Interview

Should you be chummy when interviewing with someone you’ve mingled with before – or should you be strictly business? Your brother knows someone at a company about which you would like to learn more or where you believe you would like to work. He puts the two of you in touch. You might have met … Read More

The questions you ask during an interview often determine whether you get the job. We’ve all been there. It’s the point in the job interview when you’ve answered every behavioral interview question thrown at you in a pointed, authoritative, relevant manner. “Now, do you have any questions for me?” the interviewer asks. This is the … Read More

You’ve outgrown new-kid jitters; the first days in a senior position are no time to clam up. You’ve been out of work for months. You got the interview. You nailed the interview. You got the job. You can’t screw up. You have to hit the ground running. Now what? Now, ask the questions you didn’t, … Read More

Here are five ways to get around the questions without directly confronting the offending recruiter or human resources representative. Read More

Brian Haley keeps trying to dodge irrelevant questions about his age as HR managers invent new ways to ask. Brian Haley finds it frustrating to face the same questions again and again as he interviews for jobs. Questions that he knows have no bearing on his ability to do the job but have everything to … Read More

Readers ask, experts answer age-based interview questions Editors’ Note: A story that ran in Ladders’ Sept. 16 newsletter, “Don’t Answer That Interview Question,” elicited a nearly unprecedented volume of reader responses. Many recounted their own experiences with interviewers who asked inappropriate questions, and others asked how to respond, whether the questions come from hiring managers … Read More

Don’t ruin your perfect “first date” with a potential employer by talking compensation too quickly. Job interviews, like dating, have a lot to do with timing. In my many years as a recruiter, I’ve heard the following story countless times from my associates: They had sent the “perfect person” (excellent skill set, right presentation) to … Read More

How do you pick the directors, coworkers and direct reports to be your job references? A job reference must be more than just someone willing to shower you with praise. Recruiters and hiring managers are looking for someone who can speak to your performance and impact on the team; someone who was in a position … Read More

The first words out of your mouth in an interview are to answer this cliché. Use this opportunity to be memorable — not just “fine,” or “good, thank you.” Standing out from the (unemployed) crowd is simple. All you have to do is ask yourself the following question throughout the day:“What could I do, in … Read More