Randy Wooden from The Wooden Group discusses the issue of age and dates on a resume. Should you hide your age, etc.?
Learn more about us at www.woodengroup.com.
STAY CONNECTED!
Perhaps you’ve been looking for awhile now and nothing seems to be happening…or, you’re unhappy in your current situation and ready to get serious about making yourself more marketable.
We’re prepared to help you…for FREE!
Come to The Wooden Group’s one-hour “Get Hired” workshop every Thursday at noon where we’ll discuss how you can improve your marketability, make your resume stand out, figure out the best way to network, improve your interviewing skills…and more!
We cover all aspects of a job search. Workshop content is largely driven by you – the attendee. So bring your questions!
The Wooden Group’s office is located in the Broyhill Office Suites on Clemmons Road next to the Clemmons Public Library.
Seating is limited, so call 336.793.8040 or email randy@woodengroup.com to confirm your spot.
Learn more about us at www.woodengroup.com.
STAY CONNECTED!
When you’re out of work there’s no such thing as “giving up.” It’s not in the cards. You have to find a job. Maybe you’re unhappy in your current situation and tired of looking for something else. Did you ever stop to think that perhaps you’re doing something wrong? Got questions? We have the answers…
Come to The Wooden Group’s one-hour “Get Hired” workshop every Thursday at noon where we’ll discuss how you can improve your marketability, make your resume stand out, figure out the best way to network, improve your interviewing skills…and more!
We cover all aspects of a job search. Workshop content is largely driven by you – the attendee. So bring your questions!
The Wooden Group’s office is located in the Broyhill Office Suites on Clemmons Road next to the Clemmons Public Library.
Seating is limited, so call 336.793.8040 or email randy@woodengroup.com to confirm your spot.
Learn more about us at www.woodengroup.com.
STAY CONNECTED!
Randy Wooden from The Wooden Group speaks regularly in the Triad, so don’t miss one of these opportunities to get your career-related questions answered…for FREE!
- Saturday, May 15th at 9am - New Hope Presbyterian in Clemmons, NC. (www.newhopepca.org)
- Monday, May 17th at 7pm - Cornerstone Christian Church in Mocksville, NC (http://www.c3davie.org)
- Wednesday, May 26th - ”Local Professionals Network” in Kernersville, NC (Call our office at 336.793.8040 for details)
- Thursday, May 27th - Free Get Hired Workshop at The Wooden Group in Clemmons, NC.
By now most people know they’re not supposed to ask questions about age, race, religion and whether a woman is planning to have children. But beyond the illegal questions I’ve found clients sometimes confronted with the occasional inappropriate question.
These usually occur when the employer is a smaller one or a family-owned business. In other words, larger, more structured companies typically operate in a more standardized setting. But less structured interviews, particularly if they involve a lunch or supper meeting, can occasionally stray into question about public issues of the day. I don’t necessarily think the employer is trying to catch the candidate as much as the inquiry is simply born of ignorance.
Politics and pop culture can be dangerous topics if not handled properly. Imagine sitting there during the height of the Iraq War and being asked your view on President Bush and our nation’s strategy? Or President Obama and healthcare?
On the one hand you’re thinking, “What does that have to do with my ability to do my job?” And you’d be correct. Yet, how should you handle that inquiry without appearing rattled, confrontational or evasive? How can you convey that, well, it’s none of that person’s business without somewhat alienating the interviewer?
A simple technique I’ve found effective is to use a verbal cushion to acknowledge the question, but to then turn things around and ask the employer their thoughts on the subject.
For example, “I’m not sure there’s any easy answer on the war. There are certainly passionate opinions on both sides. I’m curious, Mr. Employer, what you think about it.” And if the interviewer doesn’t respond, change the subject. If they do respond while giving their opinion, at least you know whether what you might have said would have matched your with your potential employer.
If the employer responds, then further asks you your opinion, I think you’re within your rights to respectfully refuse to answer. Try, “While we both know it’s a hot topic, I hope you’ll appreciate my desire to separate my personal views and interests from my work objectives.” Be careful not to impugn the employer’s motives for asking or verbally slap their wrist too harshly.
Awkward, inappropriate or even illegal questions can easy rattle many candidates. How calmly you respond under such circumstances could help separate you from your competition.
Learn more about us at www.woodengroup.com.
STAY CONNECTED!
Looking for a job? Looking for a better job? Maybe you’ve tried everything you know to try, but you’re not getting anywhere. Let us help you try something new!
Come to The Wooden Group’s one-hour “Get Hired” workshop every Thursday at noon where we’ll discuss how you can improve your marketability, make your resume stand out, figure out the best way to network, improve your interviewing skills…and more!
We cover all aspects of a job search. Workshop content is largely driven by you – the attendee. So bring your questions!
The Wooden Group’s office is located in the Broyhill Office Suites on Clemmons Road next to the Clemmons Public Library.
Seating is limited, so call 336.793.8040 or email randy@woodengroup.com to confirm your spot.
Learn more about us at www.woodengroup.com.
STAY CONNECTED!
By: Randy Wooden
From time to time I’m asked about how someone should dress for an interview. In this era of a more casual work environment it has become more difficult for many to determine how “dressy” they should be.
My general rule of thumb is this: if you err, err on the dressy side. Or, another way of looking at it… dress as though you are interviewing for a position above the one you’re applying for.
Certainly for most salaried positions I’d recommend professional dress. For hourly positions in a blue collar environment I’d at least recommend business casual. In no case would I advocate t-shirts, shorts and flip-flops.
We dress as we want others to perceive us. By dressing appropriately we convey our professionalism. Remember, the hiring process is largely a subjective one. People form opinions about us based on a variety of factors, including our appearance.
If you have piercings and tattoos, my suggestion would be to remove the piercings and attempt to cover the tattoos until you know the company’s policy regarding them. Positions dealing with the public often come with restrictions in those areas. Just as with someone wearing excessive cologne or perfume… or a female with too much skin showing, I think it’s important not to let clothing or appearance present a distraction. I want to come across as a dependable professional.
As is often said, you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression.
Learn more about us at www.woodengroup.com.
STAY CONNECTED!
Unemployed? Underemployed and concerned about your future? Have you tried everything, but don’t seem to be getting anywhere? Time to try something new!
Questions on how can you improve your marketability? How you can make your resume stand out? What’s the best way to network? How can you improve your interviewing skills? We can help!
Come to The Wooden Group’s one-hour “Get Hired” workshop every Thursday at noon and get free tips and information on all this and much more!
We cover all aspects of a job search. Workshop content is largely driven by you – the attendee. So bring your questions!
The Wooden Group’s office is located in the Broyhill Office Suites on Clemmons Road next to the Clemmons Public Library.
Seating is limited, so call 336.793.8040 or email randy@woodengroup.com to confirm your spot.
Learn more about us at www.woodengroup.com.
STAY CONNECTED!