There are not many puzzles on lateral thinking. My personal opinion...
* Lateral thinking puzzle page - 20+ puzzles
* The Lateral Puzzles Forum - Website devoted to lateral thinking puzzles.
* Paul Sloane's list of Classic Lateral Thinking Puzzles - Same old stuff
* Realistic Lateral Thinking Puzzles - Unbelievable...56 Puzzles?
* Nicola's Lateral Thinking Puzzles - One More Surprise !!! 101 Puzzles
Monday, October 20, 2008
Interview Articles
Some cool interview articles...
* The Art of the Follow-Up After Job Interviews - by Kathryn Lee Bazan.
* Behavioral Interviewing Strategies - by Katharine Hansen
* Interviewing Do's and Don'ts, - by Randall S. Hansen
* Mastering the On-Site Interview: A Guide to Company Visits - by Randall S. Hansen
* Phone Interviewing Do's and Don'ts - Maureen Crawford Hentz
* When Job-Hunting: Dress for Success - by Randall S. Hansen
* The Art of the Follow-Up After Job Interviews - by Kathryn Lee Bazan.
* Behavioral Interviewing Strategies - by Katharine Hansen
* Interviewing Do's and Don'ts, - by Randall S. Hansen
* Mastering the On-Site Interview: A Guide to Company Visits - by Randall S. Hansen
* Phone Interviewing Do's and Don'ts - Maureen Crawford Hentz
* When Job-Hunting: Dress for Success - by Randall S. Hansen
Programming Puzzles - Job Interview Puzzles
Some companies certainly ask for these things. Specially Microsoft. Here are my favorite puzzles. Don't send me emails asking for the solutions.
1. Write a "Hello World" program in 'C' without using a semicolon.
2. Write a C++ program without using any loop (if, for, while etc) to print numbers from 1 to 100 and 100 to 1;
3. C/C++ : Exchange two numbers without using a temporary variable.
4. C/C++ : Find if the given number is a power of 2.
5. C/C++ : Multiply x by 7 without using multiplication (*) operator.
6. C/C++ : Write a function in different ways that will return f(7) = 4 and f(4) = 7
7. Remove duplicates in array
8. Finding if there is any loop inside linked list.
9. Remove duplicates in an no key access database
without using an array
10. Convert (integer) number in binary without loops.
11. Write a program whose printed output is an exact copy of the source. Needless to say, merely echoing the actual source file is not allowed.
12. From a 'pool' of numbers (four '1's, four '2's .... four '6's), each player selects a number and adds it to the total. Once a number is used, it must be removed from the pool. The winner is the person whose number makes the total equal 31 exactly.
13. Swap two numbers without using a third variable.
14. Given an array (group) of numbers write all the possible sub groups of this group.
1. Write a "Hello World" program in 'C' without using a semicolon.
2. Write a C++ program without using any loop (if, for, while etc) to print numbers from 1 to 100 and 100 to 1;
3. C/C++ : Exchange two numbers without using a temporary variable.
4. C/C++ : Find if the given number is a power of 2.
5. C/C++ : Multiply x by 7 without using multiplication (*) operator.
6. C/C++ : Write a function in different ways that will return f(7) = 4 and f(4) = 7
7. Remove duplicates in array
8. Finding if there is any loop inside linked list.
9. Remove duplicates in an no key access database
without using an array
10. Convert (integer) number in binary without loops.
11. Write a program whose printed output is an exact copy of the source. Needless to say, merely echoing the actual source file is not allowed.
12. From a 'pool' of numbers (four '1's, four '2's .... four '6's), each player selects a number and adds it to the total. Once a number is used, it must be removed from the pool. The winner is the person whose number makes the total equal 31 exactly.
13. Swap two numbers without using a third variable.
14. Given an array (group) of numbers write all the possible sub groups of this group.
General Interview Puzzles
Earlier I'd thought of giving a lots of puzzles. Actually the sites given below have everything if you follow the links given out there correctly. You need to face puzzle solving only if you are fresher.
* Interactive Mathematics Miscellany and Puzzles - Fully design in Java and JavaScript - Real Fun to Explore
* Puzzles.COM - Not especially tailored for the interviews but good to explore
* Free Puzzle collection - Geometry Puzzles, Logic Puzzles,Math Puzzles,Weight Puzzles etc.
* Puzzles (My Favorite Page) - Superb
* Puzzles, Mazes, and Quizzes - OK..
