Tag Archive for: interview questions

How to Find Out if a Job is For You

/in

One of the trickiest things when it comes to finding a new job, is gaging whether or not a company is a good fit for you. This can be especially difficult when you get multiple offers that all have their different perks and you don’t want to choose the wrong one.

Outside of how they present themselves on their website and social media pages, there isn’t much to work with when it comes to assessing how it would feel to work in a company’s environment and if your needs as an employee match what that employer is willing to give you.

Your full-time job is where you spend the majority of your time, and while there is plenty of opportunity out there should something not work out; we all prefer to find the right place of employment on the first try.

Here are a few ways you can help yourself establish if a workplace could be well suited for you:

1. Look at the Details in Job Postings

Most people look at the entire picture when looking through job postings, which is definitely important; but if you pay attention to specific points, you’ll notice that there are small hints about what the company values. For instance, if the first few paragraphs discuss being a tight-knit team that doesn’t mind staying late a few nights per week; it’s probably not a good fit for someone who prefers to work solo and needs to be somewhere at a certain time after work. Or, if the posting is written with a lot of humor and wit, it may or may not be the place for someone who has a history of strictly professional work environments. It all depends on what matters to you.

2. Consider the Soft Skills that are Needed

Soft skills are non-technical skills that are not job/industry specific and can be applied in a variety of situations. Critical thinking, problem solving, and time-management are all examples of soft skills, and everyone possesses different ones, depending on their work history and natural abilities. Job postings almost always contain statements such as: “must be able to think on your feet” or “the right candidate is someone who is very organized”. Look for positions that list soft skills that you are good at.

3. Ask About the Main Tasks

While most employers are pretty good at giving accurate depictions of what a position in their company entails, it’s a good idea to ask a few additional questions, so you can ensure that the parts of the job that will affect you the most are in line with what you are expecting. During an interview, ask the questions: “What are the main tasks I will be doing?” and “What does a typical day and week in this position look like/consist of?”. This will give you a clear picture of how you will spend your time and if it’s a place where you see yourself thriving.

4. Determine the Impact

Everyone wants to feel like they have a significant role within their company whether their job is to drive more revenue or to support others within the organization. Before you accept any position, ask how your role specifically will affect the company as a whole. The response you receive will speak volumes about the social structure of that company and whether or not they see the value in all roles within the company. Every business has many moving parts, and they are all important. It’s crucial for all companies to know this.

5. Ask How Your Performance Will Be Measured

Some people do well in a competitive environment, while others do better working at their own pace. Additionally, some companies have lofty performance goals and measurements, while others offer leeway as long as the work is being put forth. Also, when it comes to pay increases, some companies base it strictly off of production and numbers, while others consider factors such as attendance, teamwork, and adaptability. It’s up to the individual to decide which one will work better for them.

If you or anyone you know is looking for a job, we at Award are here to help. We update our job boards daily. Check out our newest opportunities here.

How to Determine a Company’s Culture

/in

Before accepting a job at any company, it’s a good idea to gage what the ambience of working there will be like. Especially if you would like it to be a long-term position that helps you grow in your career, you want to ensure that it will be an environment where you fit in well and feel confident that you can thrive. Employees today list company culture as one of their top values. They know that even if they are compensated well, if they aren’t comfortable in the environment or with the people they are working with, it is unlikely to last long.

If you flat out ask a hiring manger or recruiter what a company culture is like, they will likely just tell you want you want to hear. Of course, when they are in need of more employees and know that you are a good candidate, they’ll say whatever they have to in order to keep you. That is why you as a job seeker can (and should) ask discreet questions and pay attention to subtle signs that help you gain a better perspective on what a company’s culture is truly like. Here are some suggestions:

 

1. Show up Early to an Interview and Observe

Instead of looking through your materials or going over what you plan to say in your head, pay attention to how the employees are interacting. Did the receptionist greet you? Are the employees conversing with one another? Is the office atmosphere quiet because everyone is working independently? Notice things like the dress code and how the office is decorated. This can be a good indicator of if it is a place you would enjoy working.

Whatever you take note of in the office; it is up to you to decide if you truly envision yourself working there. Everyone is going to have a different preference for what type of company will be a good fit for them. Gaging a culture begins from the moment you walk in the door.

2. Ask: “How long have you been with the company?”

This doesn’t just go for the person interviewing you, ask as many people as you can. If everyone you speak with has had a short tenure with the company, you need to ask more questions, such as, ‘how long have the longest employees worked here.” In the chance that the company is new, this can be ok. However, if it’s an established company, this is likely a sign that a company needs improvement. Maybe people are expected to work too much or that they would benefit from changing management.

