Everything you wanted to know about interviewing, but, were afraid to ask Dwayne Miller MBA, PMP, Master Black Belt Lean Six Sigma, ITIL v3 Foundation Director – IT Process Engineering, RGA BBJ – May 18, 2015
The Interview Great things about an Interview – Attitude – It is not ‘all or nothing’ – Meet new people – Possible new LinkedIn contacts – A new building you have never been to before – Learn about a new position – Learn about a new team of people – Learn about an organization – Practice for your next interview – Know you will have fun Preparing for an Interview – Know your responses for the ‘50 toughest Interview questions’ – Practice Interviews – Dry run to where you are interviewing – Questions you will ask – at least 10 – but only ask 3 or 4 – Prepare to have fun – LinkedIn Look up people you are connected to who work for company Look up people you are going to interview with
Overview My Story LinkedIn Even a Baby Knows Success Stories Benefits – Icing on the cake BBJ Many Irons in the fire No Silver Bullet
Thank You Questions?
Strategy vs. Philosophy Strategies – BBJ – Recruiters – LinkedIn – Toastmasters – Resume – The Interview – Networking – Certifications, Professional Organizations, and Degrees Philosophies – The Job Search – Life
LinkedIn - Continued
Toastmasters Benefits Improve Public Speaking – In front of an audience Improve Speaking in small groups or one-on-one Builds self-confidence and self-esteem Stepped, self-paced approach Immediate, positive, feedback Improve interview skills with impromptu exercise at every meeting Structured meetings follow “Robert’s Rules of Order” Opportunity to practice presentations for work/school Each club oozes with encouragement Everyone there began their Toastmasters journey just like you Everyone wants you to succeed Reward/Award system Professional Organization
Toastmasters - Clubs 140 Clubs in Missouri Missouri Crossroads – meets 2 nd Monday each month at 7:30 AM at St. Mark’s Church in Ballwin and every non- holiday Monday at 6:30 PM at First Free Church in Ballwin at Carmen and Weidman Road There are open clubs that anyone can join and there are closed clubs that you have to be a member of that organization (Maritz has 2 clubs – one open and one closed) For open clubs and those organizations that you belong to, you can visit as a guest as often as you would like before you join When you join, you are assigned a mentor to help you through the first part of the program Some clubs have themes – the Wry Toastmasters Club focuses on humor and they meet at the St. Louis County Library in Bridgeton on the 2 nd & 4 th Monday at 7:00 PM There are clubs that meet in the morning, during lunch, in the evenings, and some on weekends There is a club out there to fit your style, schedule, and location
My Resume
Resume 2 Pages – Name at the top of both pages Professional and cell phone number Font size – at least 12 and not a “funky font” Professional Summary – This is your hook! a tease, glimpse of the rest of your resume, time to toot your horn, say what you are looking for specifically Technical expertise – with versions Professional Experience – line or 2 description then PAR stories! This is where your resume POPS! All education, certifications, training, Professional Organizations go on bottom of second page
Networking The Game Network with everyone - employed, unemployed, Recruiters, Hiring Managers, etc. Purpose of Networking Have fun meeting new people Focus on how you can help the other person Catch up with people you have met before
Certifications, Professional Organizations, and Degrees Look for certifications that can help you with your career and find a position. Professional Organizations – Join Them! – Shows that you are doing more than the next person – Shows employers that you “get involved” – Volunteer – shows you are a team player – Shows you want to learn more about your industry – Great places to network – Great places to find a position/internship – Toastmasters is a Professional Organization Look for a Professional Organization Chapter in your area/St. Louis (If you never start, you will never finish!)
Pursuing a Position Positive Attitude – Rough spots – these too will pass - opportunities – Pollyanna – Look for the bright side in every situation – Don’t worry and don’t panic – ever! Network – Business Cards – Never leave home without them! – 30 Second Commercial – Elevator Speech – Network Everywhere! – Make it a Game Pay it Forward – Never pass up an opportunity to help someone – Don’t ever expect anything in return – However, it will be returned to you in the most wonderful and unexpected way(s) – It’s Amazing!!!
Life Learn Help People Have Fun! Leave it better for the next person Feel the Fear... and Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers