Job interviews are the end of the line. If you have made it to the interview stage, it is your job to lose. Most, if not all of the time, getting to the interview stage means you have the qualifications and skills to do the work. The question now is how well you are able to communicate and how well you fit within the culture of the organization.
The biggest problem people run into with interviews is simply lack of preparation. Most people spend more time getting ready for a first date than they do a job interview…and it shows. So, my best advice to you is prepare, prepare, and then prepare some more.
The part of the interview I am going to focus on today is handling shortcomings. Some of the most common shortcomings include: long time at the same company, frequent job hopping, career hopping (probably considered a more significant shortcoming), termination, age (too old), age (too young), career/industry change, no experience in target industry, no degree, or unrelated degree.
Expect to be asked about whatever shortcomings that could be pulled from your resume and be well prepared to answer to any of them. One of the best ways to do this is set up a mock interview you do with either a friend, colleague, or coach. Or, taping yourself answering the questions is a great tool too. Then make a list of all of the items you think an employee might consider a shortcoming and ask about them. For example, “I see that you have had 4 jobs with different companies in the past 6 years – please tell me more about that and why we should be confident that this is the place for you.”
In this instance, make sure you give a succinct answer that does not include anything about “trying to figure out what you wanted”. That will not give them assurance that you are not “trying them on” either. Focus on the skill differentiation or industry expertise that you gained and how you were making moves that were advancing your career and contributing (give specific results) to each company. This is a good time to throw in some unique information you know about their company and how all of the research you have done has convinced you that this is the place you would like to contribute and grow your career. State why you are committed to a more permanent path with this company. Also, you can use these changes to your advantage by showing how this pattern has allowed you to handle frequent changes in a business climate that demands it.
Be direct and forthcoming about your shortcomings but turn them into positives and show how they will be an asset to the company you work for next…theirs. Do not get too wordy or sound defensive. They want someone who can articulate the issue and why it will not be a problem for them.
Bottom line in an interview is to always focus on what you have to contribute to them – when someone brings up a shortcoming, acknowledge and then redirect it back to how it will allow you to contribute positively to them.
Interviewing for a legal assistant position is not very different from applying for other jobs. As with any job interview, you should be well prepared, present yourself effectively, and make sure you leave a pretty good impression on your interviewer. However, there are some key points that you have to remember if you want to increase your chances of landing a legal assistant position. Below are some helpful tips for a successful interview.
Do your homework
Before your interview, it is important that you do some research about the organization and gather information on the company’s background, performances and future plans. Find out all that you can about the company through personal contacts, written materials, or the internet. It is also best to know the biographies, accomplishments and legal practices of the attorneys that you might be working with in the future. During the interview, you should ask relevant questions to show your interviewer that you have indeed done sufficient research about the company. Also, make sure you find out what kind of law the company is specializing in. For example, if the position of legal assistant is for real estate law, you should have some knowledge about closings and real estate law.
Refresh your memory
Most people tend to forget certain terminologies over time. It’s either you have been out of work for a long time, or simply don’t encounter all the technical or legal terminologies in your previous or current job. It’s time to go back to your old notes and books, and refresh your memory with some of the legal terminologies that the interviewer may use during the interview.
Wear appropriate business attire
You should wear the appropriate business attire. Though law firms have casual business attire, it is still advisable to look presentable during your interview. Prepare the relevant materials that you will need to take with you, like a complete portfolio containing copies of your resume, transcript of records, certifications, references, and other pertinent materials that show your accomplishments. In addition, make sure that you have a pen and a piece of paper with you so that you can take down notes during the interview.
Be on time
Show your enthusiasm to join the company and let your interviewer know that you are very interested in what they do and what they can offer. In the legal world, time is very important. Never arrive late for your interview; you should make it a point to arrive at least 15 minutes early. This will show the interviewer that you are serious about the job you are applying for.
Stress on your best qualities and always stay calm
Try to present yourself as a person who is helpful, thoughtful and trustworthy. Bear in mind that legal assistants are required to keep confidential business information, so being prudent is very important. Remember to maintain eye contact at all times, listen attentively to the interviewer’s questions and take time to organize your thoughts. Make sure you take part in an interesting conversation about the firm, your work, and yourself. Relax and stay calm throughout the interview.