3. Ask: “Does anyone here ever transfer departments?”

If you’ve ever been in a position where you enjoyed your company, just not your department, but were denied every opportunity to make a lateral move; it can be tempting to overtly ask if transfers are allowed. Most of the time, companies claim that they have plenty of flexibility and career growth, but often when the time comes, they choose to keep you stagnant for their own benefit. There’s nothing that will tell you more than specific examples. If they introduce you to someone who has made a lateral move, even better. 

4. Ask about Lunch Breaks

While you don’t have to ask specific questions about lunch, get an idea of how most employees spend their breaks. If you find out that everyone takes lunch at their desk, it could mean that employees are too overworked to disengage- even just for half an hour. It could also imply that the majority of people who work there are introverted and that it isn’t an office with a lot of interaction. While some people may prefer this, others may rather work for a company with strong social connections and a lot of team work. Depending on your preference, this can tell you a lot.

5. Review the Company on Multiple Platforms

This can happen before or after you go in for an interview. Look at employee review sites such as Glassdoor to see how internal employees rate the company. Where are their strengths and where are they falling short?  Also, LinkedIn to see employee profiles. Take note of how long several of them have been working for the company and what they list as their interests and job history. This way you can infer whether or not it is a pleasant place to work and see if you have anything in common with current employees.

6. Ask about Internal Career Paths

Just like everything else, ask for specific examples of where someone started, where they are now, and what it took for them to get there. How long were they with the company before they got their first promotion? How did they get the promotion, were they offered it or did they have to apply for it? Asking the right questions here is important because you don’t want them to give you a generic answer. If professional growth is important to you, it’s important that you find a company that not only sees your value, but also wants to see you expand.

When searching for your next best opportunity, you’ll want to make sure that a company matches your expectations. The best way to ensure this happens is with observation, research, and asking the right questions.

If you are currently in search of a new job, check out our latest opportunities here.

 

How to Have a Successful In-Person Interview

/in

When looking for a new job, hearing back from a company that wants to interview you can be quite the confidence booster. Clearly you nailed your résumé and cover letter, now the final step is to make the best impression you possibly can on the hiring manager to show that you are the right candidate for the position. This can feel intimidating as it puts a lot of pressure on you to do well. Luckily, there are techniques you can put to use to make your interview as successful as possible.

Dress to Fit the Culture

You are probably used to hearing the phrase “dress to impress” when it comes to an interview. While that concept still rings true, it doesn’t have the same meaning it once did. A few decades ago, nearly all companies had a professional dress code as they wanted to be seen as polished and prestigious. In today’s world, many companies take pride in their more casual and laid back atmosphere. When you show up to an interview, it’s important that you demonstrate your understanding of their culture by showing up in attire that matches their company values. Gone are the days of showing up to every interview in a business suit. As you’re dressing to impress, keep the aesthetic of their brand in mind. If you’re not sure what to wear, business casual is always a safe bet.

Arrive Early

When I was in college, one of the best pieces of advice I ever got was, “the secret to not being late is to be early”. I’ll seriously never forget that. When leaving for an interview, it’s best to leave around 20 minutes earlier than you need to. This way, in the case you get stuck behind an accident, caught in unexpected traffic, or accidentally make a wrong turn, you will be able to make up for the lost time without becoming stressed out. The stress of possibly not being on time will only put you in a negative headspace which could affect your performance during the interview.

Being early also makes you look together and well-prepared. If you arrive early, you will be able to observe the office/site a bit and gage the dynamic among future colleagues. You will also likely get to meet more people and will have the time to fill out paperwork if need be, without cutting into actual interview time.

 

Be Cordial

This begins before you even arrive at the office. Be sure that you greet everyone; including the person at the door, people in the elevator, and the people you pass on the way to the interview room. You never know who you’re talking to or what connection the people you encounter have to the person interviewing you. The interactions you have prior to the interview can make or break the entire process. Remember, the interview starts before you even say anything.

 

Pay Attention to Your Body Language

Communication extends beyond just the things you say. Eye contact, posture, and the gestures you make will all make you appear both confident and refined. The interviewer wants to see someone with self-pride and eagerness for the position. That is why it is essential that you present yourself as credible without coming off as too uptight. When in the interview, be sure you are facing the person you are speaking with, are sitting tall, and that your facial expressions emanate that of someone who is engaged in the conversation. Also, don’t forget to have a firm handshake.

 

Come Prepared

There are many different components to this. Even though you know they already have your résumé, be sure to bring at least two extra copies in case they ask for another one to look over during the interview. Also, bring your portfolio of past work and a notebook to write down key information that they may tell you during the interview. This will make you stand out, as not many interviewees’ do this. Additionally, do your research on the company prior to the interview. Know who the executives are and what the company does outside of (what would be) your department. Keep in mind – there is no such thing is being over prepared, especially not for a position that you really want.

