept out of the way in a braid or tied, or kept inside ... | |
| Accused of theft, but didn't do it. | 7/24/2008 |
| Q: A little background. I've been a dietary aide for 14 years. And in 2006, at the age of 56, I was ... A: You're talking about an incident nearly two years ago. Your previous employer cannot legally tell ... | |
| interview tips | 7/23/2008 |
| Q: how to give best answer when the interviewer ask me why do i need to find another job? A: Your question indicates that you accept the idea that a job interview is a interrogation about you ... | |
| JOB APPLICATION QUESTIONS | 7/15/2008 |
| Q: 1.Providing a high quality service that maintains the reputations and stading of our organisation is ... A: Just tell a story about a project, client or situation in which you helped to uphold standards of ... | |
| Should I follow-up? | 7/14/2008 |
| Q: On June 13, 2008, I applied to two (similar) positions at a local university. The closing date for ... A: Yes, make the call. You have nothing to lose. Janet White, Author Secrets of the Hidden Job Market: ... | |
| Should I follow-up? | 7/13/2008 |
| Q: On June 13, 2008, I applied to two (similar) positions at a local university. The closing date for ... A: Unfortunately, no one told you what any Human Resource professional will tell you: HR can only hire ... | |
| interview confusion | 7/4/2008 |
| Q: Why do interviewers say the following: "I'll be calling everyone in the next few days to let them ... A: Well, if I knew why people say they'll do things they have no intention of doing, I'd be on Oprah ... | |
| interview confusion | 7/4/2008 |
| Q: Why do interviewers say the following: "I'll be calling everyone in the next few days to let them ... A: Ever have a blind date in which the other person says, "I'll call you" and never does? Same reason. ... | |
| How to explain various position changes | 6/5/2008 |
| Q: I have been in the insurance business since 1994. I have held 7 positions during this time. I ... A: There are two issues here, and they have nothing to do with the fact that you’ve moved around a lot: ... | |
| Salary requirements | 5/22/2008 |
| Q: I got the most interesting offer today. It's a guy I know from my gym who asks me how I am with ... A: This was not a job offer; this was a "feeler" as in "If we had something, how much would you charge ... | |
| after job interview | 5/7/2008 |
| Q: During the interview, the interviewer(human resource) asked me why I left old company. I said 'I ... A: I suggest you forget this meeting ever happened. You met with Human Resources, who has absolutely no ... | |
| Mistake in Date on Resume! Please Help! | 5/7/2008 |
| Q: I have been seeking employment via online websites and have posted my resume on several. In ... A: You'll never get hired by answering online web postings. Forget them. Instead, telephone each ... | |
| about interview | 5/5/2008 |
| Q: How To answere for the question Tell ME ABOUT UR SELF? A: Because you're corresponding in text slang, it's clear you're a teenager or someone who has never ... | |
| Query on how to answer a question on tell me something about yourself? | 4/24/2008 |
| Q: Please let me know what is the best suitable answer for the regular question tell me something about ... A: "Tell me about yourself" is one of those ridiculous Traditional System interview questions that ... | |
| Interview | 4/22/2008 |
| Q: I have an extensive background record, 4 charges are showing dismissed (2007) assault charges my ex ... A: I recently was called for jury duty on a case of a man charged with DUI. His lawyers and the lawyers ... | |
| Interview | 4/22/2008 |
| Q: I have an extensive background record, 4 charges are showing dismissed (2007) assault charges my ex ... A: You might try small companies or entrepreneurs who may not do a background check (good luck finding ... | |
| interview tips | 4/22/2008 |
| Q: I will be attending an interview this Thursday and would like to get your opinion. I am currently ... A: Jessica, There is absolutely NO reason for you to be nervous when you understand this very ... | |
| Post Interview -Staffing Service | 4/18/2008 |
| Q: Hey, guys. I recently had an interview with a staffin agency. I have always had bad experience with ... A: I think the staffing lady is either no longer there, is either extremely unprofessional (she was ... | |
| exit interview | 4/14/2008 |
| Q: I was planning on quitting the RN position I have at a local hospital. Frankly, I love the people ... A: I responded as I did because your first post gave me the impression you were quitting because this ... | |
| exit interview | 4/14/2008 |
| Q: I was planning on quitting the RN position I have at a local hospital. Frankly, I love the people ... A: The most significant part of your whole post was this: "I've never been one to stand up for myself ... | |
| Cover Letter | 3/31/2008 |
| Q: I had a question related to when you write a cover letter, should you, or should you not, state why ... A: It is irrelevent to the people you're writing to why you want to leave your current job; all they ... | |
| INTERVIEW HELP | 3/27/2008 |
| Q: i m mukesh kumar frm india want to get ur help regarding my interview on 12th april as an arts & ... A: You should already have a pretty good idea what you'll be talking about in your meeting: teaching ... | |
| Contingency Offers | 3/25/2008 |
| Q: Janet, Background: Submitted a cover letter and tailored a resume for a job. Now I received a ... A: You are not legally required to work for anyone unless you sign an employment contract that is ... | |
| interview | 3/25/2008 |
| Q: how to start a conversation in an interview! A: Do your homework and learn what's going on with and in the company -- why do they need to hire ... | |
