10 Questions to Ask in an Interview

When preparing for an interview we tend to focus on answering the questions we anticipate the employer will ask. Another key piece to preparation is to create a list of questions we will want to ask the employer. This shows that you are genuinely interested in the work of the company or organization and wish to contribute.

Create a written list of questions to refer to in the interview. Consider these top 10 questions:

1. "Could you describe to me your typical management style and the type of employee that works well with you?"
2. "Where are your major priorities that need to be immediately addressed in this job?"
3. "What is your company's policy on providing seminars, workshops and training so employees can develop their skills?"
4. "Are there any restraints or cutbacks planned that would decrease the budget here?"
5. "What particular computer equipment and software do you use here?

6. "How will my performance be measured? By whom?"
7. "What challenges do you forsee for this department?

8. "What types of people seem to excel here?"
9. "Can you give me an idea of the typical workload and extra hours or special needs it demands?"
10. "Describe the atmosphere of the office."

Remember to review the company’s website and any additional information you can source. Asking questions specific to the company will certainly capture their attention and prove you a positive contributor to the organization.

Check Out What's Happening at VCCS in January

Click the image below to view our Events Calendar for January. Most of the workshops we offer are at no cost. Please call 705.328.0180 for more information or to register.

The New Age of Job Searching Using the World Wide Web

In today’s world, looking for work is not just handing out resumes door to door, but looking for job opportunities on the “World Wide Web”.

Job searching is like a full time job; just to find a position that might just be the “one”. Many opportunities are found in what is known as the hidden job market. Company websites hold career/employment opportunities that may not appear in other advertising avenues. Some websites also hold additional information to help in your job search process. You can learn about resumes, cover letters, how to handle yourself in an interview and so on.

VCCS Employment Services offer you workshops for Internet Job Searching as well as the 3 week Job Finding Club and 3 day Job Search Workshop. These are just a few of our workshops that can assist you in your steps to employment.

Ask our friendly staff for a copy of The Employment Resource Guide for the City of Kawartha Lakes. This little booklet is full of information, along with phone numbers to important services that you can access. If you are willing to take time; our friendly staff will be here to give you a hand. Happy Job Hunting!

Always remember to check out the local Labour Market Information in your active job search.

Labour Market Information Workforce Development Board

http://www.wdb.ca/

Occupational Information

http://www.jobfutures.ca/

Labour Market Information

http://www.labourmarketinformation.ca/

And there's MORE! Check out our full Newsletter for November 2009. Articles include:

Market Yourself!
The Job Finding Club
Effective Networking

Habits of recession-era workers categorized

By KEVIN CONNOR, SUN MEDIA

Nov. 13th, 2009


The Seven Habits of Recession-Era Employees study says on-the-job worker's behaviour during a recession can be grouped into seven categories and each one requires distinct management skills.




"Managers encounter a wider range of on-the-job behaviours than simple economic reasoning predicts. Relying on fear as a management tool is a poor choice during a recession as it is during a boom," said Douglas Reid, an associate professor at Queen's School of Business.


A survey of 250 managers enrolled in programs at Queen's School of Business shows 48% say an increase in employment would be the strongest sign of a recovery and 36% believe their company will be hiring in the next six months.


"Nervous employers want to ensure that the recovery is firmly established before adding to the workforce. But employers also need to recognize that engaged employees will be the core of any organization's renewal efforts," Reid said.

How has the recession affected your view of the workplace?

The Terminated: while not physically present in the organization, their memories linger and affect those that stay.





The Fearful: these employees believe they will be cut next. They are ready to search for a new job but cling tenaciously to whatever certainty their existing situation affords.





The Indifferent: this group is watching the recession occur and believe it is going to affect someone else.





The Delighted: high performers who delight in the improvement in their situation relative to the average consumer via sales and discounts in the marketplace.





The Apocalyptic: a small group that believes that the recession presents a necessary "reset" for a myriad list of failures in the existing system of capitalism.





The Longers: Hoping for a severance package and optimistic they'll obtain rapid alternative employment.


The Engaged: The core of a company's renewal efforts. They understand the consequences of the recession and what needs to be done to help the business recover.

Check Out What's Happening at VCCS This November

Click the image below to view our Events Calendar for November. Most of the workshops we offer are at no cost. Please call 705.328.0180 for more information or to register.

6 Topics to Avoid Discussing At Work by Dawn Rosenberg McKay

By Dawn Rosenberg McKay, About.com

1. Religion

You shouldn't discuss your religious beliefs or your thoughts about other religious beliefs at work. Religion is a very personal issue and people are very sensitive about it. They don't want to hear that you disagree with their religious beliefs or that you believe your religion is the one in which everyone should believe.

2. Politics

This is another sensitive issue, particularly around election time. While you may feel very strongly about your political party or candidate, or have negative views about the opposition, you should not try to win your co-workers over to your point of view.

3. Your Romantic Life

Why shouldn't you talk about your romantic life? Simply because it's no one's business other than yours and your partner's. Other than that, it makes people uncomfortable. Taken to the extreme, it may even border on sexual harassment.

4. Problems With Your Spouse, Your Children, or Your Parents

When you discuss problems you are having with others, your co-workers and your boss may wonder if those problems are distracting you from doing your job. Talking about your problems with your family will reveal your weaknesses. You don't want to do this, especially if you are in a position of authority.

5. Your Career Aspirations

Talking about how you want to move on to something bigger and better will certainly, for good reason, make your boss and co-workers question your loyalty to your current job. If you are interested in moving up within your current organization, your actions will speak louder than words. Do your job exceptionally well, and of course, let your boss know you want to move up, but don't make it the topic of workplace conversations with anyone who will listen.

6. Your Health Problems

Don't dwell on your health problems at work. If you do, you will give your co-workers and boss reason to wonder if an illness will keep you from doing your job. Of course, serious health issues that will cause you to take time off, must be discussed with your employer. No one, however, needs specific details about your health.

Check Out What's Happening at VCCS This October

Click the image below to view our Events Calendar for October. Most of the workshops we offer are at no cost. Please call 705.328.0180 for more information or to register.