AboutRuth Butler Expertise I will answer questions about resumes and how to do well on an interview. I am a former employment counselor and I have owned my own resume and career counseling business since 1982.
Expert: Ruth Butler Date: 2/4/2008 Subject: What Am I Doing Wrong??
Question I recently re-vamped it because it was definitely too much information, since them I have been called in for several interviews, I get as far as to interview # 3 or # 4, but somewhere along the line I don't know what happens...I make it to all interviews always at least 30 minutes to 45 minutes early, I am very professional, I ask minimal but some may be very detailed questions, I do my research on the company the and the person I interview with but for whatever reason I am not "closing the deal" please find below attached a copy of my resume and a list of the questions I ask in an interview....I am absolutely desperate, I have an interview on Wednesday, normally I am not nervous but I am this time, and I guess me wanting this position more than anything has alot to do with it....PLEASE HELP!!!!
HIGHLIGHTS OF QUALIFCATIONS
Competent, reliable, and committed professional, with a proven record of success in assuming increasing levels of responsibility. Ability to prioritize, delegate and motivate. Outstanding organizational skills, communication and client relations. Skills in research, analysis and administrative problem solving. Articulate and persuasive in written and verbal presentation. Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint,
SAP and Outlook. Able to type 65wpm.
Professional Experience
August 2006 to June 2007
Executive Assistant
•Supported the Chief Procurement Officer and the President of Operations directly as well as 4 other VP Directors in the Procurement Department
•Performed advanced, diversified, secretarial and administrative tasks.
•Screened telephone calls, visitors, arranged meetings, maintained complex calendars, agendas and itineraries as well as travel arrangements
•Coordinated material preparation and catering for large meetings and project completion as required
•Worked with other marketing, sales, procurement and logistic areas throughout Ryerson, had direct contact with suppliers, developed and maintained spreadsheets and PowerPoint presentations
November 2002 to July 2006
Senior Executive Assistant to CEO/Executive Director
•Maintained and coordinated CEO’s heavy calendar and schedule, arranged meetings and contacted clients
•Assisted in daily and routine and court filings, court research, found solutions for law firms that served corporate clients and
Government agencies across multiple practice areas and locations
•Assisted CEO/Executive Director with special projects and specific tasks as requested
•Answered phones, responded to basic inquiries for the CEO, provided assistance exercising independent judgment to determine what required priority attention; channeled, and facilitated phone communication from other executives and clients
•Maintained accurate records and files; filing systems that included hard copies and electronic; ensured files were organized
•Prepared PowerPoint presentations for various Board Meetings
June 1993 to November 2002
Executive Assistant to CEO (May 1999 to November 2002)
•Maintained calendar; ascertain which events required my employers presence
•Prepared agenda/PowerPoint presentation for monthly Employee Meetings
•Updated and chase delegated tasks to ensure progress to deadlines
•Check deadlines on incoming requests and put preliminary work in play
•Assisted with employee events (i.e. Holiday Party, Company Picnics)
•Provided Management Team/staff administrative support if approved by CEO
•Performed general office manager duties including: ordering office equipment and supplies; submitted invoices to finance and orientation of new hires
•Relieved management of administrative detail for all projects
•Maintained procedures manual to ensure consistent performance of routines
•Worked with internal and external parties to organize the various components needed to initiate, run and conclude major projects, which included coordinating schedules and activities, placing orders for supplies and services, and tracking progress and results
Customer Service Representative (July 1993 to May 1999)
Duties included receiving and placing follow up telephone calls to give clients job status on work being performed
•Assisted in daily and routine and court filings, court research, found solutions for law firms that served corporate clients and
Government agencies across multiple practice areas and locations
•Maintained solid customer relationships by handling client questions and concerns with speed and professionalism
Proactively communicated with customers and clients via telephone, e-mail, or regular mail; managed database records; drafted status reports on customer service issues
•Resolved difficult issues regarding client complaints and other matters
•Worked closely with managers in other departments, assisted in local and nationwide process serving, skip-tracing and private investigative services
•Assisted company with updating policies and procedures for client services
Questions To Ask The Employer
What are the company's strengths and weaknesses compared to its competition?
What is the organization's plan for the next five years, and how does this department fit in?
What are the day-to-day responsibilities of this job?
Can you describe a typical day for someone in this position?
What is the top priority of the person who accepts this job?
Can you describe the company’s management style?
Can you discuss your take on the company’s corporate culture?
What are the company’s values?
How would you characterize the management philosophy of this organization?
Does the organization support ongoing training and education for employees to stay current in their fields?
What do you think is the greatest opportunity facing the organization in the near future?
Why did you come to work here? What keeps you here?
Answer Dear Nikki:
First of all, let me make two suggestions. You are going in too early for the interview. It's fine if you need to find the building, etc., but do not walk in there before 10-15 minutes before the actual interview unless you are specifically told to.
You are asking too many questions to the employer and that is probably turning them off. Ask 2...perhaps 3 at most. Don't ask a question you really don't care what the answer is.
Also, at the end of the interview say something like: I really am excited about this position and I would like the job. I know you have other candidates to interview, but when will you let me know the next step?
Do not do this unless you truly want the position.