Relate qualifications to the need of the company
When you are asked questions about your qualifications or experience as a legal assistant, you should direct your answers to what you know about the company, and relate your strengths and accomplishments to the needs of the company. Give specific examples of your credentials as a legal assistant, and if possible, give a complete account of the different projects you have done in the past, your responsibilities in those projects and the importance of those projects to your position as a legal assistant in your previous working environments.
Do not pass judgment on your former employer
Never say anything awful about your current or previous employers. Always keep in mind that the legal world is very small. Who knows, the person you are spiteful of may be a friend or relative of your interviewer.
Show interest in the position you are applying for
As the interview comes to a close, you should let your interviewer know that you are very much fascinated with the position that the company is offering and inquire about the next step that you will need to take to complete your legal assistant position application. It is also good to ask when you can expect to hear from them about your application. At the same time, don’t forget to shoot a thank you email within 24 hours after your interview.
Interview Tips: New Careers
When you are getting ready to switch to a new career, you will probably have to handle difficult questions that may come up in your interviews. Many interviewers will ask about your previous work experience, what your past career was, and why you have decided to turn your attentions to your newly chosen field.
While these questions may seem difficult, it is fairly easy to make these inquiries work for you. When interviewed as to why you are changing careers, depending on your situation, you may tell your interviewer: “I have been pursuing a degree in this field and have finally achieved it”. This is a perfectly acceptable answer for someone who worked while taking college classes.
Avoid going into personal details like, “My ex-husband works at my old job and I had to get away from him.”
Another typical interview question, asked to ensure that you are seriously interested in the job and the company, is “Why do you want to work here?” This prospective employer is confirming how much you know about their company. Have you done your homework?
The best way to answer this question is to be prepared and knowledgeable. Spend some time researching the company (the About Us section of their web site is a good place to start) before submitting your application or resume. During the interview itself, then, it is easy to let the interviewer know what you can do for the company using as many specifics as possible.
Even though the question is about why you want to work here, you still need to convince the interviewer that hiring you will benefit their company.
Asking a basic question about what it is your job would entail at your interview could potentially destroy your application. It simply means that you came unprepared and all the good grades you have on your transcript will go unnoticed. There are a dozen more applications with equally good if not better grades so to really stand out, you’ll need to present yourself with short, crisp, answers that reflect your understanding of the industry.
For example, when an interviewer from Merrill Lynch asks, “Do you have any questions?” And you pose a query, “What is the job scope for analyst in corporate finance/sales/ trading/research/operations/technology?”
How do you think that reflects in the mind of the interviewer?
Now, you could pose that question to a friend who is in the industry, but it is not safe to pose this question to the interviewer because it potentially demonstrates your ignorance of the industry. Your friend is there to help you; the interviewer is there to chop candidates from the list.
Understanding the mindsets of people is the key to asking the right questions and success to life in general. Knowing why different questions attract different responses from different people is crucial. Don’t leave it to chance or the mood of the interviewer on that day to decide what to think of you. Take control of your own interview and be prepared.
You need to know what your role’s description is, what hours you will be working, what type of clients you would be working with (if applicable) and what the day-to-day activities and responsibilities will be as an analyst in your division.
This boils down to research, and here are some ways to do it.
Information Research #1: Go to the firm’s website. Make sure you read the profiles of people in your division at the firm. Learn about the division you are applying for IN DETAIL and what your job would involve.
Information Research #2: Go to similar firms’ websites and read their descriptions of the role. Some firms’ definitions or names of divisions can be different, but it will give you an understanding and jargon the industry uses.
For example, if you have a sales & trading interview at Merrill Lynch, go to Goldman Sachs website and learn how that division is described on their website.
By using some of the insider words use to describe a similar position, you’ll find yourself more natural and eloquent at your interview, leaving the impression that you UNDERSTAND the job. Also, you’ll have additional investment banking vocabulary that other interviewees would not have.
Information Research #3: Speak to friends, seniors who you know ALREADY work in your desired division and offer to buy them tea. Offer value before taking and in this case during the meetup, you’ll have a chance to ask about their day-to-day role. With this knowledge, you will be able to give your interviewer an impression that you know what you’re in for and importantly, ready to contribute.
And at your interview, mention that you spoke to this particular person and you were interested in what he/she told you.