Ask Questions

If the person interviewing you says something that you don’t quite understand, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification or a little more detail. This shows that you are interested and will make the conversation more of a dialogue. At the end of the interview, when they ask if you have any questions; have at least a few questions you’re prepared to ask them. Ideally, these would be questions outside of when your start date would be or when you can expect to hear back from them. Ask a question about the company that isn’t stated on the website or something about the company culture. The company wants to hire someone who will be invested in them and their mission. Having questions at the end of the interview will indicate just that.

If you are currently in search of a new job, check out our opportunities here.

 

Don’t Think Details Matter in an Interview? Think Again

/in

If you’re interviewing for jobs, you likely have been told the “correct” answers you should give so as not to mess anything up for yourself. However, you might want to rethink some of that advice if you want to stand out in your interviewer’s mind. Here’s how to avoid giving vague interview answers:

Disguising a Strength as a Weakness-

Everyone knows that they’re “supposed to” disguise a strength as a weakness. However, everyone does this, so this answer is no longer relevant! To stand out, try giving a weakness you used to have; you can combat the negative stigma by telling them how you overcame it. This will show that you are honest, self-aware, and willing to try hard to fix your mistakes.

Not Being Specific about the Company-

If you aren’t specific enough about why you want to work at that company, you are hurting yourself in your interview. It’s easy enough to go into an interview and tell the interviewer that you want to work at that job because you want to make the world a better place. It’s harder (but much more impressive) to tell the interviewer that you want to work at that job because you admire the C.E.O. for the work she did while in Africa two years ago. Being specific about the job shows that you care.

Selling Yourself Short-

Don’t be vague about your skills, interests, or work history. Doing so means that you are selling yourself short, which is never good in an interview. You want to be specific with examples about what you are good at, because you may find that your interviewer is interested in using you for multiple skills.

If you are looking for a new job opportunity, whether short-term or long-term, contact Award Staffing. Our team of hiring professional located in Bloomington, Chaska, Crystal, Delano, Maplewood, and Ramsey Minnesota are here to help you find you your next new job!

Why You Should Customize Your Interview Questions

/in

When you’re interviewing potential candidates for a job, you need to see that they’re the right fit for that exact position. Usually, employers will use an interview as a way to gauge whether or not that particular employee is the right fit for the job. If you can, you should refrain from using boilerplate interview questions and here’s why:

You’ll Get Better Responses

It should go without saying that if you customize your interview questions, you’ll get better, more customized responses, which means that it will be easier to make comparisons between eligible candidates.

You’ll Be Able to See How They Respond in That Position

You can customize your interview questions so that your interviewees have to provide answers to real-life problems and solutions they would encounter if they were in that particular position. This is helpful because it allows you to gain a clearer picture of real skills and responses before making the financial commitment to hiring them.

They Will Be Able to Gauge Their Duties

When you customize the questions, the interviewee will be able to gauge their duties based off of what you’re asking them. This will make the interview process more of a double-selection because they will be inherently aware of what you’re asking them to do as part of their job duties. By customizing your interview questions, you truly will be able to find the candidate that is best suited for your company.

If you have written applicable interview questions for that particular position but need help finding candidates, contact Award Staffing. We will be able to help you find the best candidate for you based on your unique needs.

 

FINDING YOUR TALENT

Want to learn more about how Award Staffing can help your organization with your staffing and employment needs? Start by providing our team with a few pieces of information about yourself, and we will take care of the rest.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

The 5 Hardest Interview Questions that You’ll Ever Answer

/in

Many interviews have similarities in that the hiring manager or boss fundamentally wants to know the answer to some of the same questions. Therefore, regardless of where you’re interviewing, prepare answers to the following questions.

What’s Your Greatest Weakness?

This is a common question for a reason: employers genuinely want to know what your biggest weakness is, especially when it comes to you working for them. Prepare a genuine answer that isn’t a cop-out, but also show the steps you are taking overcome and turn it into a strength.

Why Did You Leave Your Last Job?

Bosses are always curious why you left your last job. Obviously, leaving a job that you were at for five years with glowing recommendations is a very different situation than leaving a job you were at for less than six months with not-so-great recommendations. The key, especially in the negative case, is to take responsibility and never bad mouth the previous employer or business.

What Do You Need from a Boss?

If your future boss or hiring manager asks you this question, it’s a good sign. The reason being is that they likely are concerned with you as a person and not just as a potential employee. Make sure to be honest here, because this may determine whether or not you are a good fit for the company.

Are You a People Person?

It’s okay if you aren’t a people person, but you do need to be honest in answering this question. The reason being is that your hiring manager may or may not recommend you for a different position depending on how you answer this question.

Why Do You Want to Work for This Company?

This is your chance to stand out from the other candidates. Too many job-seekers float through the process without really considering what company would be the best fit for them, which is a mistake. If you can give a good reason why you would be a good fit for that specific company, you will impress your hiring manager and give yourself a decent chance of getting the job.