* Puzzle Archive and Recent Puzzles - Not many puzzles but worth visiting
* Interactive Fun Puzzles - Some Nice Collections
* Easier Fibonacci puzzles - I like this page.
* Interactive Mathematics Miscellany and Puzzles - Fully design in Java and JavaScript - Real Fun to Explore
* Puzzles.COM - Not especially tailored for the interviews but good to explore
* Free Puzzle collection - Geometry Puzzles, Logic Puzzles,Math Puzzles,Weight Puzzles etc.
* Puzzles (My Favorite Page) - Superb
* Puzzles, Mazes, and Quizzes - OK..
* Puzzle Archive and Recent Puzzles - Not many puzzles but worth visiting
* Interactive Fun Puzzles - Some Nice Collections
* Easier Fibonacci puzzles - I like this page.
General Tips To Overcome An Interview
So what if you are not a mountaineer. Or a keen hiker. You still cannot treat your interview like a careless morning trot along a jogger's path. Your jaw-jaw at the interview table is nothing less than a cautious climb up a mountain trail--which begins around your early childhood and meanders through the years at the academia before reaching a new summit in your career. And as you retrace your steps down memory lane make sure that you post flags at important landmarks of your life and career, so that you can pop them before the interview panel scoops them out of you. You don't want to be at the receiving end, do you?
Face the panel, but don't fall of the chair in a headlong rush-and-skid attempt to tell your story. Take one step at a time. Here are a few preparation tips from the Team of Freshersworld.com that books on interviews sometimes overlook. Remember, as a fresher you do not have anything to loose but to gain.
TYPICAL QUESTIONS THAT AN INTERVIEWER WOULD ASK
1.Tell me about yourself
The most often asked question in interviews. You need to have a short statement prepared in your mind. Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed. Limit it to work/Study-related items unless instructed otherwise. Talk about things you have done well at your college and how you wanted to perform in the first job.
2. Why Should We Employ You?
For this question, your answer should list out strengths that you feel are relevant to the job. Given below are some answers which could help you with your answers. However, structure them to suit your requirements.
I have good co-ordination skills
Good analytical skills
I can persuade people to see my point of view, and get the work done
My greatest asset is my ability to motivate people
Even during emergencies, I do not loose my cool
I have good entrepreneurial skills
I have consistently met my deadlines and targets
Can say “no” to people when required to do so!
I am very co-operative with my sub-ordinates, and would like to see them grow
I am a good team player
I am very flexible, and have the ability to work hard under difficult work conditions
I have the experience and knowledge relevant to this job (Here, give appropriate details and examples)
3. Do You Have Offers From Other Companies ?
This is of course a difficult question to answer. Obviously, you must have applied to other companies if you are looking for a job or would have some offers from other companies already. Therefore, do not lie that you have not. However, you are on thin ice here! The interviewer could be checking your honesty. On the other hand, he/she may also be trying to find out how focused you are - are you applying randomly, or is there a well-planned strategy?
Whatever your answer, it should match your career goals.
4. What Salary Are You Expecting?
Try not to get into salary details early in the interview. If pressed, you could say that it all depends on the job, and would like to talk about it after a job offer. Say this in a convincing tone. In case you are asked this question in your latter interviews, give a direct answer. Do not sound apologetic while quoting the figure you have in mind.
SALARY EXPECTATIONS :
1. How much do you expect?
If you have done your homework, you would know how much other people in similar jobs are paid. Quote the range upfront.
2. How much do you think you are worth?
Work out how much you should be paid, given the market value of the job and your skills. If you can bring some extra skills to the table, do not hesitate to ask for more than the market value.
3. What kind of a culture are you comfortable with?
It is better to be frank about your preferences. Your interviewer will get a clear idea about your expectations.
4. Which is more important to you-salary, perks or growth opportunities?
This one will reveal the real you. So be sure what you are going to say. Above all, be true to yourself. If you think this is a negotiation move, then say clearly that you will never sell yourself short.
5. What do you know about our company?
Do not give your opinions about the company. Stick to reported facts that you have gathered from newspapers and so on. Talk about the product portfolio, size, income, and market perceptions of the company. Also it is better to refer details about each company before going for the interview from Freshersworld.com or PlacementWeek.com
6. Why should we choose you over someone else?
Talk clearly about problems that you have solved in your College/Project Team and highlight the quality required.