Have an attitude that you’re there to contribute to the team. And you’ll jumpstart your investment banking career. Another good resource is this Investment Banking career guide
Getting hired can be one of the hardest things many of us ever have to do. It can seem like a beauty pageant, a foot race, and a final exam all in one and the prize is a job you will hopefully keep for the next twenty years or more. Beating out the competition for that position is what the job interview is all about and you can win with a few tips that will set you apart from the average interviewee.
1) Rehearse an interview with a friend or relative so you will be relaxed and feeling confident when you actually do an interview with an HR person.
2) Research the business so you know exactly what they do and what they may expect of you as an employee. Let the interviewer know you care about their organization and you want to be a part of it by having some knowledge regarding what their function is and what will be expected of you, their new employee.
3) Dress appropriately. Even if the job you’re applying for is blue collar you should wear “office attire” to make a good impression at an interview. Wear something simple and clean.
4) Be there early for that interview by at least ten or fifteen minutes. If you are late for the job interview they will think this shows you have no respect for them or the position you are applying for.
5) Be cool and confident even if you aren’t. Look him or her directly in the eye and don’t fidget with your hands. Relax and you will appear confident even if you aren’t. They expect a certain amount of nervousness but being shaky or looking down as you talk will only make you appear evasive or just plain dumb.
6) Talk with the interviewer but don’t hog the conversation. Making small talk initially will set the mood but then let the interviewer lead and you follow by answering questions in a confident tone of voice. Never “bad mouth” a previous employer.
7) Don’t wear lots perfume; they don’t want to smell your presence in their office the rest of the day. And keep jewelry to a minimum, this is a job interview not a night on the town.
Never chew gum at a job interview. But do make sure your breath is fresh, your teeth are brushed, and your smile is genuine.
9) Be positive, enthusiastic, and ready to meet new challenges that come with a new job. A positive attitude will show right through you.
In conclusion, treat your job interview as if it is a job in itself, and the compensation is long term employment. You are now a sales person and what you are selling is yourself! These interview tips should see you sailing through your interview. Well then, best of luck!
Just how much do investment bankers actually earn? Most of the people who want to break into investment banking have no idea how much money is really involved.
Sure, the Managing Directors and other senior people make several million a year on average; group heads can make $10 million or more. And the CEO of an investment bank can make upwards of $20 million, with Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein making over $70 million in 2007.
But what does an entry-level investment banker – an investment banking analyst – actually make?
Making six figures as a 23-year old just out of college is nice, but if you have to work 120 hours per week, you can’t possibly be making that much per hour, right?
I honestly didn’t know, so I had to investigate this and do some math myself.
Could you actually make more working at McDonald’s than you could at Goldman Sachs, at least on an hourly basis?
Best Case Scenario
For investment banking analysts, the best case scenario ever happened in 2007. Base salaries were $60,000 and bonuses were $90,000, for a total of $150,000 in compensation. Again, not bad for a 23-year old’s first “real-world job.”
But what about the hours? Typically, entry-level bankers work around 90-100 hours per week in their first year. This could be off by a bit, but we’ll go with it for now.
With 52 weeks of work per year (nope, no vacation) and 90 hours per week, you would have earned $32.05 per hour in the 2006-2007 year. If you had worked 100 hours, that would have dropped to $28.85.
Even if you had worked 140 hours a week, every week, you would still be at $20.60 per hour. And realistically it’s impossible to work that much consistently, so you could have only done better than that.
But times have not always been that good. After the dot com crash and at the start of the last major recession, investment banking took a turn for the worst and bonuses disappeared.
The Dark Ages: 2001-2002
In 2001-2002, Analysts were lucky to get $10,000 for their bonuses. They still worked a lot, but mostly on marketing and pitching clients rather than doing deals and bringing in revenue.
A $10,000 bonus and $60,000 salary means $14.96 per hour at 90 hours a week. Believe it or not, that’s still above McDonald’s wages and is actually not even that bad relative to a lot of jobs in the US.
But if you had worked 140 hours per week, consistently, back then?
You would have made 9.62 per hour.
McDonald’s Wages
According to a Wiki Answers page on McDonald’s, the wage is $9.30/hour for those under 17 and $9.57/hour after “4 months of training.”
This is a very low wage, and it looks like even in the worst possible years of investment banking, hourly analyst wages never dropped this low.
