Recruiter Roundtable: The 'Weakness' Question

Tips for Handling One of the Worst Interview Questions

by Yahoo! HotJobs

The Recruiter Roundtable is a monthly feature that collects career and job-seeking advice from a group of recruiting experts throughout the United States. The question we put before our panel this month is:

Being asked about one's own "biggest weaknesses" in a job interview is considered (by many job-seekers, at least) one of the worst interview questions. Do you ask candidates this, and how would you recommend candidates answer this question in a job interview without being phony?

Be Upfront

There are times when I ask job candidates this question. It's not that I want to nitpick or make people feel uncomfortable, but rather I want to see in which areas they feel they need to improve and what they are doing about it. In order to advance professionally, we all need to be able to honestly identify not just our strengths but also our weaknesses and how we can upgrade in these areas.

I recommend that job candidates be upfront during interviews. Don't say you have "no weaknesses" or "work too hard." Instead, tell hiring managers what you are working on improving and what you've done to build your skills in these areas.

One thing to keep in mind: If one of your weaknesses is directly related to the position and could potentially take you out of the running, the opportunity may not be right for you.

-- DeLynn Senna, executive director of North American permanent placement services, Robert Half International

Let the Job Description Guide You

First, make sure you truly understand the job duties before the interview starts. Match the job duties with your strengths. What is a strength you have that someone may consider as a weakness?

For example, if you apply to a sales job, your weakness could be "not quick to close": "I really take a lot of time to listen to a customer before I provide recommendations. A lot of sales people are quick to answer, but I spend time making sure I understand the customer's needs." Sales people need to be good listeners although they don't always come across that way.

Another example is if you applied to a very detail-oriented job, your weakness is you are a perfectionist. The hiring manager needs someone that pays close attention to the little things.

In summary, a weakness on one hand is a strength on the other.

-- Amanda Mertz, lead recruiter, Wells Fargo Home and Consumer Finance Group

Will It Match Your References?

The importance of this question is often not the candidate's answer per se, but whether or not the candidate's references respond in a similar manner. In short, it is a way for employers to assess the candidate's awareness of his or her own strengths and weaknesses.

-- Yves Lermusi, CEO, Checkster

Choose Wisely

This is definitely a popular question that we often ask, and a lot of our clients also like to include when interviewing candidates. While "weakness" is a harsh word, remember that nobody is perfect, and we all have areas of development that we need to work on.

Employers are cognizant of this and ask the question for two reasons -- first, to make sure your weakness isn't a skill they need someone to have mastery of immediately, and second, to see how you handle yourself under pressure and when asked tough questions.

We advise our candidates to be honest and focus on a weakness that is not one of the top three qualities required for the job. Also, be sure to describe how you've already taken steps and made strides in strengthening this skill, showing your ability and desire to constantly learn and grow.

-- Kathy Gans, Senior Vice President, Ajilon Professional Staffing

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How to Fare Well at a Job Fair

by Clea Badion, Robert Half International


What do you think of when you hear the phrase "job fair"? If laminated name tags, free pens and handing out countless resumes come to mind, you're not alone. Career fairs can be overwhelming. After all, how are you supposed to distinguish yourself from a crowd of hundreds of other job seekers?

It all comes down to preparation. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your time on the job fair floor:

Focus on quality over quantity. The most daunting part of a career fair can be the sheer number of employers attending. While handing out dozens of resumes may feel like an accomplishment, you'll have a better chance of landing an interview by narrowing the field to a more manageable amount -- perhaps five to 10 potential employers who appeal to you.

Spend time before the fair researching the firms that will attend by visiting their websites and reading relevant articles about them. Being well-versed in a firm's products or services, competitors, and mission will help you make a positive impression on the hiring manager from each company. For bonus points, call the companies you're interested in and find out the name of the person attending the job fair. Then you can write a cover letter to that individual and hand it to him or her, along with your resume.

Dress for success. It may be tempting to show up at a recruiter's booth in shorts, flip-flops and a tank top. After all, it's not like you're actually interviewing with the company, right? Wrong. Demonstrate your professionalism by dressing as though you had been invited to a job interview by wearing a business suit. Also keep in mind that your social skills are on display at the fair: Be friendly, make eye contact with recruiters, and offer a firm handshake.

Hone your pitch. When you meet with a recruiter at a job fair, you want to be prepared. Create a 30-second overview of your skills, accomplishments and career goals. Your pre-fair research should help you craft a targeted pitch and compose questions about a specific company or position. This is your opportunity to talk about how you can benefit a potential employer.

