Questions on changing career?

[missed mallards]

I am looking at a career change, soon. I have a few questions though to those that may know.

Resume: I really have no achievements. For example I have never been in a group of higher learning, good grades, or any internship. Looking back know, I really wish I would have but the past is the past. Therefore I am just the average Joe. In what ways can I separate myself from my competitors, or is there a way? I am looking at trying to get into a certain “field” and my competitors are/will blow me away b/c most have done the extra work that I didn’t. I understand that a company seeks the “Best” of the pack. I’m just trying to get “looked” at lol.

Interview Questions?

I have gotten the same question over and over.

“Why are you the best candidate for the job?”

I realize it’s an open ended question but how do you go about answering it? Seriously up till this question I believed my interview went great, then BAM!!

If ya’ll have any pointers post them on up!!


If you’re still in school or are going here are a few tips. Get involved with your school. Employers look at this and acknowledge it. Weather it be a study group, charity, or any other groups get INVOLVED. Also, grades, believe it or not a degree is just a piece of paper. Grades show your future employers that you care, and that you try to achieve greatness!! Internships: they show your employers that you cared enough about your degree that you sought out the added knowledge and or experience that are associated with a higher degree. These are just a few pointers that may help the msduckers that frequent this site. Want help me b/c I’m done but figured ya’ll could benefit from my mistakes.

[BAY KINGFISHER]

gear your resume to the job your hunting....incorporate key words into your resume that are pertinent to the job your after..many times resumes are scanned and your's will not have a chance of making it through if you dont have a certain percentage of key words. Also, take advantage of all the help sites like Monster and Hotjobs will give you.........they are good sources of info for sure!!!! Unfortunately, what I have seen is that nepotism is and always will run rampid.....so I suggest using every avenue you can find to get the position you are looking for..and dont be to proud to kiss a little booty...you can forgive yourself latter, after you land your dream job!!!!

[Warren]

what change you looking to make Tom

[dukhunter]

been there and done that and know what you mean. I tell you what I did It was real simple I just became a better Bull Schiter, and don't give up keep banging on doors and passing out resumes and above all be your self, you would be supprised at the number of business owners that started right where you are, there is alot to be said for just being a GOOD MAN, some folks wont care all they want is that paper but do you want to work for a person or place like that anyway.

[sondance]

“Why are you the best candidate for the job?”

If they end the interview with that it is easy. Simply state that "I can't speak to the qualificiations of your other candidates but I can tell you what I bring to the table." Then if you did a good job in the interview asking questions about the qualifications they desire you reiterate them. This is a reaction question, there is no way for anyone to predict how someone will do. It is meant to trip you up. Never ever say, "I am a people person or I believe in my abilities." I don't know how many times I heard that an almost puked. If it is a sought after job all the interviewer is doing is trying to eliminate people until he/she gets it down to 2-3. The key in an interview is to get them to talk more than you do and write down everything. So when you come to this point you have it nailed. You essentially are telling them what they want to hear.

If it is on the front end hopefully you have researched the company and read their mission statement. Maybe have spoken to some people in the industry or better yet within the organization.

BTW if you are "just trying to get looked at" that is exactly what will happen. You get looked at and they go on to the next person. If know you have a deficiancy or two address it and explain what you have done to overcome those weak spots. It is all about attitude. Winners like winners. Always ask for feedback after you are done so you have a chance to address any perceived shortcomings before you leave. If you don't do it then you won't get another chance. Play to win.

[mlreb]

this topic couldn't have come at a better time...think i've got my first interview on Fri...

Keep it coming guys

[RedEyed Duck]

I agree with everything that has been said, the advice given so far is great. Take all of this with a grain of salt, but I review about 250 resumes minimum per month. Know that I throw a great deal of them in the junk pile after about 10 seconds. About the resume;

Don't

List an objective - everyone knows your objective is to GET A JOB.
Don't list qualifications in a paragraph form.
Don't list personal info (i.e. you like to hunt and fish, you have a family, etc).
Don't list references or show that they are available upon request, all employers know this and frankly who ever gives them a name that might possibly provide a bad reference?
Job Titles - change your actual job title if it does not clearly explain what you did/do, don't like just make it clear (i.e. International Paper here in Memphis calls all accounts payable clerks "financial specialists." Who the hell knows what a financial specialist is?)

Do's

List a summary - this would be about your work performed, habits, ethic.
List qualifications in bullet points.
Don't go back any further than 10 years on employment unless is will benefit you immensley.
When listing jobs - list tasks performed and/or accomplishments in bullet points.
Education - Show college and degree earned - you don't have to show year graduated if you feel it was too recent or too long ago and if you didn't graduate show hours earned.


Most HR folks that review resumes take about 18 seconds, yes you read that right industry surveys show that you have 18 seconds Make sure that you closely cater your resume to the field/job you are looking to enter/get. As mentioned before, on monster or carrer builder they are looking for key words and if you don't have them you don't get looked at. It would be a good idea to get on monster and look at some of the responsibilities and qualifications for jobs in this field and incorporate some of the words that are used in the descriptions on a regular basis into your resume.

Regardless of what the last question is in the interview you need to end by telling them why you are a good candidate for the job. You have to provide something for them to remember you by and this is a great opportunity. Good luck with your search, I wish you great success.

[Woodduckdawg]

Again it really depends on the field you are looking to get into.