The Absolute Minimum
Actually, the above is not strictly true. What if you earned $0 for the bonus and only made the base salary of $60,000 while working 140 hours each week?
That would be $8.24 per hour. Finally: below McDonald’s wages.
So theoretically it is possible to earn less than a McDonald’s worker as an investment banking analyst, though not terribly likely.
It could only happen if you worked a ridiculous amount in the very worst years of investment banking and got absolutely nothing for your bonus.
Even with a looming US recession, this scenario seems unlikely to return anytime soon. So your hourly wages as an investment banking analyst should be safe.
Recently a job seeker sent me this inquiry below, relating to their problems with how to dress for an interview. Read on and see how sometimes the issues become confusing.
“Hello Mark,
Couple days ago I went to a job interview with a national restaurant chain. I got the interview through a recruiter, who told me to dress “appropriately” for the job interview. So I wore Dockers, a nice shirt with button down collar and neck tie. And I wore my non-slip shoes, as the interview was to take place at one of their restaurant locations, I figured safety first. I would have wore my dress suit, but when the recruiter said to dress “appropriately,” I took that to mean to dress according to the interview location. So I did. Well, I just heard back from the recruiter and he told me I was out of consideration for the job. One of the reasons he mentioned for me being removed, was my manner of dress, and specifically mentioned my shoes. The interviewer didn’t feel I was dressed correctly for the job interview. I feel as though I was dressed correctly, because we met at a in-operation restaurant location. How is one to know what is appropriate and what is not appropriate job interview dress?
Tracy M, Lexington, KY”
As you see from the letter above, job interview dress issues can be confusing. When I speak with my own job candidates, my advice about how to dress for any job interview is almost always the same: “Dress as though you are going to meet the President of the Company.” When you enter a job interview, first impressions are lasting. You are not dressing to impress the person or persons with whom you are meeting — though that may also be a benefit of your appearance — instead, you are dressing to exhitbit yourself as a professional in your vocation. Never quibble over this, always dress for success, however cliche it may sound.
Now, there are some exceptions, which is why I say above my advice is ‘almost always the same:’ when it comes to what to wear to a job interview. For example, when your interview may include a work environment tour that requires protective clothing or when formal clothing may be vulnerable to destruction, such as a tour of a factory or manufacturing plant, or construction site, or mining facility. But in such cases, don’t assume, ask your interviewer prior to your visit what they consider proper attire. Don’t guess, and if you cannot verify their opinion of what to wear, ‘always dress for success.’ Risking the cost of cleaning or even replacing a dress suit may seem an expensive way to get a job, but if you get the job, it may seem a small price to pay.
Best Of Luck With Your Job Search
Interview preparation in any industry requires that you know what questions are likely to be asked so that you can formulate answers ahead of time, and rehearse your delivery. Typical interview questions and the kind of answers hiring managers are looking for are widely available online with just a little effort, even if you are interviewing for a sales job. But, medical sales interviews can involve more specialized questions than an average sales job, depending on the area you’re in (laboratory, clinical diagnostics, biotechnology, imaging, pathology, hospital equipment, surgical supplies, medical device, or pharmaceutical), although the sales process is generally the same-the difference is in the details. And the details can be taken care of by careful research of the company and its products, goals, and culture.
Questions:
1. Are you in the right location? Will they have to relocate you? Are you even willing to move?
2. Can you travel? Most sales jobs require traveling to customers throughout your region, and medical sales are no exception.
3. Do you have the requirements? What experience/training/education do you have that qualifies you for this job?
4. Do you have the BS degree? Is it in the life sciences? A Life Science degree isn’t always necessary, but a background in chemistry or biology does help. If you don’t have the degree: if you can show specific classes you took in those areas, it increases your chances because it demonstrates some knowledge in the medical arena.
5. What have you done to prepare for this type of opportunity? Hint: Don’t say “nothing”….talk about the sales books you’ve read, the training you’ve taken, the ride-alongs you’ve done with reps in the field, and the information-gathering interviews you’ve done.
6. What are your strengths? Weaknesses? Focus your “strengths” answer to those actual strengths you have that will be a benefit in this job. Candidates usually answer the “weaknesses” with something that isn’t, like “I just work too hard,” but you could go the refreshingly honest route of naming an actual weakness that you, naturally, have already taken steps to overcome.