Follow up. After the event, send a thank-you note to everyone you met. Remind them of your relevant skills and interest in the job. If you jotted down some notes during your interview, use them to tailor your message.

Go virtual. If a traditional job fair seems daunting, try a virtual one. Virtual career fairs are held online and are becoming more popular. Job seekers and employers communicate via e-mail and instant messaging. The same rules apply to virtual job fairs: You need to prepare, target specific employers and be professional.

Though attending a career fair won't guarantee that you'll find a new job, participating in one can bring you one step closer to your goal. At the very least, you'll be able to practice your self-promotion skills and hone your job-search strategies.

Robert Half International is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 360 offices worldwide. For more information about our professional services, please visit rhi.com. For additional workplace articles and podcasts, visit workvine.com.

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Career Lessons You Can Learn From Reality TV

by Doug White, Robert Half International


On the new reality TV show "America's Toughest Jobs," people with everyday careers leave behind the safe confines of their traditional workplaces to tackle some truly challenging assignments. The contestants, including an administrative assistant, an investment banker, and a sales representative, among others, bravely take on some of the most dangerous, demanding, and dirty jobs imaginable.

The likely lesson viewers will take away from this series: "Maybe my job isn't so bad after all." But this isn't the only pearl of career wisdom you can gain by tuning into reality TV. Here are a few more:

Start off on the Right Foot

They say you never get a second chance to make a first impression. This adage rings true in both the reality TV and business worlds. In the opening episode of "The Bachelor" and "The Bachelorette," for instance, contestants vie for a "first impression rose" based on their appearance and a few moments of introductory chitchat. Those with lackluster debuts are the first to go.

While you won't receive flowers from interviewers for demonstrating poise and professionalism, it is still critical to win over hiring managers early. In a Robert Half International survey, executives said it takes them just 10 minutes to form an opinion of a job seeker.

Help your cause by dressing professionally to an interview, having a positive attitude, and showing that you've done your homework by researching the prospective employer before the meeting.

Accept Criticism With Class

Tension makes for great television. That's why reality shows feature sharp-tongued judges and contestants who respond to criticism by arguing and blaming poor performances on everyone but themselves.

But when it comes to the real world, being combative and shirking responsibility are surefire ways to damage your career prospects and professional reputation. While receiving a less-than-glowing appraisal of your work from your manager isn't easy, try to learn from the feedback instead of becoming defensive.

Keep in mind that most critiques are intended to help you grow and improve. And keep your head up. Don't allow one letdown to overshadow all the past praise and successes you've enjoyed.

Strengthen Your Time-Management Skills

Tough tasks with nearly impossible deadlines also are staples of reality TV. And the people who tend to fare best on competition shows such as "Project Runway," "Top Chef," and "The Amazing Race" are the ones who are smart and strategic about managing their time. They know the deadline, prioritize their tasks, and don't allow themselves to get sidetracked.

As reality TV shows indicate, raw talent and creativity are key components to success, but so is making good use of the clock and keeping cool under pressure. It's also advantageous to pad your schedule so you can handle any surprises that arise. If your workload seems too high to manage, speak to your supervisor about pushing some tasks to the back burner or delegating assignments to ensure you are able to complete the most critical tasks.

Finally, play fair and build rapport with others. Sure, the good guys don't always win on TV, but more often than not, it's the affable, team-oriented employees who come out on top.

Robert Half International is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 360 offices worldwide. For more information about our professional services, please visit rhi.com. For additional workplace articles and podcasts, visit workvine.com.

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Finding the Right Match

How Dating Lessons Can Apply to Your Job Search
by Marc Hertz, The Creative Group


If you're in the middle of a job search, a change of perspective might help you gain the edge you need to secure a new opportunity. One approach to consider: Think of the process like dating.

From wooing a potential employer to the nervousness of the first face-to-face meeting, dating and searching for a job may have more in common than you think. Here are a few similarities between the two and what you can learn from them:

Play the odds. Much like dating, the job search is a numbers game. The more you "advertise" yourself, the better your chances of finding a match. Tell everyone you know when hunting for a new position. Also, consider where you can meet new contacts. That includes many of the same places you might look for a date, like the gym, grocery store or even at your dentist's office. You never know where you will meet someone who could assist you.

