Interviewer: Why didn’t you finish your degree? Me: 🤔😰
Sometimes we have something in our educational history we’d rather not talk about. It could be the lack of a degree. You might feel like it's best to avoid the subject during an #interview.
The good news is that the employer probably doesn’t care about the degree or the grades — if they did, you wouldn’t have gotten the interview. They just want to know that your previous situation in school doesn’t indicate a problem that will affect you in the workplace.
If you had to leave school for reasons an interviewer might understand, like financial hardship or family reasons, feel free to briefly explain that. But if you just weren’t into school, that’s okay too. You could say “After my first year of college, I realized it wasn’t for me. I left and started..."
Just make sure to emphasize the ways you’ve demonstrated your skills and work ethic since then.
Learn about the 7 most common interview questions about education, and tell me how you handle these delicate school-related questions.
Don't have a resume?
If you’re sitting at home and struggling with your resume you’re not alone! We have ALL been there. Creating a resume can be tricky sometimes, but it doesn’t have to be!
You can make one quickly and easily here on Jobcase.
Let me tell you how:
1- Login to your Jobcase account and click MY INFO near your photo up at the top.
2- Edit each section in your profile by clicking on the pencil icon. You can add things like skills, traits, summary, job experience, education, etc.
3- Once you have filled everything out, on the right-hand side where it says Resume Tools be sure to click GENERATE A RESUME. This will instantly create a printable PDF version of your resume right from your profile which you can save, email, and print!
• Not sure what to include in your resume? [This site] (https://www.wozber.com/us/guidebook/tag/resume) will help guide you and it is 100% free!
• What about printing it? If you don't currently have a printer no worries, you can print your resume at your local library for about 10-15 cents a page. Call ahead for pricing, but that's typically the going rate. I suggest printing 40-50 copies for job fairs and to always bring 2-3 copies to an interview just in case!
Have questions, please comment below!
ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS HAVE A PLAN B. (It can make all the difference.) [IBYC]
PROTECT YOUR CAREER: Do you have a Plan B?
SITUATION: During the last decade in my career as an Information Governance Analyst in a cyber-speed environment, I lost my job on three occasions. The first time came from an organization deactivation. The second time was an organization closure. The third time when a company lost their proposal bid for contract renewal. Note: Each time, no fault of my own. Experience has shown me that, no matter your technical skills, things can happen beyond your control.
TAKEAWAY: As a Master Consultant with over 30 years in this industry, having mastery over your career is essential in always have a Plan B in-place. Would you drive from Arizona to Alaska without a spare tire?
Follow me: Learn, Lead, Act, Believe and Achieve.
I Believe You Can…!
What we will ask during the interview
Do you ever feel like preparing for an interview is overwhelming? It doesn’t have to be if you are prepared.
Take a look at these top 5 interview questions and the best ways to answer them!
1-Tell me about yourself When employers ask this question they are not looking for you to actually tell them about your personal life like your favorite shows or how awesome your children are. They are expecting you will give them a brief overview of who you are, professionally speaking. Tell them where you are right now career-wise and then move into the past. Tell them a little bit about the experiences you’ve had and the skills you gained at the previous position. Then finish strong with that excites you about the position you have applied for!
2- Why do you want this job? Companies like people who are passionate. So, before you head to the interview think about what YOU could do to make their company even greater than what it is. What do you provide? Talk about the role and why you want to do it. Ask yourself, what drives or truly excites you? Also do some research about the company and know exactly what they do. The more you can find out from their website the better!
3- What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses? For the strengths, you want to go for quality, not quantity here. Less is more! You should give a short list of 3 strengths, and back each one up with examples that illustrate the strength. Avoid generic answers!
For the weakness, it’s important to share an actual weakness you’ve been working on improving. If you’re not good at public speaking, but you’ve been taking a course to help improve share that. Make sure to have a weakness picked out in advance as not having one will be unrealistic. NO one is perfect!
4- Where do you see yourself in 5 years? This is their way of asking how committed you are to the role you are applying for. Make sure to avoid saying that you don’t know. If the answer doesn’t come to you at first, take a few seconds to think about how you have progressed over the last five years and where you want to be. Make sure to be specific! Keep your answer general, and really stress your interest in a long-term career at that company by demonstrating your enthusiasm for the job, and most importantly, don’t lie!