7. Where do you want to be in 5 years? What are you looking for?
8. How do others describe you? Before you get to the interview, ask a few friends that very question. It may surprise you, and it may give you a fantastic answer. No matter what, though, have the presence of mind to limit your “description” to qualities that would be great in a medical sales rep: energetic, smart, ambitious, dependable, a team player, a leader, loves people, loves technology, fascinated by medical breakthroughs, likes helping others, competitive, loves to travel, etc. They don’t need to know about how much you love your yoga classes, paintball weekends, or your staunch conservatism/liberalism.
9. Who would serve as your references? Be very sure that you know what your references will say about you. When you call to give them a heads up, take that opportunity to coach them on tailoring their answer to what will be the most effective for this particular job.
10. How do you handle conflict? Here’s where you give an example from your past about something that happened with a co-worker or customer, and how you successfully negotiated an agreement that everyone was happy with. Use the STAR approach to answering: State the Situation, the Task that was at hand, the Approach you took, and the Results you got.
11. What would you do…then they give you a tough sales scenario? This is a classic behavioral interview question. If you can, bring it around to something similar that did happen, and what you did about it.
12. How would you build your market? This is an excellent opportunity to introduce your 30/60/90-day sales plan, which you create out of your research on the company and the position. It’s your “to do” list for exactly what you will do during your first 3 months of employment to learn your job, learn your customers, and build your market to increase sales.
For all these questions, the key is to listen, clarify, answer and then ask how they would answer that question. You can learn a lot-which will either impress them with your initiative and willingness to learn, or give you something you can use for your next interview.
You must remember that the world of business is a people oriented job no matter what the job is. By attending multiple interviews you are gaining contacts in your field, and presenting yourself as a possible co-worker. When you are starting interviews be prepared to meet and greet people from many companies. All of these new faces can help your career down the road even if you aren’t hired by them. You want to become familiar with all the players in your profession that you can. It always helps to have key players from other companies who know you and trust you.
Hopefully, you will find a match with a company that meets your needs and also wants your skills over other applicants. The process of matching yourself with the right company starts with an interview and the submission of a resume. A cover letter and several recommendations are usually required also.
An interview with a company official should be approached with careful preparation. The outcome of the interview is the most important factor in determining whether you will be hired or not.
A job interview is your first contact with a prospective employer. You definitely want to be well dressed, prompt and as relaxed as possible for the interview itself. Remember first impressions will last throughout the relationship you have with your employer.
When you arrive, the interviewer will have some specific things that need to be answered by you. You can help yourself get hired by simply following the cues of the interviewer. Be polite and answer all of the questions honestly. Let the interview flow as smoothly as possible by waiting for the interviewer to prompt you for your answers. Be professional in your responses and show a caring attitude along with a genuine desire for employment. Let the job interviewer run the interview. Try your best to come across clearly when answering the interviewer’s questions.
The interviewer will ask you for a resume. This document shows the interviewer your qualifications and educational background. Be sure to keep a copy for yourself. You will have to give a copy to each prospective employer.
Prepare a resume that includes your educational background, your prior work experience in the related fields to the job that you are applying for, and all required personal information. This would include your name and address, contact telephone number, and a message phone number also. Keep your resume brief. Most interviewers only read the highlights of the resume anyway. They will spend less than a minute reading it.
Most employers are looking for team players. They want to hire someone who can be friendly and who will integrate well with the office workers that are already there. This is why your first impression at the interview is so important. If you establish a friendly rapport with the interviewer, they will pass this along to the person who makes the final decision on hiring. Every employer wants to hire someone who is highly qualified, has a strong desire to produce results and is friendly.
Some tips to help you land the job you want:
1. Never ask about how much the job pays.
2. Do your research on the company. Talk to some employees before the interview. This will give you a feel for the work environment and job requirements. The more you know the better.
3. Don’t brag to the interviewer. You won’t impress them. Besides the best way to make friends is to listen carefully and interact appropriately. The interview will be a successful one if you simply establish good rapport.
4. Be respectful of the interviewer’s time. Don’t elaborate with unnecessary talk.
5. Thank the interviewer upon leaving. Shake hands and give a warm smile. Give the impression to your interviewer that you like the company and let them know once again how much you are interested in the position. Then exit with grace and purpose. The result will be a win-win situation for all concerned.