And don't forget about the Web. In a survey by our company, nearly two-thirds of executives said professional networking sites -- such as LinkedIn -- will prove useful in their recruiting efforts over the next three years.

Don't be afraid to follow up. One of the biggest hurdles daters face is knowing when to follow up with someone they just met. The same thought may go through your head once you submit your resume to a potential employer. Instead of allowing yourself to get tied up in knots, be proactive.

According to another survey by our company, 82 percent of executives polled said that job seekers should contact hiring managers within two weeks of submitting application materials. By doing so, you'll be able to reaffirm your interest in the position and judge your status.

Put your best foot forward. For all intents and purposes, an interview is a first date. You're trying to impress a hiring manager and convince him or her to see you again. By arriving to the interview ahead of time, dressing in a professional manner and having thought about your answers to typical questions, you can show the person that you're serious about the position and are a strong candidate.

Most importantly, like dating advice you've probably received in the past, the best strategy is to be yourself. Disguising your personality won't help you -- or the hiring manager -- determine if the opportunity is right for you.

Assess the other party. Part of your mission while on a date is getting a sense of what that the other person is like. The same is true of a job interview. Research the firm ahead of time so you can come with questions about the company, its culture and the position. For example, what is the firm's long-term outlook? How common is it for employees to work on the weekend? What are the growth prospects like? The hiring manager's answers will help you identify any incompatibilities or determine that you've found the right match.

A final word of advice, whether you're looking for your soul mate or a job: Keep a positive attitude. Both searches can prove frustrating and take longer than you expect. But it's worth the time and effort when you find the right match.


The Creative Group is a specialized staffing service placing creative, advertising, marketing and web professionals with a variety of firms on a project basis. For more information, visit creativegroup.com.

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The Election's Lessons for Your Next Job Interview

5 Do's and Don'ts from the 2008 Presidential Race
by Heather Boerner, Yahoo! HotJobs


The U.S. presidential race is the nation's largest job interview, and we're all the hiring managers. So in this historic election year, what can job seekers learn from Senators Barack Obama and John McCain? A lot -- both about what works in an interview and what might cost you the job.

Consider these tips from the campaign trail:

Do know your talking points.
One thing McCain and Obama have done well this campaign is know who they are and how to share it with the public through talking points.

"The lesson for job interviewees is to stay on message," says Thom Singer, author of "Some Assembly Required: How to Make, Grow and Keep Your Business Relationships." "Know in advance what you want to tell the person interviewing you."

What are your strengths? What's your passion? Know your answers and pepper them throughout the interview.

Do practice speaking skills.
Poorly spoken people rarely become president.

Even if your job doesn't require much talking, the interview will. Take a tip from Sen. Obama, who transformed his bureaucratic speaking style years ago into today's soaring oratory.

"By the time you get to the interview, the interviewer has already determined that you're qualified for the job, or you wouldn't be there," says career coach Cheryl Palmer. "The more you can make a personal connection, the more you demonstrate that you will be able to walk into the job and contribute, the more chance you have of getting the job."

Do keep it concise.
There's a reason debates limit candidates' response times to two minutes.

"Usually two minutes is sufficient to answer a question," says Palmer. "More than that and you're probably going to give the interviewer more information than she wants. Significantly less and you are probably not providing enough information."

Don't assume one answer fits all.
Sen. McCain doesn't give the same speech to veterans and businessmen. Your interviews aren't interchangeable, either. Research the company's website for its mission statement, press releases and strategic plan, and tailor your talking points.

"A common interview question is, 'What do you know about our company?'" says Palmer. "Candidate A might say, 'I was hoping you could tell me more.' If Candidate B says, 'I know this company is working on XYZ initiative. I was wondering how this position fits in with that initiative,' right off the bat, the interviewer is going to see that Candidate A needs a job, any job, but candidate B wants this job at this company."

Don't manipulate.
Want the job badly? Keep it honest.

"If you fake it, someone always gets caught," warns Singer. Instead, ask yourself these questions from Jamie and Maren Showkeir, coauthors of "Authentic Conversations: Moving from Manipulation to Truth and Commitment":

* Are you complimenting that family photo because you mean it or because you want to get in good with the manager? The manager is likely to tell that you're trying to suck up and tune out.

* Are you desperate? "The more you want the job, the more likely you are to engage in over promising, spinning or overstating your accomplishments," says Jamie Showkeir.