5- Do you have any questions for me? ALWAYS, always, always have questions to ask! Around 3-5 are great or even a few more so write them down in advance. By asking questions at the end of the interview you show that you are engaged and want to learn more. It will also allow the interviewer to share their knowledge. This is the perfect time to find out anything you’d like to know about the company’s culture, your day to day work responsibilities, and anything else you’re curious about. Avoid questions about salary however and save that for the follow-up interview or check with the recruiter. Here are [50 great questions to ask employers] (https://www.themuse.com/advice/51-interview-questions-you-should-be-asking) you should check out!
For more interview tips on what to wear, what to bring, and other advice check out [THIS POST] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/29869635-4d8f-502f-b912-2211f8b674d8)!
If this has been helpful and you’d like to see other tips and tricks please feel free to [Follow me] (https://www.jobcase.com/p/ashley.waterman8)! : )
Do you have an interview question OR advice not mentioned here?
Please share it by commenting below!
Don't be lazy
If you are going to a job fair take the time to research who will be there. The more you know about a company and the types of positions they hire for, the better you will come across to the employer. It's NOT that hard guys — just look at the list of companies attending the job fair and read what's on their websites. If you don't have time to research every company, pick like 5-10 of your favorites you want to work for and research those. DON'T be lazy! DO your research if you want to impress.
Speak up and sloooooow down
Headed to a job fair? Keep these things in mind!
As you approach the employer’s table make sure you are friendly, confident, and most importantly prepared with something to say. Be different and stand out! Don’t fall back on chatting about the weather because 100 other people will likely be doing the same exact thing. Research the companies you are going to chat with beforehand and lead with something to catch their attention.
“Hello! My name is….I am really impressed that your company…”
As you speak SMILE, make good eye contact, and offer a brief, firm handshake.
Many times the employer will take the lead by asking you a few questions, so have your [elevator pitch ready] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/7af45c96-9dbb-555e-8bf0-eed09382fc67?from=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.jobcase.com%252Fcommunity). This is a 30-second synopsis of what you'd like the company to know about you, and how it pertains to them. Before you go to the job fair think about why you’re interested in that particular company and how your skills or qualifications suit the position. Practice your pitch so you're comfortable and confident speaking about yourself. It does take practice!
Make sure not to go too fast! Job seekers have a tendency to speak quickly as there is a lot to say in a short period, but this can comes across as rushed or implies you’re nervous when in fact you are not. Speak slowly, listen, and engage your audience.
So, what’s YOUR game plan to get hired at your next job fair?
Don't do it!!
In today’s modern world we have to wonder...WHO doesn’t have a Facebook account? Well according to Forbes, not having a Facebook page can be detrimental to job seekers. Those without Facebook accounts, in particular, are often viewed as “suspicious” by hiring managers. On top of that a new survey revealed that 92% of recruiters use social media today to actively seek out applicants. So don't miss an opportunity!
Some job seekers feel it’s easier to simply delete their accounts rather than worry about their privacy settings. This, however, can make employers wonder if you’re hiding something. So make sure to check out [these tips] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/4769ae73-8418-5d22-a281-69b328c174a6) on what to avoid on your social media accounts so you can be #jobready
Will YOUR social media accounts cost you the job?
Think your future (or current) employer won’t be checking your social media accounts? Think again! According to new surveys between 60-70% of employers are looking. Show them you’re a worthy candidate by avoiding these top mistakes!
Writing the way you text The way you write a post and how you text your friends should be kept separate. When posting, keep a similar style to how you would write a professional email and stick to those standards. Use proper grammar, make sure things flow well and make sense, avoid using all caps and spelling mistakes (yes employers WILL judge your type-o's). When in doubt use a free software like [Grammarly] (https://app.grammarly.com/) or spell check. It will help you appear professional!
Posting inappropriate images or those with alcohol Anything you wouldn't want your mother or future boss to see, avoid! Assess the overall theme of the images that you post, are currently in your albums, or you are tagged in. While having a few pictures of yourself with a drink in your hand is okay, too many photos of drinks in your hand will have your potential employer thinking you’re a party animal. When posting a new image ask yourself, "Would I want my boss to see this?" Clean up and delete any images you don't feel are appropriate.
Complaining about past jobs Putting your complaints out there for the world to see is generally a pretty bad idea. Avoid saying negative things, but especially about your old job or boss. If a potential employer reads them they will quickly assume that one day you will be posting about them. This is an easy way to get passed over for an interview.
Posting Negative Comments Any comment meant to offend another person or group could cost you the job. Be sure to also avoid gossip, negativity, and just stay neutral. It can seem like a good idea to jump right in when other's are complaining, but don't give in!
