interviewing – Careers for Social Impact

20Feb 2018 by Erin Ewart No Comments

When Will It End? What to Do When Your Job Search Takes Longer Than You Thought

career coaching, interviewing, job search

BY ERIN EWART As I write this we’re in the depths of February. Even though I know spring will eventually come, at this point in the year it always seems like winter will never end. It can feel like that when you’re job searching too, especially when the process takes longer than you thought it would. The job search has so many ups and downs, and at times it can feel like it will never end. It will end eventually of course, but as you’re in the midst of the process it can be hard to remember that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. A longer than expected job search can be very challenging, and it’s important to maintain perspective and positive energy throughout the process. We…

What Recruiters Think About Interviews (But Probably Won’t Tell You)

interviewing, strategy

BY ERIN EWART In my career as a recruiter I’ve done hundreds of screening interviews. I think these first-round interviews are one of the most important parts of the job search process, and also one of the most challenging. Why are first interviews so important? In a typical recruitment process, organizations select about 5-10 candidates to screen and 3-5 for in-depth interviews. With the average job receiving 100+ applications (and some many more than that), that means you have at best a 5-10% chance of being selected for an initial interview, so it’s important to make the most of the opportunity. These odds will likely increase if you've played your cards right by networking with people at the organization and getting referred internally, but even with internal advocates you still won't…

The Secret to Job Search Success: Confidence

interviewing, job search, strategy

BY ERIN EWART One of the biggest frustrations with job searching is that it can can feel like so much of the process is in someone else’s hands. What we often forget is that the biggest success factor is in our control: coming from a place of confidence. If you believe you can do the job, you will project that and help the employer believe it too. Conversely, if you have doubts about your abilities, are trying to figure out the “right” answers to their questions, or are trying to be someone you’re not, that will come through. The key to success is to be the best version of yourself by projecting your strengths and confidently sharing how your unique combination of skills and experience will solve their problems. Yes, there…