If necessary, mention at the outset that you think the job is a good fit and you're a little nervous. That way, you acknowledge the elephant in the room and you're free to be honest and make a connection with the interviewer.

The good news? The more honest you are, says Jamie Showkeir, the more likely you are to get the right job for you.

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Job-Search Tips for Older Workers

by Joe Turner, for Yahoo! HotJobs


Does age bias exist in the hiring process today? That's a tricky question, as it's often hard to prove. Nonetheless, many mature workers seem to face more of an uphill battle today when competing against candidates from Gen X and Gen Y.

Here are five pointers for those job hunters who may have a few years under their belts.

1. Change Your Mindset

Remind yourself that you're experienced, not old. You're seasoned, not over-the-hill. You're here-and-now, not history. It's all about spin and reframing. If you have any doubts, just watch the presidential campaign.

The latest recession has created a lot of employment casualties and anxiety. But there's hope. Just because you're an older worker doesn't mean you're permanently sidelined. We may not all agree on which candidate would make the better president, but we can all agree that today's job market is tough, challenging and competitive. You can win in any job market with a can-do attitude and by powering up the tools you use to find a good job.

2. Go on the Offensive

You may be an older worker, but you're not stupid, and you're not dead. Use your savvy to sell against youth and experience. Heck, John McCain did it. Why not you? There are benefits to being older, like having wisdom and common sense, and a long work record of accomplishments. Sell your track record.

During the interview, take advantage of your lengthy work history. Remember when you were fresh out of school and had no experience? It's hard breaking into a career or getting a job without experience. Aren't you glad you're not in that position anymore? Appreciate being on the other end of the spectrum now, and turn your age into an advantage. Start by seeing your age as a strength and an asset.

3. Wear Just One Hat

Focus only on the job title for which you're applying. Tell them what they want to know and nothing more. Most likely you've worn many different hats during your career. If your duties and experiences from some of your previous positions don't address the job title's requirements, don't emphasize them. In fact, get them off your resume entirely if you can, as it will only give employers another reason to screen you out and you don't want that.

Your experience is your story. Tell it your way. Magnify only the aspects of your background that are relevant to your target objective. You want to focus your resume to reflect yourself in the most positive, powerful ways possible.

4. Modify Your Resume

Take another look at your resume. Ask, "Would I hire myself for this position?" You can't do anything about your age, and you can't change the cultural and employment biases against older workers. But you can stack the job hunting deck in your favor by reworking your resume to emphasize your strengths. Spin your story in your favor. Make sure everything on it relates in some way to your desired job objective.

Drop old work history from your resume. You generally shouldn't need to show more than 10 years' work history. Any prior work is most likely irrelevant now, bores the reader, and emphasizes your age. Remove obvious road markers, like dates. For example, remove college degree dates and other older professional training dates that may go back more than a few years. Of course you've been around a while, but you don't have to shine a flashing light on this.

5. Sell Results

Here's the most important tip of all: Hiring managers today are looking for results, not years. Talk the language that an employer understands and appreciates, which is Return-on-Investment. Instead of citing 20 years of experience, identify your benefits to the employer and put them into monetary terms as much as possible. Back up your accomplishments with facts that are benefit-based. Sell them from the perspective of the end result of your work, and how it positively impacted your present and previous employers.

Money talks, and it talks rather loudly. As an employee, you either make money or save money for your employer. If the hiring manager doesn't see your value in one of these two categories, then you don't want to work for this company. In this recession, if the company isn't concerned about its bottom line, then it may not be around for long, and isn't a viable option for you anyway. Get as close to money as you possibly can in the language of your accomplishments and list them on your resume.

As a recruiter, Joe Turner has spent the past 15 years finding and placing top candidates in some of the best jobs of their careers. Author of "Job Search Secrets Unlocked and Paycheck 911," Joe has interviewed on radio talk shows and offers free insider job search secrets at jobchangesecrets.com.

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How to Bounce Back from Rejections

by the editors at Experience.com


If you've gotten to this stage of the game without ever facing rejection -- let's just say you're one of the lucky ones. If you have received the dreaded rejection letter, find out how to pick yourself up and turn it around.

"Dear Applicant. ... We would like to thank you ... though we regret to inform you ... many qualified applicants ... resume on file ... we wish you luck in your professional endeavors."

Regardless of how many times you've shaken off (or wept away) a "thanks, but no thanks," healing a bruised ego never comes easily. Here are a few strategies for picking yourself up and nursing that ego back to health.

