Career Advice & Insights

What to wear, what to drink and when to call it a night. Meeting for cocktails is different from meeting for coffee or over lunch. The expectation is that you will meet in the evening and the situation will be less formal than the office — but not too informal. “When you meet for cocktails, … Read More

How to choose the restaurant, and order a plate without getting flustered. The let’s-do-lunch interview can be a minefield of potential problems. What type of restaurant would you choose if the selection is yours? What sort of food is best to order? Should you have a drink? Selecting the venue It is seldom that a … Read More

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

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

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

You’re certainly qualified, but resting on your laurels won’t cut it in an interview. Follow these guidelines to land that job at any age. Have you used one of these common complaints? “I was fully qualified, and it makes no sense.” “They simply don’t know how to hire.” “They told me that I was overqualified.” … Read More

Don’t let fear, nerves and stage fright keep you from the job interview you want. “Sometimes nerves take over and you don’t show who you are.” Those are the words of an auditioning actor in “Every Little Step,” a 2008 documentary that follows the process of casting the 2006 Broadway revival of “A Chorus Line.” … Read More