| What does "CV" mean? | 3/13/2008 |
| Q: What does "CV" mean? I've recently reentered the job market and started writing a resume, and this ... A: CV means "Curriculum vitae" which is a more extensive resume, mostly for academics. If you're not ... | |
| No call back | 2/28/2008 |
| Q: I recently received a phone message from an HR professional at an organization where I had applied ... A: I'm assuming you were not going for a job in the HR department, but even if you were, the following ... | |
| Long Hair Job Interview | 2/15/2008 |
| Q: I am a male with curly, medium to long hair and I want to grow it longer (currently, my bangs touch ... A: If you're going to work in a corporate, white collar environment and you want to be accepted as one ... | |
| Attending a job interview. | 2/13/2008 |
| Q: I have a job interview tomorrow. Originally it was supposed to be Tuesday, but the interviewer has ... A: Tracey, If you're sick, stay home and get better. The interviewer will reschedule with no problem. ... | |
| Ask an HR person for advice? | 1/28/2008 |
| Q: Janet! Thank you for your generosity in offering your opinion on this. My husband is 50. He got a ... A: The problem is two-fold: 1) your husband thinks because one accounting job didn't go well, none of ... | |
| Contingent Offer | 1/25/2008 |
| Q: I received a contingent offer from an Information Technology consulting company. This offer was ... A: It all depends on whether you're an independent hired for this one assignment, or will be on the ... | |
| Group Disscussion in recruitment process | 1/15/2008 |
| Q: I have been invited to the first stage of the recruitment process for the role of manufacturing ... A: Just do it. When you get your piece of information, discuss among the group who you think would be ... | |
| Personal thank-you notes | 11/1/2007 |
| Q: White, I am now interviewing for jobs which are, mostly, entry-level positions. I had planned to ... A: Save your stationary for a personal occasion. Despite what you've been taught, a personal thank you ... | |
| interview | 9/28/2007 |
| Q: I'm currently a university undergraduate student. Thanks Is it possible to look over my resume or ... A: You prepare by researching the companies you'd like to work for and learning something about what ... | |
| question | 9/28/2007 |
| Q: i am mba(hr) loking for job in same field. kindly let me know abt type of questions that will be ... A: Most likely, the first question that will be asked is, "Do you know how to spell and use correct ... | |
| interview question | 9/4/2007 |
| Q: I was terminated from my last job and am now interviewing for a new job. When I'm asked why I left ... A: The best way to answer this kind of question is to not answer it. Keep in mind that they asked to ... | |
| interview help | 8/26/2007 |
| Q: I have an interview with a very good company called genzyme coming up for a QC chemist role.I don ... A: Mark, There is no need to be nervous in this job interview since you have nothing to lose. Even if ... | |
| Telephonic Interview Tips | 7/23/2007 |
| Q: Should an interviewee be honest by reveling his/her past downhill points or must speak only of his ... A: Contrary to what you've been taught, a job interview -- in person or on the phone -- is not an ... | |
| What to do with a contingent offer letter... | 6/1/2007 |
| Q: I interviewed with a contractor, and the company gave a me an offer letter contingent upon ... A: Yes, continue talking to other companies since this is not a firm job offer -- it's a "we'll do ... | |
| question about the financial stores inspector | 5/31/2007 |
| Q: i am going to an interview tomorrow for the position of financial stores inspector i dont have a ... A: From your question, it sounds like you did not arrange this meeting yourself, so I suggest you go ... | |
| Preparing for Interview | 5/15/2007 |
| Q: I applied for a work at home job. I probably will be doing customer service work over the telephone ... A: Since you're not sure what kind of work you will be doing, THAT is exactly what you will discuss ... | |
| interview | 5/8/2007 |
| Q: what is ur strongest point A: Contrary to popular belief, a successful job interview is NOT a personal interrogation about you. It ... | |
Interviewing Tips
Answers by Expert:
Janet White
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
I can answer all questions about job hunting, interviewing, resume and cover letter writing, follow-up and related topics.
Experience
I am the author of Secrets of the Hidden Job Market: Change Your Thinking to Get the Job of Your Dreams. www.jobmarketsecrets.com. I write from personal experience: I have always gotten every job I ever wanted, even if I didn't have the credentials or experience, what was happening in the economy, or the size of the company or alleged competition. None of those things mattered; the only thing that mattered was if I really wanted that job; I got it.
Anyone can get hired as easily and effortlessly as I did if they change the way they think about job hunting, themselves and the people they will contact.
Publications
As a professional commercial real estate writer, my work appeared in World Property, Journal of Property Management, Stores, National Real Estate Investor, and Buildings, Shopping Center World, and a host of other publications under my byline and ghostwriting for clients.
Education/Credentials
B.A., Speech-English, Adelphi University, Garden City, NY, 1974
Masters of Urban Planning, New York University, New York, 1982
Certificate in Real Estate Studies, New York University, NY 1982
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