Rejection Letter Voodoo
The truth is, everyone faces rejection. The sooner you can feel part of a greater band of "rejects," the easier it is to cope. If you live with roommates who are also searching for employment, consider tacking rejection letters on the living room wall. Your collection will provide a good backdrop for future dart games and art projects.

Try, Try Again
Remember that it's all a numbers game. If you send out more cover letters, make more contacts, fill out more applications, you increase your chances of meeting success. Though it's best to research companies and find job opportunities that truly interest you, try not to limit yourself to one or two employers. If you have feelers out at more than a few companies, then no single rejection letter will feel as fatal.

Learn From Each Interview
The phone rings. It's the woman you interviewed with last Tuesday for the research associate position at that amazing biotech firm. She's calling to tell you that she offered the position to somebody else -- and that it was so nice to meet you during the interview.

You can say, "Oh, thanks for calling," and hang up, but all that will get you is a resounding sense of disappointment. While it's difficult to muster the composure to ask what additional qualifications set apart the other applicant who got the job, you might as well take something positive away from this experience. You already don't have the job; what do you have to lose?

We're not suggesting you burn any bridges -- you never know when another position within the company will open up -- only that you politely ask if your interviewer would offer you any advice for the future. Ask if there is anything that would have improved your interview performance or any other job skills you could strengthen. If you don't feel comfortable confronting your interviewer on the phone, consider a follow-up letter or email.

When All Else Fails
Try to remember that failure is both a learning process and a character-building experience. For now: take a long walk, buy an ice cream cone, or call a good friend who will tell you how wonderful you are, and why you really didn't want that job anyway. And don't forget to check with your school's career center or other resources for additional help.

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'Joe the Plumber' and Middle-Class Paychecks

A Closer Look at Salary Data and the Economic Squeeze
by Kristina Cowan, PayScale.com


Joe Wurzelbacher is getting his 15 minutes of fame and raising questions about what it means to be "middle class."

Better known as "Joe the Plumber," he stepped into the limelight earlier this month when he asked Sen. Barack Obama, the Democratic contender for the White House, about his tax plan.

According to a New York Times story, Wurzelbacher asked Obama if he believed in the American dream, and voiced concern about having to pay higher taxes as a small-business owner. "I'm getting ready to buy a company that makes $250,000 to $280,000 a year," he told Obama. "Your new tax plan is going to tax me more, isn't it?" Obama gave a lengthy response, toward the end saying, "I think that when you spread the wealth around, it's good for everybody."

According to a New York Times breakdown of the candidates' tax plans, Obama would repeal the Bush tax cuts for households earning more than $250,000, extend middle-class cuts, like the $1,000 child tax credit and the marriage penalty relief, and triple the earned income tax credit for workers earning minimum wage. McCain would make permanent nearly all of Bush's tax cuts, increase $3,500 personal exemption for dependents by $500 a year, until it reaches $7,000 in 2016, and offer the option to pay taxes under a simplified code with only two tax rates.

So what do the plans mean for middle-class workers like Wurzelbacher? Tax analysts in a NYT article said neither Wurzelbacher's personal taxes nor those of his business would be likely to rise under Obama's tax plan. However, a NYT graphic in the same story illustrates that the tax bill of a plumber in a situation similar to Wurzelbacher's would be slightly less under McCain's plan -- $20,468 -- compared to $21,068 under the Obama plan, assuming no retirement contributions.

Defining the Middle Class

Despite campaign rhetoric and political squabbling, Joe the Plumber is raising bigger questions: How do we define middle class? The middle class is obviously squeezed, but why?

There's no standard definition for middle class, according to FactCheck.org, but in opinion polls, a vast majority of Americans say they're "middle class" or "upper-middle class," or "working class"; very few consider themselves "lower class" or "upper class."

"The middle class in America is much wider and deeper than most people suspect," says Al Lee, PayScale's director of quantitative analysis. "The interesting thing is that a wide range of challenging and respected professions offer middle-class compensation."