Keep in mind that even if you've set your account(s) to the highest level of privacy, tagged photos, and other things can slip right through. A good rule to remember is that once you post something online it is there to stay! So, be mindful of what you have on your social media accounts now and in the future.
Are YOU prepared for a babysitting job?
If you’re under18, this job is ideal especially if you love interacting with children and you're looking for to add experience to your first resume. It’s important however to ensure you stay safe and feel prepared as you search for babysitting jobs. So let’s go over some do’s and don’ts and help you find a babysitting job to apply to!
DO'S
-Search and apply for babysitting jobs by clicking [here on Jobcase] (https://www.jobcase.com/jobs/search). Type in your location, the words “child care” or “babysitting” in the Job Title box, and hit that search button! Apply to any you are interested in.
-Have a parent help you search and also check out the job first before you reach out to any potential employers.
-Take a babysitting class that includes CPR. You can add this to your resume and it will help employers to trust you with their child. Emergencies can happen so it's good to be prepared! Here are some other helpful things you can do to help you [prep] (https://www.wikihow.com/Prepare-for-a-Babysitting-Job) for the job.
-Consider signing up for [Care.com] (https://www.care.com/). This site allows to to make your own parent monitored account which will help keep you safe. You can also create a profile for each type of job that you are interested in addition to babysitting, such as pet care or tutoring.
-Always have an in person interview at a public place such as a coffee shop or library. Make sure to bring an adult with you or notify them of where you will be meeting the employer. Ask to see an ID so you can confirm the person you are meeting with is legit!
DON’TS
-Avoid replying to any text messages, emails or phone calls from a potential employer who requests that you cash a check, send a money card, purchase an item, or wire money for them. Also NEVER accept money from an employer you haven't worked for or met in person yet! This is a scam.
-Never give out your personal information such as social security number, address, etc.
-Don’t trust a potential employer that asks you to send money for the “needs” of the job. They might reach out with a job offer that seems too good to be true. Once you reply, the scammer may ask you to buy a needed item (like a toy or wheelchair for their child) or claim they're relocating and want to pay you in advance. AVOID these scam conversations entirely and move onto a real opportunity.
I hope these tips were helpful : ) and I wish you good luck with your babysitting [job search] (https://www.jobcase.com/jobs/search). Pass this info along to any teen you know!
....Do YOU have any past babysitting experience? Share your story! How was it?
It's a 24 hour countdown!
Are you ready for your next job fair/interview? Be sure you take a little time today to prepare for tomorrow!
-Lay out your interview outfit so it's all set and ready to go. Check to make sure it's clean and wrinkle free. Check out some tips on what to wear to the interview [here] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/60d77b2f-6640-5331-8816-dca310ec58bf?from=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.jobcase.com%252Fcommunity).
-Grab those resumes, (50 copies) and place them in a folder. Be sure to tuck them away in a purse, brief case, or bag along with your [business cards] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/cb795458-c78b-5403-abca-08908c09d94e) if you have some handy. Make sure your resumes are easily accessible when an employer requests a copy, so you don't have to go digging for it!
-Eat a good breakfast the morning of. It’s true what they say, breakfast IS the most important meal of the day. It will fuel your brain/body first thing and last until lunch time!
-Go to bed early. Even if you’re a night owl, put on those pj’s and climb into bed early enough the night before so you get a full 8 hours. You will look rested tomorrow and feel much more calm and focused.
-Plan how you will get there and how long it will take with [Google maps] (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.3702046,-71.0785731,14z) It’s always helpful to plan ahead!
-Practice your pitch a few times that morning. Whether it’s in the shower or on the ride over, say it a few times so you build up that confidence! Still having trouble? Check out what to [avoid in your pitch] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/7af45c96-9dbb-555e-8bf0-eed09382fc67?from=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.jobcase.com%252Fcommunity)
-Make sure you have written down 3-5 questions in a notebook that you want to ask that companu. Don't forget to pack that notebook as well as a few pens/pencils.
-Know what that company does and their mission. If you haven’t researched it yet, take a sometime to see what they are all about and take some notes! Remember, your pitch should be tailored to what YOU bring to that company based on what they do.
-Nervous and not sure what to say to break the ice? Practice a few of these [conversation starters] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/ba14843b-2d1e-54ab-8453-c29341ebc60b?from=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.jobcase.com%252Fgroups%252F74f34b74-2b6b-4d09-bf76-b608c2f1b28c%253Fpage%253D2) to get things rolling.
Good luck!!
Looking for the next opportunity? You can [begin here] (https://www.jobcase.com/jobs/search).