CAREERs

Handling Brainteasers

Mon, 24 May 2004 15:29:18 PDT

by Admin Site.

Handling Brainteasers and Logic Questions in an Interview
CareerBuilder.com

Tell me about yourself. Why does this job interest you? How many quarters would you have to stack to reach the top of the Empire State Building?

Those were the questions Liz Kostak was asked during a phone screen with a major investment bank. Caught off guard, Liz didn't make the cut. But today, her interview preparation includes not only examining a company's 10-K and checking for the latest news, but sitting down with a book of brainteasers to sharpen her puzzle-solving skills.

Ever since Microsoft made headlines in the mid-1990s for using brainteasers to identify the best and brightest, other companies have adopted this practice.

Designed to measure candidates' intelligence, creativity and analytical skills, brainteasers and logic questions often involve obscure subjects. For example:

- How many piano tuners are there in the world?
- How many golf balls can you stuff into a Boeing 777?
- What's the size of the market for disposable diapers in China?

For these types of the questions, the trick is to start big and take it one step at a time. For example, to determine China's market-size for disposable diapers, you might:

1. Estimate the population of China.
2. Pick a percentage of that number to represent Chinese people of childbearing age.
3. Divide that number in half to get the number of Chinese women.
4. Estimate what percentage of those women has children.
5. Then, knowing that Chinese families tend to have just one child, assume what percentage of those children are younger than three years old.

Use round numbers you can calculate on the spot. Your answer may not be exact, but the idea is to show your problem-solving skills as well as your ability to think on your feet. And don't get hung up on not knowing the population of China or how many cubic inches are in a Boeing 777.

"We know you can easily look those numbers up later," says a recruiter for a major consulting firm who asked not to be named. "We're not that concerned with whether a candidate comes up with the precise answer. We're looking for insight into their thought process and whether they work thorough problems in a logical manner."

In fact there may be no single correct answer for some questions. Questions like: "How many ways can you think of to find a needle in a haystack?" "How would you design a bathroom for the CEO of the company?" and "If you could remove any one of the 50 U.S. states, which would it be?" serve as platforms for candidates to demonstrate their creativity and mental agility.

Companies use the approach to cut through the pat, rehearsed answers many candidates give. "We want to know what you're like. Not what you think we want you to be like," says a partner at a major international consulting firm.

"The only sure-fire way to fail at these questions is to be stumped," she adds, advising candidates to "offer up your ideas even if they seem bizarre."

Successful candidates also recommend talking your interviewer through your thought process as you tackle the questions, to display your analytical ability. This also keeps you and the interviewer engaged in dialogue, which may give you some cues that could help you down the right track.

The best advice according to Kostak, however, is to be prepared. Even though these types of questions are meant to make you "think on your feet," there are resources you can use to make sure you put your best foot forward.

William Poundstone's book How Would You Move Mount Fuji? helps candidates think strategically about the brainteasers they may be asked and contains common questions companies are asking. And there are numerous websites and chat rooms circulating favorite puzzlers of specific companies and industries.

After reading Poundstone's book and honing her skills at www.brainteasers.net, Kostak has received - and declined - four offers. Leaving us all with the puzzle: How many offers will Liz turn down before she finds her dream job?

Proofreading Perfection

Mon, 24 May 2004 15:28:42 PDT

by Admin Site.

The Dos and Don'ts for Proofreading Perfection
(From MSN Career Builder)

DO minimize interruptions by turning off your phone, turning away from your computer, and closing your door. Breaking your train of thought could result in missing words, poor edits or missed typos. Some successful communicators minimize interruptions by leaving their offices or cubicles in order to proofread their work.

DON'T proofread alone. Always ask someone you respect to proofread your document after you've reviewed it. As the author of the document, you may not see obvious mistakes that others will spot right away.

DO focus on one word at a time. Go slow. Make sure each word is spelled correctly. If you're unsure, look it up.

DON'T think about what the words mean. If you think about meaning, you'll see what you expect to see, not what is actually there. This is especially true when reviewing your own writing.

DO break big pieces of text into smaller chunks to avoid slipping into automatic reading mode.

DON'T try to find every mistake in one pass. Consider letting your eyes rest between proofreading passes. Look for different problems each time you read the document.