Here are several tables reflecting PayScale data on the pay earned in typical middle-class jobs, as well as jobs where most employees make more than $250,000/year:

Typical Middle-Class Jobs in Battleground States, and What They Pay

Job/State/Average Pay/Top Earners' Pay
Plumber - Ohio - $47,500 - $81,700
Plumber - Florida - $54,800 - $111,900
Plumber - Colorado - $54,900 - $94,200
Registered Nurse - Ohio - $60,200 - $78,200
Registered Nurse - Florida - $62,800 - $87,200
Registered Nurse - Colorado - $68,900 - $90,200
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) - Ohio - $69,700 - $122,600
CPA - Florida - $76,900 - $138,200
CPA - Colorado - $67,600 - $134,300
Mechanical Engineer - Ohio - $78,800 - $111,100
Mechanical Engineer - Florida - $82,000 - $110,100
Mechanical Engineer - Colorado - $89,400 - $125,100

If you define middle class as those workers making less than $250,000 annually, the following are jobs that some may be surprised to find fall into the middle class bucket, on average.

National Pay Averages of Surprising Middle-Class Jobs

Job/Average Pay/Top Earners' Pay
Corporate Attorney - $141,000 - $357,000
Pediatrician - $151,000 - $239,000
Vice President, Operations* - $153,000 - $276,000
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)* - $167,000 - $302,000

*at a company with approximately 500 employees

So, who are the people who make up the upper class -- those earning $250,000 or more annually? Here is just a sampling:

National Pay Averages of Jobs Typically Earning Over $250,000/Year

Job/Average Pay/Top Earners' Pay
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)* - $251,000 - $576,500
Accounting Firm Partner++ - $267,600 - $457,700
Cardiologist - $270,500 - $429,700
Surgeon (all types) - $298,000 - $574,200

* at a company with approximately 500 employees
++ at 50 or more partners in firm

It's About More Than Taxes

Joe the Plumber seems like the average middle-class American -- working to provide for his family and pay the bills, concerned about his future finances and whether they'll improve.

His concerns about the American dream and his finances are reflecting the middle-class squeeze, which is about more than taxes. People are feeling squeezed because the traditional cornerstones of middle-class life are crumbling, says a report by American Human Development: wages in the middle have stagnated or fallen, while those at the top are soaring; job security has disappeared, the real-estate market has tanked, and public education is expensive. It's not excessive consumption by the middle class that's causing the problems, but the increasing costs of necessities (housing, food, energy, health care) coupled with stagnant wages, the report explains.

For example, median household income, which is $48,200, is down about $1,175 since 2000, while mortgage payments are up $1,730, gas bills are up $2,195, and utilities and food are up $330. To get by, more Americans -- particularly women -- are working, they're working longer hours, and they're accruing massive debt to finance their increasingly expensive existences. Millions are also doing without health care, skipping doctor visits and tapping into their retirement plans.

Easing the squeeze won't come easily. The more public debate we have about the issues causing middle-class angst, the better -- whether it's in the context of Joe the Plumber or not.

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Will Your Job Last? A Recession Checklist for Your Career

by Bob Rosner and Sherrie Campbell, PayScale.com


When the economy takes a nosedive, it's normal to feel concerned about your career. But, how real are those concerns based on your specific job and company? Though the unemployment rate is certainly on the rise and the financial market is beyond volatile, not every company is planning on layoffs or headed toward bankruptcy.

Rather than worrying about all of the possible doom-and-gloom scenarios, it's best to get a clear picture of where you and your company actually stand.

Here are some tips for checking the vital signs of your company and yourself during an economic recession:

Check Your Company and Department

Asking you to study your company can seem like a request for unpaid overtime, but this exercise can pay more than time-and-a-half. You work hard, but how much effort do you put into getting an independent view of your company? Do you ask hard questions about the direction competitors or customers may head in the future?

* Research your company. Most of us take our company's solvency for granted. You can't afford to do that during a recession. Dedicate an hour each week to taking your company's pulse. If your company is publicly traded, take stock in how it's doing. Call a broker and utilize the free phone consultation, if they offer it, to ask direct questions about your company and its future prospects. Or, go online and look at the free research information provided by online brokers. If your company isn't quite so public, keep in contact with vendors and make sure they're being paid on time.

* Do department due diligence. When Microsoft was booming, they announced a layoff of people in their floppy disk division. Even growing companies have parts of the organization that aren't keeping pace. Be sure that you don't get stuck in your company's dying floppy division, or its equivalent. Look for opportunities to get to know people in strongest departments by serving on task forces or just networking on your own time.

* Watch for game-changers. In sports, a game-changer is something that changes the entire direction of a game. At work game-changers can be a huge new competitor, a new piece of legislation that will directly affect your business or a competitor getting bought by a bigger player. When preparing for a recession, follow business news on the Web, network within your industry and talk to colleagues who are in the know.