1. Do a little homework where your interview is so you will have some area of knowledge.
2. Find something about yourself to brag about that might not be on a resume. For example, are you always at work and miss hardly any days. It says you are hard working and dependable.
3. Be yourself at the inteview. Again it really depends on the job you are looking into and what qualifications you may have. I know I would not get a job as a rocket scientist, so I wouldn't know what to say if asked what makes me the best candidate.

GOOD LUCK

[Duckdawg10]

Dont???

List an objective - everyone knows your objective is to GET A JOB.

I could not disagree more. I am looking for someone that has goals and ambitions. Looking for someone that has a specific objective and will do almost anything to get there. Yes your objective is to get a job, but what do you want to make of that job. Just my 2 cents.

[JDgator]

Remember, people successfully change careers all the time. You can too!!! Make sure the opportunity is something you are passionate about, then just be yourself. You seem like a nice, honest guy who can take direction and accept criticism. Let them know this about you.

Don't trip over yourself thinking about the competition either, they are just people. Some people are going to have alot more experience and/or a better education - they typically demand alot more from their employer in terms of salary etc. Tell the employee that you would be a good value - you are a down-to-earth, hard-working guy.

Remember - if you aren't getting multiple job offers, you are interviewing for enough positions...

[RedEyed Duck]

Dont???

List an objective - everyone knows your objective is to GET A JOB.

I could not disagree more. I am looking for someone that has goals and ambitions. Looking for someone that has a specific objective and will do almost anything to get there. Yes your objective is to get a job, but what do you want to make of that job. Just my 2 cents.

We will just have to agree to disagree. The summary takes the place of the objective and is much more specific and directed. The objective is just cliche in my opinion and I don't even read em, just like cover letters. You can include one and it might not even be a bad idea but don't be suprised if it never gets read.

Oh, always send a thank you after the interview!

[fireplug]

All of the advise that you have been given up to this point has been good. My addition to it would be this. Be honest about your abilities, make your willingness and eagerness to learn be very apparent. Worst thing you can do is lie about knowing how to do something and then you get yourself in trouble or caught. You will automatically be dismissed as a candidate. If you
are ignorant about the subject, just say you don't know, but are willing to learn. As suggested earlier, it is ok to BS them a little bit, but be careful doing this....make sure you are BS'ing someone that doesn't know any better. Example, if you are looking for an accounting job, don't try to BS the accounting manager....that probably won't fly. You might pull it off with the HR manager or someone else on an interview panel. I have seen this too many times. As far as your resume goes, just be specific as you can in as few lines as you can. Be confident and be yourself. You'll do fine. Don't need all the alumni/frat group BS on your resume. If you have a degree list it. Your work experience is the most important thing on the resume. And if you have some good references they will help a great deal. Make sure the interviewer contacts your references if they are legit and will talk you up and help you.

[henkiller]

Why are you the best candidate for the job?

1. I'll be on time.
2. I do what is expected of me and have no problem doing whatever is asked of me.
3. I don't cause problems....no workplace politics from me.
4. I'm loyal.

[jacksbuddy]

“Why are you the best candidate for the job?”

If they end the interview with that it is easy. Simply state that "I can't speak to the qualificiations of your other candidates but I can tell you what I bring to the table." Then if you did a good job in the interview asking questions about the qualifications they desire you reiterate them. This is a reaction question, there is no way for anyone to predict how someone will do. It is meant to trip you up. Never ever say, "I am a people person or I believe in my abilities." I don't know how many times I heard that an almost puked. If it is a sought after job all the interviewer is doing is trying to eliminate people until he/she gets it down to 2-3. The key in an interview is to get them to talk more than you do and write down everything. So when you come to this point you have it nailed. You essentially are telling them what they want to hear.

If it is on the front end hopefully you have researched the company and read their mission statement. Maybe have spoken to some people in the industry or better yet within the organization.

What he said. And about the "no accomplishments" issue you mentioned? Get some. don't make up stuff, but really think hard about what it is that you have actually done, and write it down in a resume. Rewrite the darn thing if need be - - - and it will probably need be.

Then think hard about what it is that you really want to do.
Then do some real serious research about it. Study up on the field. Talk to decissionmakers in that field about what they do. Ask them for the good, the bad, and the ugly about their field and get some knowledge.

Show that you are 'able' - knowledge'able', reli'able', cape'able'; then you may find yourself very desire'able'.

Remember, it is a bit of a numbers game. The more you strive, the more opportunities you create, and the more opportunities you create, the more chances you have of getting the job you want.

Don't let yourself get down. This really isn't personal if you don't get the offer. If someone tells you 'No', then thank them for their time and move on to the next possibility. There is a whole world of opportunity out there.

And when you make it to that dream job, making 6 figures, please don't forget about us little guys still slugging it out in the trenches. Let me know, and I'll send you my resume. (Umm, by the way, Jack IS for hire next season, if the price is right. )

My $0.02, and good luck my friend.

[missed mallards]

Thanks for the advise fella's.

I have re-done my resume and am going to start sending it out. I have a much better idea of what i want now as opposed to may of last year and my graduation. As i thought there are many different ppl that read over resume's. What one likes the others dislike. I have a pretty good work history and will highlight that as one of my largest accomplishments.

Heck 6 figures!! Yeah ain't even going to try but am going to try and get a firm hold with my finacial status. That and enjoy the work, i have realized doing a JOB day in and day out, you need to enjoy it!

Thanks, and always open for tips.