DO check for easily confused words, such as "no" for "not," "you" for "your," "if and of," "a and an." Pay special attention to contractions like we're, it's and that's. They are easy to confuse and won't be caught by spell check.

DON'T overlook homonyms. These are words that are pronounced the same, but have different spellings and meanings. Even professional writers have been known to overlook homonyms. Make sure you've used the correct "there" or "their" and "too" or "to."

DO read the document backwards. Reading backwards encourages you to look at each individual word outside the context of a sentence. You are less likely to miss spelling errors this way.

DON'T rush yourself. If possible, take a break between writing and proofreading. One of the most popular proofreading techniques is to let the document sit overnight. This approach is highly effective for people who are most alert for spotting errors in the morning.

DO proofread aloud. This will slow you down and help you catch more errors. Silly mistakes like "broad member" instead of "board member" can be costly. One applicant referenced her previous job as head of "pubic relations" instead of "public relations."

DON'T just read from the screen. Always print out each document you create. Not only does this give you a different perspective, it will also help you see any formatting or pagination problems.

DO look for consistent formatting. Check that all headings are treated the same - bold, underlined, etc. And, check the capitalization and punctuation consistency in bullet points.

The ability to catch mistakes and typos is a skill everyone needs. So the next time you write about your experience as a bored member - err, board member - make sure you proofread your text carefully. Your career might depend on it.

Fashion Blunders

Mon, 24 May 2004 15:27:48 PDT

by Admin Site.

10 Interview Fashion Blunders to Keep You From Your Dream Job (From MSN Career Builder)

First impressions are everything, especially when it comes to job hunting. That's why executive coaches, career counselors and others put so much stock in "dressing for success." The truth is, an interview might just be your only opportunity to impress. If you don't take your appearance seriously, you give the impression that you won't take your work seriously, either. Here are some common "fashion blunders" that job seekers make when getting ready for an interview.

1. They Can Smell You Before They See You

When it comes to perfume or cologne, less is best. Of all the things you want to be remembered for after an interview, how you smelled is not on the top of your list. Additionally, you never know when you will meet with someone who has allergies or is sensitive to fragrances. In most cases, it's best to hold off on the perfume, cologne or aftershave, at least for interview day.

2. The Painted Face Syndrome

Another good way to be remembered for the wrong reasons is to wear your "out on the town" makeup. Wearing makeup that is too showy will be distracting to the person interviewing you. You want to be known for what you have to say, not for the glitter in your eye shadow.

3. We Can't See Past the Tie

Although accepted styles vary from company to company, your multi-colored fish tie will not send the impression you're trying to impart. Stick to conservative, solid color or limited design ties and leave the novelty pieces for an informal occasion.

4. The Noisemaker Effect

If you don't want your interviewer to be distracted while you are talking, it's best to steer clear of pockets full of change or oversized jewelry. Interviewers often meet with several individuals, many on the same day, and you do not want to give him or her any reason not to listen to you intently. Too much jewelry or excessive pocket change will cause an unwanted distraction in the room.

5. The Hair Speaks for Itself

Unless you are interviewing at a highly creative, extremely casual company, avoid hair dye and extreme styles. The same thing is true for hairstyles such as pigtails, the "tousled" look, hair that hangs in your eyes, or any other unkempt look. Your hairstyle is large part of your overall professional demeanor and even if you have a wild side, you should sport a conservative do for an interview.

6. Hey Gals, This Isn't a Nightclub

In the majority of interview situations, conservative is best. This means forgoing tight, short skirts and revealing blouses for an outfit that is more demure. Instead of wowing your interviewer by an outfit that leaves little to the imagination, wow them with your qualifications and answers.

7. The Five O'clock Shadow

While companies have different policies on facial hair for men, looking neatly groomed is important in any situation. If you don't, take the time to shave in the morning. Nothing says "I just rolled out of bed," like a five o'clock shadow. If you have a beard or goatee, make sure it has been trimmed.

8. Hey Guys, This Isn't the Nightclub

So you've got a shiny silver shirt that you wore out last weekend and you think it really make an impression at your interview. You might be right, but the impression you'll make isn't optimal. While interview dress is boring to some, it's still best to stick with conservative suit colors, such as dark blue or gray, and neutral or basic color shirts.