Check Geography

In retail the mantra is "location, location, location." However, this mantra might be even more relevant for your career during a recession. There are always some regions that are less hard hit by tough times. That's why it's important to keep your eyes on the other parts of the country to see if there are, indeed, greener pastures out there for your career.

* Take a geography quiz. Read business sections of different local newspapers. Read national stories talking about different regions. See if you can make a friend in sales who can tell you if sales in another part of the country are doing better than in your backyard.

* Check out the cost of living. You can make geography work for you by exploring parts of the country that are much cheaper places to live. PayScale's Cost of Living Calculator is a great tool to use to see if there is a region that will leave more cash in your pocket each month.

* Telecommute. Work at a company based in a region that is faring well while living in a city with a lower cost of living. Many people live thousands of miles from their office. And, many companies realize that it's cheaper to have a person work from home. They don't have to give that employee a desk, office space, etc. Explore your options.

Check Your Own Career Vital Signs

Do you like, love, or just plain hate your job? If the answer is "hate" and you're hoping to make a move, be proactive. Don't wait for your company to make the decision for you. Don't stop working toward your career goals during an economic recession. Those goals are just as important now as they were before the economy took a turn for the worse.

* Get happy. Next time you are at a party listen to yourself talk when someone asks you how work is going. Do you get excited like this is a vital part of your life? Or, do you sound like you are talking about someone who died? Another way to take your own temperature is to make a list of the things you like about your job and the things you don't like. If the list of things you don't like dwarfs the list of likes, it's probably time to start looking for new opportunities.

* Talk to people about their jobs. The best way to do this is through "informational interviews." This is where you talk to people who actually do a job that intrigues you. The goal is not to get hired but to get a first-hand glimpse of what it is like to actually do the job that interests you. Ask people what they like, what they don't like and if there are other people you should talk to.

* Get better. Most of us have access to corporate training programs, conferences, etc. But we're all so busy that we tend to put them on the back burner. While preparing for a recession, it's important to make the commitment to continually expand your skills. So, on a regular basis (monthly or quarterly) look to develop your expertise. If your company won't support the effort, look for online education opportunities that will give you more options in the future.

Bob Rosner and Sherrie Campbell author the weekly internationally-syndicated workplace911 column. Bob's a best-selling author and award-winning journalist. Sherrie's a work relations expert and award-winning comedian. Together they offer 12 years of quick, intuitive and humorous column responses on their workplace911.com website.

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How to Work in Health Care Without Being a Caregiver

by Caroline M.L. Potter, Yahoo! HotJobs


While much of the economy falters, the health-care sector remains hot. Why? According to George Rainer, vice president of human resources for Winthrop University Hospital in Mineola, New York, "Health care isn't completely recession-proof, but it's certainly more so than other industries. People get sick, and we have to be here to take care of them -- no matter what the economy looks like."

But what if a career as a hands-on caregiver, such as a physician or nurse, isn't right for you? There are still ways to build a successful career at a medical center near you.

A City Within a City

Rainer, who has worked at Winthrop for 20 years, says, "What a lot of people are unaware of is that hospitals are really small cities. They have just about every job imaginable within the four walls." His colleague Karin Weisenberger, R.N., senior director of human resources, concurs: "We have so many nonclinical positions here, many of which don't require degrees, in service areas as well as clerical positions throughout the hospital. And there are many nonclinical positions in admitting and billing."

There are professional-level positions, too, in administration, education, fundraising, legal, marketing, operations, and quality assurance as well as finance. "Most hospitals have large accounting departments, and it's not always essential to have direct health-care experience," points out Rainer, who was downsized out of a job with one of New York's largest banks in tough economic times two decades ago.

A Matter of Degrees

Because of the array of opportunities at most hospitals, there's a place for holders of a variety of professional degrees. A degree specifically focused on health care, but not caregiving can help you get ahead. Weisenberger notes, "Administrators for most departments have a clinical degree and perhaps a degree in health administration or public health. But you'll also find practice managers at our outpatient facilities who have MBAs or degrees in public health administration."

She also reveals, "We have programs here at our hospital for people in nonclinical positions to go back to school and earn clinical degrees. And some of our nurses are now pursuing nonclinical positions through administrative degrees."

Adds Rainer, "There is a very high emphasis on continuing education when you work in health care."

