Interviews can be nerve-wracking enough without the added pressure of dealing with inappropriate questions. So what should you do? Let’s examine what’s happening and possible ways to deal with it.Recent events such as the killing of Osama bin Laden loom large throughout the media. President Barack Obama’s leadership against terrorism, his decision to approve the mission, the political ramifications of the mission and myriad...

Twitter is gaining ground as a job hunting resource. Read entire article here.Most of my clients recognize LinkedIn as their chief online professional networking resource. It also lists a number of jobs. But most people haven’t awakened to the value of Twitter as a means of identifying positions within targeted companies.I think too many people believe Twitter to be just another online time-eater… something filled with t...

During my career I’ve not only provided private and corporate outplacement, but I’ve also spent years as a headhunter (executive search) and have worked inside corporations as an in-house recruiter. And I’ve been a job seeker myself. So I bring a diverse experience when assisting someone’s job hunt.I’m often told, “I’ll hold off on contracting with you because I want to have a recruiter place me for free.” The reality is...

Ever have someone keep talking to you long after you’d heard enough? They keep talking and all you want to do is end the conversation or that particular line of discussion. Have YOU ever been the one doing all the talking and not realized you were boring the other person to tears?Here is the first in a series of tips you can use to help determine how a listener is receiving what you’re saying.First, it’s important to unde...

Job Seekers - Do you have questions for us?Below is a list of frequently asked questions and our answers.What are the differences between The Wooden Group and an executive search firm, recruiter or personnel agency?Unlike search firms, recruiters and personnel agencies who essentially find people to match positions, The Wooden Group works one-to-one with our clients to optimize their ability to find and secure high-paying j...

The Triad’s first quarter, 2010, hiring outlook is not encouraging. Similar forecasts abound throughout the nation. What’s a job hunter to do?First, maintain a positive attitude, particularly when in an interview. Allowing frustration and desperation to seep through doesn’t help your cause. And while the media preaches gloom and doom, remember it only takes one qualified yes to end your journey.Just as salesmen can get...

From time to time a candidate will face a question he simply wishes to avoid. Whether that question deals with anticipated income, reasons for leaving your last job, specific career goals, occasionally a candidate may find it advantageous to avoid a direct and specific answer.So how’s that supposed to work?First, a definition. A verbal cushion is typically a series of words spoken right after the employer’s question. Thi...

During my career I’ve not only provided private and corporate outplacement, but I’ve also spent years as a headhunter (executive search) and have worked inside corporations as an in-house recruiter. And I’ve been a job seeker myself. So I bring a diverse experience when assisting someone’s job hunt.I’m often told, “I’ll hold off on contracting with you because I want to have a recruiter place me for free.” The reality is...

1. Not asking for the job. While not a literal question, asking for the job means restating your interest in the position.2. Failing to ask appropriate questions. A lack of relevant questions shows a lack of adequate preparedness.3. Failing to ask any questions. This shows not only your lack of preparedness, but that you just don’t care.4. Failing to adequately provide examples from your work history to illustrate you ha...

1. Preparation. This takes many forms, but make sure you understand what the employer’s looking for and cite examples from your past to show you meet their needs.2. Resume. No typos, one or two pages in length, include key words which match with those listed in the requirements or qualifications.3. Stand up in the lobby. Make sure you’re standing when the employer pops his head into the lobby. Why? People fir...