6. Your qualifications are excellent, but you may be overqualified for the position we have to offer?
Point out that more experience can never be a drawback. If you are multi-skilled, then highlight the fact that a company on the fast-track needs multi-skilled people. It needs people within different departments to work together. Also emphasise that the company's future growth will be an exponential function of your experience.
QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK :
Interviewers usually round off by giving you an opportunity to ask questions. Treat it like a welcome opportunity.
You could ask questions like.
a) Tell me about your company.
b) Now that I have outlined my career goals, do you think you can offer me the opportunities I need?
c) What kind of training and learning can I expect in your company?
d) Describe the work culture and the management style of your company?
e) What is the long-term vision of your company?
As a fresher, current position and status can impact the way you are interviewed. Fresh Out of College
The basis on which you will be judged is your academic background, family background, and interests.
If looking for your first job, ensure that your previous experience, even if it is part-time, is noticed.
Mention projects or responsibilities you may have undertaken. This will indicate your area of aptitude.
You should be willing to put in regular hours, in line with the company's policies. The interviewer needs to know whether you can be punctual and put in full-time work.
In case you have applied for the post of management trainee, you should display an ability to adapt, and indicate all-round interests. Moreover, you should have good interpersonal skills.
You should be enthusiastic to learn, and show commitment towards the organization, as the company will be spending a lot on your training.
Bring with you :
a) Copies of your resumes
b) References and letters of recommendations.
First Impressions :
There is a common saying that minds are made up within the first 5 minutes of an interview. So keep in mind these important first impression indicators. Walk in the door as if you already work there, carry yourself as though you feel perfectly comfortable with the situation. Arrive on time or a little early. In the waiting area, politely tell the receptionist who you are meeting and in a friendly way, ask where you should sit. Take slow, deep breaths to help you remain calm and focused. When introduced to the interviewer, have a firm, but not painful, handshake. Smile. Have good posture when sitting or standing. Introduce yourself in a relaxed, confident manner. Have a well-groomed, professional appearance. Project a feeling of confidence. Bring extra copies of your resume, some thing to write on and something to
Face the panel, but don't fall of the chair in a headlong rush-and-skid attempt to tell your story. Take one step at a time. Here are a few preparation tips from the Team of Freshersworld.com that books on interviews sometimes overlook. Remember, as a fresher you do not have anything to loose but to gain.
TYPICAL QUESTIONS THAT AN INTERVIEWER WOULD ASK
1.Tell me about yourself
The most often asked question in interviews. You need to have a short statement prepared in your mind. Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed. Limit it to work/Study-related items unless instructed otherwise. Talk about things you have done well at your college and how you wanted to perform in the first job.
2. Why Should We Employ You?
For this question, your answer should list out strengths that you feel are relevant to the job. Given below are some answers which could help you with your answers. However, structure them to suit your requirements.
I have good co-ordination skills
Good analytical skills
I can persuade people to see my point of view, and get the work done
My greatest asset is my ability to motivate people
Even during emergencies, I do not loose my cool
I have good entrepreneurial skills
I have consistently met my deadlines and targets
Can say “no” to people when required to do so!
I am very co-operative with my sub-ordinates, and would like to see them grow
I am a good team player
I am very flexible, and have the ability to work hard under difficult work conditions
I have the experience and knowledge relevant to this job (Here, give appropriate details and examples)
3. Do You Have Offers From Other Companies ?
This is of course a difficult question to answer. Obviously, you must have applied to other companies if you are looking for a job or would have some offers from other companies already. Therefore, do not lie that you have not. However, you are on thin ice here! The interviewer could be checking your honesty. On the other hand, he/she may also be trying to find out how focused you are - are you applying randomly, or is there a well-planned strategy?
Whatever your answer, it should match your career goals.
4. What Salary Are You Expecting?
Try not to get into salary details early in the interview. If pressed, you could say that it all depends on the job, and would like to talk about it after a job offer. Say this in a convincing tone. In case you are asked this question in your latter interviews, give a direct answer. Do not sound apologetic while quoting the figure you have in mind.
SALARY EXPECTATIONS :
1. How much do you expect?
If you have done your homework, you would know how much other people in similar jobs are paid. Quote the range upfront.
2. How much do you think you are worth?
Work out how much you should be paid, given the market value of the job and your skills. If you can bring some extra skills to the table, do not hesitate to ask for more than the market value.
3. What kind of a culture are you comfortable with?
It is better to be frank about your preferences. Your interviewer will get a clear idea about your expectations.