If you’re looking for a new job, contact Award Staffing. We will be able to match you up with interviews in your area so you can get the job opportunity you want. We have offices located in Bloomington, Chaska, Crystal, Delano, Maplewood, and Ramsey Minnesota to help you with your job search today! Want to learn more career tips and tricks – check our When Work Works blog.

5 Tips to Prove to Minnesota Employers They Should Hire You

/in

When you start your job search in the Minneapolis – St Paul metro area, your primary goal is to show a prospective employer that you are the right person for their job. When you get that first interview more often than not, you will be asked with one of the hardest questions to answer: “Why should we hire you?”

Most job seekers hate this question, but there exists an excellent opportunity to show why you’re the best fit for the job and why they should hire you. Here are 5 of our industry secrets that will help you accurately answer this question:

Focus on the Benefits-

One common way of standing out when answer this question is to focus on how your skills and experience will benefit the company. This should be done by clearly establishing your enthusiasm for the type of work you would be doing in this job. Also, take some time to speak to this job would accomplish for your career while talking about how your skills are a benefit for the business. Be sure to talk about the advantages of hiring for both the company and you to ensure that you have the most significant impact.

Standout-

We often see that many Minnesota job seekers answer this question continually stating their skills and experiences over and over again. By doing this, you aren’t showing and telling the hiring manager anything new. Instead, use your knowledge of the company to show how you would be a great addition to their company. To do this effectively, it requires an extensive amount of research – it shows that you’re excited about the job and that you took extra time to learn more about the prospective company.

Be a Problem Solver-

Traditionally, Minnesota companies want to hire a new person because they have an issue that requires a solution. If you can show how you can provide a solution to some of their current problems, you give the hiring manager a preview of what the future of hiring you would look like.

Give Extra Details-

Sometimes an interview happens quickly, leaving you without a chance to discuss everything you have to offer. Maybe all the questions that a hiring manager asks are specifically targeted to specific skills; they are looking for a basic, concise response. Regardless, this question gives you an opportunity to go over details that you might not typically have the chance to go over, which will help you prove that you have everything it takes to be successful.

Be Passionate-

There are very few things impact on hiring managers decision to hire a candidate is if they are genuinely passionate about their work. If you are driven and sincerely enjoy the work the work that you, embrace those feelings. Be sure to communicate what about the job appeals to you and why that leaves you driven to succeed. This may be as simple as particular skills or responsibilities as well as a connection to the company’s culture.

By following the above industry secrets, you will be able to prove that you are the right person to hire for the job. If you are searching for a new job opportunity, the hiring team at Award Staffing can connect you with leading companies in the area. Contact us to see how our services can help you get ahead and get employers to hire you.

Here’s the One Question You Need to Ask at Work

/in

During your work life, you are almost guaranteed to encounter a work project that you do not want to do – which can send you into a panic. It doesn’t matter what the reason is; we often see with Minnesota jobs that employees don’t want to partake in a new project or task, not because they don’t want to – but instead because they are confused.

If this has ever happened to you at work, you are in luck – you are not the only one, and this isn’t the end of the world. A solution to avoid this scenario is merely asking the right question; you can get a lot of information without having to directly say that you are confused or not want to do something. Here’s what you need to ask when something at work confuses you.

What is the Greater Goal?

At first glance, this question doesn’t seem like it will give you the answers you directly, but believe it or not it is incredibly useful. Here is what asking this type of question does for you.

Making Connections-

First and foremost, asking this question makes you look like you are actively trying to make connections on how your job fits into the bigger picture of the company. Ultimately this shows your co-workers, boss, and company that you are someone who is continually thinking about the long-term and overall value.

Creating Conversation-

Secondly, it opens an opportunity for conversation with critical individuals in the company to help you to gain essential insights.

In most instances,  managers take time to consider this question before responding. What you are doing is asking you leaders to context to the purpose of the project. If your manager doesn’t entirely know what the greater goal is, it will make your unwillingness to work on the seem appropriate. If this happens, then you have room to ask more questions, giving the opportunity for conversation that helps provide you with expectations or priority.

How This Question Helps-

This one question gives you the chance to understand better why the project is essential to your company. Once you know how it contributes to the larger goal of the company, you may find that getting on-board with something isn’t as challenging.

This approach ultimately helps you make better and well-informed decisions – helping you understand what aligns best with the higher goal of you and the organization.

Are you actively trying to discover the right job opportunity for yourself? Let our hiring team help you gain the clarity you need to find the best job that fits your experiences, skills, and goals. Contact our team today to start your job search in Minneapolis – St Paul metro areas. Looking for others topics of When Work Works – visit or blog for more career tips and tricks.