9. Killer Nails...Literally

Like excessive jewelry, flashy fingernails will only distract your interviewer. Make sure your nails are neat, clean and trimmed before the interview, and opt for a neutral or clear polish. Men should pay attention to nails, too. Going to an interview with nails that look like you've been gardening all day will not win you points with a professional interviewer.

10. Is it Casual Friday?

Even if you are interviewing with a company you think is casual, showing up in jeans, a t-shirt and tennis shoes will send the wrong impression. The basic rule of thumb for dressing for an interview is to find out about the accepted attire at the company and then dress one level higher in professionalism. If you are in doubt about the company's dress code, ask. Just make sure you don't show up looking more casual than the company's employees.

Hiring Manager Secrets

Mon, 24 May 2004 15:26:19 PDT

by Admin Site.

Hiring Manager Secrets: The 5 Smartest Interview Moves
By Kate Lorenz

Ever wonder why you don't get called back after that first interview? What's holding you back from that great job while others are getting hired after shorter job searches?
It could be something you DIDN'T do.

Careerbuilder.com recently asked hiring managers what the smartest things are that a candidate can do in an interview. What are the traits of a good candidate? How can you make a good impression? Here are the top five ways to win over your interviewer and get a leg up on the competition.

1. Demonstrate or communicate your experience and skills

The number one thing a candidate can do in an interview is intelligently and clearly articulate professional experience, capabilities or knowledge. Hiring managers are most impressed when a candidate is able to "think on their feet" during the interview - this demonstrates competency. They're also impressed when a candidate takes an active role in helping a customer or rectifying a situation right on the spot, whether posed by the interviewer or introduced by the candidate.

2. Act professionally

A candidate who is professional during the selection process will stand out among fellow job seekers. When a candidate communicates intelligently, uses proper grammar, makes eye contact, listens and asks intelligent and relevant questions. This demonstrates how that person will act within the parameters of the position with coworkers and clients. A hiring manager will want to choose a candidate who will represent the company well.

3. Prepare

Skimming the company's website five minutes before you leave won't help you at all. Simple steps to prepare for the interview include researching the company, market and opportunity, arriving on time and dressing appropriately. Bring extra copies of your resume and work samples, as well as your portfolio. And, don't forget names of references and letters of recommendation. Thorough preparation for an interview can make or break your chances of landing the job. As someone once said - Proper planning prevents piss poor performance.

4. Exhibit enthusiasm

Go ahead, be an eager beaver. Hiring managers are impressed when a candidate shows enthusiasm for the job and want to hire someone who is gung ho. The candidate who is ready and willing will likely carry those traits into the position. Plus, it demonstrates an eagerness to learn. This doesn't mean you need an overly peppy personality with perma-grin, but zeal for the position, the company and profession will show you'll go the distance.

5. Be honest

Be sincere and truthful about the past. Honesty shows that you have integrity. Be candid and open about past jobs. This doesn't mean you have to churn out all the dirty details of previous employers or supervisors. If you are coming from a bad experience, think of ways to put a positive spin on your previous situation. For example, if you were let go from your last job, be truthful without being negative and highlight your strengths or how you learned from that situation.

20 Resume Peeves

Mon, 24 May 2004 15:25:14 PDT

by Admin Site.

Listed below are the Top 20 Resume "Pet Peeves", starting with the biggest problems. More detailed insight to each problem can be found at www.resumedoctor.com

1. Spelling errors, typos and poor grammar
2. Too duty oriented - reads like a job description and fails to explain what the job seeker's accomplishments were and how they did so
3. Missing dates or inaccurate dates
4. Missing contact info, inaccurate, or unprofessional email addresses
5. Poor formatting - boxes, templates, tables, use of header and footers, etc
6. Functional resumes as opposed to chronological resumes
7. Long resumes - over 2 pages
8. Long, dense paragraphs - no bullet-points
9. Unqualified candidates - candidates who apply to positions they are not qualified for
10. Personal info not relevant to the job
11. Missing employer info and/or not telling what industry or product candidate worked in
12. Lying, misleading, especially in terms of education, dates and inflated titles
13. Objectives or meaningless introductions
14. Poor font choice or style
15. Resumes sent in .pdf, .zip files, faxed, web page resumes, mailed resumes; not sent as a "word" attachment
16. Pictures, graphics or URL links that no recruiter will call up
17. No easy-to-follow summary
18. Resumes written in 1st or 3rd Person
19. Gaps in employment
20. Burying important info in the resume