4. Which is more important to you-salary, perks or growth opportunities?
This one will reveal the real you. So be sure what you are going to say. Above all, be true to yourself. If you think this is a negotiation move, then say clearly that you will never sell yourself short.
5. What do you know about our company?
Do not give your opinions about the company. Stick to reported facts that you have gathered from newspapers and so on. Talk about the product portfolio, size, income, and market perceptions of the company. Also it is better to refer details about each company before going for the interview from Freshersworld.com or PlacementWeek.com
6. Why should we choose you over someone else?
Talk clearly about problems that you have solved in your College/Project Team and highlight the quality required.
6. Your qualifications are excellent, but you may be overqualified for the position we have to offer?
Point out that more experience can never be a drawback. If you are multi-skilled, then highlight the fact that a company on the fast-track needs multi-skilled people. It needs people within different departments to work together. Also emphasise that the company's future growth will be an exponential function of your experience.
QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK :
Interviewers usually round off by giving you an opportunity to ask questions. Treat it like a welcome opportunity.
You could ask questions like.
a) Tell me about your company.
b) Now that I have outlined my career goals, do you think you can offer me the opportunities I need?
c) What kind of training and learning can I expect in your company?
d) Describe the work culture and the management style of your company?
e) What is the long-term vision of your company?
As a fresher, current position and status can impact the way you are interviewed. Fresh Out of College
The basis on which you will be judged is your academic background, family background, and interests.
If looking for your first job, ensure that your previous experience, even if it is part-time, is noticed.
Mention projects or responsibilities you may have undertaken. This will indicate your area of aptitude.
You should be willing to put in regular hours, in line with the company's policies. The interviewer needs to know whether you can be punctual and put in full-time work.
In case you have applied for the post of management trainee, you should display an ability to adapt, and indicate all-round interests. Moreover, you should have good interpersonal skills.
You should be enthusiastic to learn, and show commitment towards the organization, as the company will be spending a lot on your training.
Bring with you :
a) Copies of your resumes
b) References and letters of recommendations.
First Impressions :
There is a common saying that minds are made up within the first 5 minutes of an interview. So keep in mind these important first impression indicators. Walk in the door as if you already work there, carry yourself as though you feel perfectly comfortable with the situation. Arrive on time or a little early. In the waiting area, politely tell the receptionist who you are meeting and in a friendly way, ask where you should sit. Take slow, deep breaths to help you remain calm and focused. When introduced to the interviewer, have a firm, but not painful, handshake. Smile. Have good posture when sitting or standing. Introduce yourself in a relaxed, confident manner. Have a well-groomed, professional appearance. Project a feeling of confidence. Bring extra copies of your resume, some thing to write on and something to
Tips for Success in Interviews
* First impression is the best impression. You will be judged by ; the way you dress, your educational qualification, work experience, body language, manners, ability to absorb the information and interpret it intelligently and clearly. So take care to be at your best.
* Carry your relevant documents in order - like certificates, copy of application sent, bio-data etc. in a folder so that it can be easily shown when asked. Take a pen also.
* Present the documents only if the interviewer ask for it.
* Never be late for an interview.
* Greet the interviewers as soon as you enter.
* Sit down only when you are asked to. It is better not to pull the chair, either lift it or move it and always enter from the right side of the chair.
* Say 'please and thank you' whenever required.
* Listen carefully and pay attention to the question. If the question is not clear to you ask politely for a repeat.
* Reply confidently and immediately to the point, keeping your answers short unless asked for a longer description.
* While answering, look directly at the person asking the questions and try to be pleasant.
* Replies connected to any details regarding your bio-data should be authentic.
* It is better to admit if you don't know something.
* Remember to say 'sorry' if your opinions or answers are rejected.
* Avoid indulging in certain mannerisms in your speech or behavior.
* You can ask when you can expect to hear from them before you leave.
* Don't forget to say "Thank you" at the end of an interview to every interviewer before leaving.
* Shake hands only if the interviewer initiates the gesture.
* Walk out confidently without looking back.
* Gently shut the door behind you as you leave.
* Carry your relevant documents in order - like certificates, copy of application sent, bio-data etc. in a folder so that it can be easily shown when asked. Take a pen also.
* Present the documents only if the interviewer ask for it.
* Never be late for an interview.
* Greet the interviewers as soon as you enter.
* Sit down only when you are asked to. It is better not to pull the chair, either lift it or move it and always enter from the right side of the chair.
* Say 'please and thank you' whenever required.
* Listen carefully and pay attention to the question. If the question is not clear to you ask politely for a repeat.