The Rewards

Working in a hospital isn't right for everyone, but its challenges are far outweighed by its rewards. In addition to stability, there's the "feel-good factor" you'll experience every day. Says Rainer, "There's an intrinsic reward you get from being in the business of helping people. I rarely have patient contact, but I still enjoy the feeling of knowing I am helping people indirectly."

Weisenberger, who's also a trained critical care nurse, says, "I really love my job!" And while you may not be able to snag her precise position, she and Rainer agree that there are no unimportant jobs at any hospital. "Every person here carries a lot of responsibility because nothing must go wrong, whether you're in hospitality, engineering, or in the operating room. There's always an emphasis on quality," Ranier says.

Hiring Hints

You can search Yahoo! HotJobs for jobs at area hospitals, visit each medical center's career section on its website, or peruse newspaper ads for openings. But what if you don't see an opportunity that fits your qualifications? Rainer advises job seekers to drop their resumes off in person at a hospital's human resources department. "HR receptionists are able to pick out people who are a cut above the rest, so there's a higher likelihood that you'll get attention."

Weisenberger, a Winthrop employee for nine years, urges interested candidates to attend local health-care job fairs. "Look in your major local papers, such as The New York Times, for health-care job fairs and see if the hospital you're interested in will be there. Go and you'll have a better chance of getting the ear of someone you might not have had the opportunity to meet at the HR department," she urges.

Also, consider volunteering at a hospital first to see if it's right for you and to stand out as an applicant. Rainer says, "When people volunteer, it's a good indication that they're a cut above other applicants, that they're going above and beyond. We're trying to find those people, the ones who are willing to make a difference."

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Acing the Panel Interview

by Marc Hertz, Robert Half International


Meeting with one hiring manager is enough to make most job seekers nervous. But what about when you have to face a panel of interviewers? The panel interview has become increasingly popular as employers search for ways to better evaluate prospective hires and ensure those they bring aboard will be successful.

The inherent differences between a panel interview and a typical one mean you may have to learn new strategies to succeed. Following are a few tactics that can help set you apart from other job hopefuls during a panel interview:

Plan ahead. Because you'll be talking with multiple people, try to learn as much as you can about each person. Ask the hiring manager who you'll be meeting with and what positions they hold. Search online to learn about each person's background. One of the interviewers may have published an article in an industry publication, for example, or he or she may have a LinkedIn account you can peruse. This information will help you better understand each person's frame of reference and the chain of command within the company.

Gauge your audience. If you aren't able to learn about who you're meeting with beforehand, do your best to work with the information the hiring manager gives you when you arrive for the interview. For example, if you find out you're meeting with someone in the human resources department, the hiring manager and a vice president, you may want to give more attention to the VP. Observing how people interact with one another can help. If it's obvious that everyone is deferring to one person, make it a point to answer that person's questions with particular care. That said, you should include all of the participants. If one of the interviewers seems like the wallflower of the group, go out of your way to ask if that person has any questions. You want to make a positive impression on everyone, and you never know who makes the final hiring decision.

Consider eye contact. There's a natural tendency to focus your gaze on the person who asked you a question, but by doing so, you'll exclude everyone else. While you should concentrate on the person you're responding to, don't forget to look at the others while answering as well.

Remember everyone's name. At the start of the discussion, jot down the name of each interviewer so you can refer to everyone correctly during the course of the discussion. One of the biggest faux pas you can make is calling an interviewer by the wrong name or forgetting it completely.

Be cool. One of the employer's main goals during a panel interview is to determine how you react under pressure. Though it can be extremely nerve-racking to be under the gaze of several hiring managers at once, do your best to remain calm and collected. Take a moment or two to compose yourself and prepare an answer before responding to questions, and avoid the temptation to over-respond. Also, keep tabs on any nervous habits you have -- foot tapping, for example -- that may betray your poised exterior.

Follow up. It's always smart to send a thank-you note after an interview, but what do you do after meeting with multiple people? If you were able to collect business cards, you'll have each person's contact information. If that opportunity didn't present itself, get in touch with your initial contact and ask for everyone else's e-mail address. Instead of sending one message to multiple people, write an individual note to each interviewer about how much you enjoyed meeting him or her while expressing your continued interest in the position.

A panel interview can be intimidating, but by taking the time to prepare, you give yourself a much better chance at success.

Robert Half International is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 360 offices worldwide. For more information about our professional services, please visit rhi.com. For additional workplace articles and podcasts, visit workvine.com.

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