By presenting yourself as professional, you will enter the world of business with more allies and a brighter future in your chosen field. People are always happy to accommodate others who are helpful and committed to working for the common good. Be confident of your ability to land that good job that you want. It’s really a matter of making the right connections and following through with honest hard work. Put your best foot forward and look ahead to a great career.
In order to land the job you have set your eyes on, interview preparation is one of the most significant tasks to pay attention to in the work world. Whether it is reviewing the type of questions you may randomly encounter or setting out the perfect interview attire in the morning, preparation is key for securing a position at a company or business. In this day and age, even the kind of shoes you wear to an interview can set you back in the thick pile of potential employees vying for your same opportunity.
Familiarize Yourself with Potential Interview Settings
While many job seekers prepare for the typically one-on-one job interview, they are unaware or do not recognize the importance for being ready for any type of interview setting. In some cases, interviews take place with more than one interviewer, such as a panel of executives with their own set of questions. Others may find themselves interviewing at the same exact time and setting as their closest competitors. Overall, there are five main types of interview settings you may encounter: screening, selection, group, panel, and stress.
The screening interview is often the first contact you will make with a potential employer. Typically, a member from human resources conducts this type of interview, which may take place over the telephone or in person. A copy of your resume will be handed in and everything on it will be verified. This is the time when your qualifications are assessed to see if you should reach the next level of the interviewing process.
A selection interview is often the process that causes the most stress. You have already been accepted as a qualified applicant, but will your personality and work ethic fit within the scheme of the company? This is the time where potential employees interact with the management, as well as others already on the team. Some will undergo more than one selection interview before a final decision is made.
The group interview involves the questioning of more than one job candidate at the same time. This is an attempt to separate the leaders from the followers. The natural leader will appear in a group, as they are a bit more aggressive in their actions and words. Sometimes, it isnâEUR(TM)t a leader that an employer is looking for and is more interested in finding a “team player.” The best way to handle this situation is to be yourself and let your natural talents speak for themselves.
With the panel interview, several different people will interview one candidate at the same time. For some, this is quite an intimidating situation as questions are rattled off in succession from a diverse group of questioners. Remaining calm and establishing your own link with each member is key. Making eye contact with all members of the panel during their question is also a positive move.
In a variety of highly competitive companies, a stress interview may arise. The technique involves the weeding out of potential employees who cannot handle the stress and hardship pertaining to a job. Flustering situations and odd questions might also be asked in attempt to see how a candidate will deal with such inquiries. This particular approach is less often encountered.
What to Wear on a Job Interview
The term, “dress for success” wasn’t created for nothing. It is important to make a grand first impression with a potential employer. One of the best ways to accomplish this is through the clothes you wear. What you choose to wear to an interview (right down to the color) can leave a lasting afterthought. As a rule of thumb, the more conservative the job field you are entering, the more conservative your suit should be.
Men should stick with conservative suits (navy blue or dark gray) with a traditional shirt and tie. Dress shoes should be polished. Facial hair, visible piercings, and earrings are not recommended. For women, a solid color skirt or pant suit (preferably dark colors) is suggested with the use of limited accessories. It is also important to pay attention to the length of the skirt and neckline. No matter what season or temperature the day brings, pantyhose are a must. Too much jewelry or make-up is also a no-no and wearing perfume or cologne may adversely affect an interviewer’s receptiveness.
When it comes to shoes, closed-toe selections should be worn. Under no circumstances should you walk into a job interview wearing a pair of sandals. Black shoes are your best bet because they tend to match with every outfit, including a navy blue suit. For women, the heel of the shoe should be kept low.
What To Bring and Know Before an Interview
Before your interview, you should already have directions to the site and give yourself enough time to get there and find a parking space. You should also plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Before leaving the house, check to see if you have extra copies of your resume, a list of references, a notepad, daily planner, pen and pencil in your possession.
Carrying a briefcase, folder, or portfolio will enhance your look of professionalism, but it is also a must to focus on additional details. You should know the name and title of the person you are meeting with (some people actually forget) and have already conducted research on the company and position you are applying for. Also, it is suggested to prepare for tough questions that might make you pause, including where you see yourself in 5 or 10 years.