* Reply confidently and immediately to the point, keeping your answers short unless asked for a longer description.
* While answering, look directly at the person asking the questions and try to be pleasant.
* Replies connected to any details regarding your bio-data should be authentic.
* It is better to admit if you don't know something.
* Remember to say 'sorry' if your opinions or answers are rejected.
* Avoid indulging in certain mannerisms in your speech or behavior.
* You can ask when you can expect to hear from them before you leave.
* Don't forget to say "Thank you" at the end of an interview to every interviewer before leaving.
* Shake hands only if the interviewer initiates the gesture.
* Walk out confidently without looking back.
* Gently shut the door behind you as you leave.
Personal Finance Basics: Job Search Techniques
As I’m writing a series on Personal Finance basics, I have to be a bit general since “the basics” applies to a wide variety of individuals. Although all of my recent experience is in white-collar jobs, I’m also aware that many (if not most) of my readers are blue-collar workers.
So in this edition of the basics, I’ll discuss some basic job search techniques. I’ll talk more about the fundamentals rather than the tools, because job opportunities can come from any place, any time. Even right now in my life when I’m not actively searching for a job, I’ve had 4 job opportunities open up to me in just the last 2 weeks!
But I didn’t get to where I am today by just sitting around and waiting for jobs to come to me. I had to actually make an effort. Did you know that in my senior year of college, I went through major job interviews with at least 2 dozen companies for post-college work, but only got a single job offer? And it was my last interview of the semester. I learned a few things from that experience:
Work History Matters
These employers knew I was a college student, not an experienced IT worker. However, nothing on my resume helped display my professional or IT skills. I worked at McD’s and a women’s clothing store (in the back office), and I had no professional internships on my resume. If I wanted a corporate job after college, I had to develop some BS skills very quickly, and I don’t mean “Bachelor of Science”!
Right now in my career, I do have quality experience to show on a resume. However, in the span of exactly 1 year, I had 4 different employers. Luckily in the contractor field, people don’t question loyalty as closely, but jumping ship so often in other fields could indicate a lack of maturity or questionable stability. I’ve known people to have literally 20 or more jobs in a year because they just couldn’t find the right fit for one reason or another. So keep an eye on your work history and be prepared for questions if you have quite a few entries in a short amount of time.
Organization Matters
I am certainly not one of the most organized people on the planet, and what I’ve found from experience is that being organized when it comes to job searches really improves your chances of landing a gig. Here are some tips:
* Prepare a list of the employers you wish to contact, including their Human Resources’ contact information, as well as any direct contacts you’ve made within the company.
* List the skills required for each job at the target employers. Each company will need something a little different from the next and you’ll want to know how to prepare your answers when you obtain that first interview.
* Prepare your resume and cover letters. There are thousands of online and print publications on preparing resumes and cover letters, so I’ll refrain from giving more advice except that you want to tailor each document to the company and job skills they require. And yes, in the internet age, some companies don’t even bother with cover letters anymore, but you need some type of introductory text.
* If this is your first post-graduation job, ask teachers, former employers and other upstanding individuals to prepare letters of recommendation for you. For the rest of you, have a list of quality references handy, and be sure to ask them if it’s alright to list them. I still have to submit applications along with my resume, and they do ask for references.
Making a Plan Matters
You need to understand your goals in this job search. Is it more money, more challenge, more stability or something else? You’re almost assured to be asked questions such as “Why are you leaving your current employer?” or “Where do you see your career in 1-5 years?”. You really, really need to be prepared with a clear, concise and legitimate reason. Make sure you run it by friends to see how it sounds in others’ ears.
In addition to goals, you’ll want a checklist for each employer. You need to note:
* When you contacted them
* How you contacted them (phone numbers, email addresses)
* To whom you spoke (including job titles and authority)
* What materials you sent them (what version of your resume/cover letter, any emails or letters, and especially thank you’s)
* The status
Follow-Through Matters
Speaking of tracking the status of the job search, you’ll want to be consistent and persistent in checking back with the employer. However, there’s a fine line between persistence and annoyance, and it’s tough to tell whether 1 call a week is too much or if they would rather have one every 2 weeks.
Important: No more than 1-2 days after the interview, you’ll want to respond back with a thank-you. A personal thank-you letter (the paper kind) is the most noticeable, but it’s also common in my field to just send emails or just call the employer back. You can also use this opportunity as your first status check too.
Remember that even the Clever Dude had to go through dozens of rejections before finding a job (the one that brought me to D.C. no less), so don’t be discouraged and definitely don’t show your frustrations with the employers. Be kind, courteous and patient and they’ll recognize those virtues.
Also, always continue to find new leads and act on them. Don’t hold out all hope for that one “dream job”. You need to prepare yourself if it doesn’t come through as you had planned. Keep plugging away at interviews, and always be prepared to be called in on short notice. As I’ve found these last few weeks, you never know when opportunity comes knocking.
So in this edition of the basics, I’ll discuss some basic job search techniques. I’ll talk more about the fundamentals rather than the tools, because job opportunities can come from any place, any time. Even right now in my life when I’m not actively searching for a job, I’ve had 4 job opportunities open up to me in just the last 2 weeks!
But I didn’t get to where I am today by just sitting around and waiting for jobs to come to me. I had to actually make an effort. Did you know that in my senior year of college, I went through major job interviews with at least 2 dozen companies for post-college work, but only got a single job offer? And it was my last interview of the semester. I learned a few things from that experience:
Work History Matters
These employers knew I was a college student, not an experienced IT worker. However, nothing on my resume helped display my professional or IT skills. I worked at McD’s and a women’s clothing store (in the back office), and I had no professional internships on my resume. If I wanted a corporate job after college, I had to develop some BS skills very quickly, and I don’t mean “Bachelor of Science”!
Right now in my career, I do have quality experience to show on a resume. However, in the span of exactly 1 year, I had 4 different employers. Luckily in the contractor field, people don’t question loyalty as closely, but jumping ship so often in other fields could indicate a lack of maturity or questionable stability. I’ve known people to have literally 20 or more jobs in a year because they just couldn’t find the right fit for one reason or another. So keep an eye on your work history and be prepared for questions if you have quite a few entries in a short amount of time.
Organization Matters
I am certainly not one of the most organized people on the planet, and what I’ve found from experience is that being organized when it comes to job searches really improves your chances of landing a gig. Here are some tips:
* Prepare a list of the employers you wish to contact, including their Human Resources’ contact information, as well as any direct contacts you’ve made within the company.
* List the skills required for each job at the target employers. Each company will need something a little different from the next and you’ll want to know how to prepare your answers when you obtain that first interview.
* Prepare your resume and cover letters. There are thousands of online and print publications on preparing resumes and cover letters, so I’ll refrain from giving more advice except that you want to tailor each document to the company and job skills they require. And yes, in the internet age, some companies don’t even bother with cover letters anymore, but you need some type of introductory text.
* If this is your first post-graduation job, ask teachers, former employers and other upstanding individuals to prepare letters of recommendation for you. For the rest of you, have a list of quality references handy, and be sure to ask them if it’s alright to list them. I still have to submit applications along with my resume, and they do ask for references.
Making a Plan Matters
You need to understand your goals in this job search. Is it more money, more challenge, more stability or something else? You’re almost assured to be asked questions such as “Why are you leaving your current employer?” or “Where do you see your career in 1-5 years?”. You really, really need to be prepared with a clear, concise and legitimate reason. Make sure you run it by friends to see how it sounds in others’ ears.
In addition to goals, you’ll want a checklist for each employer. You need to note:
* When you contacted them
* How you contacted them (phone numbers, email addresses)
* To whom you spoke (including job titles and authority)
* What materials you sent them (what version of your resume/cover letter, any emails or letters, and especially thank you’s)
* The status
Follow-Through Matters
Speaking of tracking the status of the job search, you’ll want to be consistent and persistent in checking back with the employer. However, there’s a fine line between persistence and annoyance, and it’s tough to tell whether 1 call a week is too much or if they would rather have one every 2 weeks.
Important: No more than 1-2 days after the interview, you’ll want to respond back with a thank-you. A personal thank-you letter (the paper kind) is the most noticeable, but it’s also common in my field to just send emails or just call the employer back. You can also use this opportunity as your first status check too.
Remember that even the Clever Dude had to go through dozens of rejections before finding a job (the one that brought me to D.C. no less), so don’t be discouraged and definitely don’t show your frustrations with the employers. Be kind, courteous and patient and they’ll recognize those virtues.
Also, always continue to find new leads and act on them. Don’t hold out all hope for that one “dream job”. You need to prepare yourself if it doesn’t come through as you had planned. Keep plugging away at interviews, and always be prepared to be called in on short notice. As I’ve found these last few weeks, you never know when opportunity comes knocking.
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