Unemployment Blues: Staying Afloat<
> 10 Questions an Interviewer May Ask

Once upon a time job interviews were comprised of a conversation between interviewer and interviewee and based on this conversation, the job seeker was either hired or sent on their way. Within the context of this conversation, questions were asked, but today much of the conversation has disappeared as more and more interviewers are using custom made interview forms. Some of the questions you may encounter include:

1. What is your greatest strength?

2. What is your greatest weakness?

3. Why did you leave your last job?

4. What did you like most about your last job?

5. What did you like least about your last job?

6. How did you solve a problem regarding an angry or dissatisfied customer?

7. How do you handle stress?

8. What would your previous co-workers say about you?

9. Give an example of your ability to make decisions under pressure.

10. Why do you want to work for this company?

There are many variations on the above questions but most of these are pretty standard. Of course, work experience is a given and some employers want to know if you smoke. Often, employers ask questions they are not supposed to ask but it is usually career suicide if you bring up that fact.

The best thing you can do to prepare yourself for any interview is to find out everything you can about the company you are applying for. In addition, make sure you have all the dates clear as to where you worked and how long you worked there. Even if you have already sent a resume take one to the interview with you so that you can glance at it if you need to. Above all, be on time and be prepared!
Starting a New Career

Starting a new career can be a daunting venture, especially when you have acquired a lifetime’s worth of financial responsibilities and obligations. Nothing, however, is impossible, no matter how strapped for time and money you are currently. All it takes is a well thought out plan and diligence and you can soon be starting a new career.

First, think very seriously about what you want to do. Why have you chosen this new career? Is it completely different from what you are doing now? Are there aspects of your current job that apply to your new career as far as contacts, experience, or education? Does this new career require learning a whole new skill set and industry or is it a matter of upgrading your education to the next level? Make a list of all the assets you already possess that you can bring to a new career. Include personal skills and qualifications as well as natural instincts and inclinations. Some things can’t be taught and if you have a natural predilection for the skills needed for your new career, this may take you further than you think.

Next, determine the steps you will need to take in order to arrive at a position in your new career. To help you do this, talk to people currently working the job you have chosen. How did they get where they are? Would they have done anything differently? Do they have any recommendations? Do you need a degree? Online classes and schools are all over the internet and will allow you to study while keeping your job. Do you need an apprenticeship to establish yourself? Try and find one that pays you. Even a small stipend can help you offset financial costs at home.

With planning and patience, you can start a new career without putting your current home situation at risk. Take one step at a time and allow yourself as long as it takes to complete it before going on to the next one. Your new career isn’t going to disappear while you spend time properly preparing for it.
Interview Techniques

Public speaking seems to be a problem with most people so it is no surprise that most people spend countless hours preparing for an interview as if they are going to speak in front of thousands of people.

Why is the Interview so Important?

Simply said; if you want the job then you better nail the interview. The interview is the gateway to having the job offered to you. If you are confident in your abilities and can vocalize them then you will more then likely receive and offer.

How can I prepare for the Interview?

First thing is to make sure you are well groomed. It is ok to dress up in a dark suit and matching tie for men or a nice dark business suit for women. Men should be clean shaven with a neat hair cut. Women should have their hair neat and also wear stockings and matching shoes. Heals are ok but not to the point where the woman seems awkward walking in them. Another thing you can do is practice what you are going to say to the interviewer in front of a mirror or other people.

Other Interview Techniques

Always shake the interviewers hand firmly, sit straight up, and pay attention. Always make sure to answer the interviewers questions accurately and concisely. It is a good idea to study about the companys history and current events just in case there is a mention of it. Always be prepared and do not let your eyes wander around the room. Do not bite your fingernails or show any signs of outward nervousness. The interviewer will read your body language and even though body language doesnt show your ability to perform a job, the interviewer will still take it into consideration.
DThe unemployment checks are running out and there is no potential job in sight. The wolf is knocking at the door and you need to survive. Here are five tips to keep you afloat.

1. Ignore your ego and get everyone on board. You hate letting your children see you as less than competent and completely in charge but now is the time to share your predicament and let them help. By talking with your family, you allow even small children to better appreciate the realities of the world and feel like an important part of a big project. You may be surprised by how they will rally around the idea and come up with ways to save money which makes them feel as if they are really contributing and have value in the family hierarchy. Make saving money and making do with less into a game, like Survivor and other reality shows they watch.

2. Adaptive life style strategies. Stop buying brand names of everything from food to household items to clothes. Change to generics and make using coupons and comparison shopping into a game where you can learn to excel. Leave the expensive prepared foods on the supermarket shelves and start cooking from scratch the savings can be substantial and you have plenty of time for preparation. Only buy something that you absolutely need right now, luxuries and treats will be available after you find work.

3. Temping. Temporary work through an agency can provide a paycheck, even if considerably smaller than your prior income. If the work is in your field, it may lead to a permanent position but is worthwhile even if the work is low skilled and routine. It keeps you in the business loop and can be positive when you apply for permanent positions: I took a temporary job because Im just not happy unless Im working and productive is music to the ears of potential employers.

4. Self-employment. Working for yourself sounds tempting with the thought of no future lay-offs and potentially high income. Unfortunately, the worst time to start a business is when your resources are limited. Starting a business takes money, more money than you can imagine, to say nothing of the time and effort you will invest, possibly with little monetary reward.

5. Entry level jobs. You have paid your dues through the years, gaining skills, experience, and personal competence. All led to increased income and a higher level of responsibility. To step backward into work you could have performed as a teenager makes you think of yourself as a failure, that you are no longer worth anything. Try changing your perspective. Entry level work, such as fast food positions, pays minimum wage and often results in minimal worker effort and service. Since you are only doing the job temporarily, you have the chance to shine above your coworkers by displaying enthusiasm, caring, efficiency, and excellent customer service — something always noticed by the public. In a best case scenario, you may impress a business customer who is looking for a great employee and receive a job offer. At worst, you are bringing in some money to the family coffers and if you are clever enough to select an evening shift, you days are still free to devote to job search for that position you really want.

1. Ignore your ego and get everyone on board. You hate letting your children see you as less than competent and completely in charge but now is the time to share your predicament and let them help. By talking with your family, you allow even small children to better appreciate the realities of the world and feel like an important part of a big project. You may be surprised by how they will rally around the idea and come up with ways to save money which makes them feel as if they are really contributing and have value in the family hierarchy. Make saving money and making do with less into a game, like Survivor and other reality shows they watch.

2. Adaptive life style strategies. Stop buying brand names of everything from food to household items to clothes. Change to generics and make using coupons and comparison shopping into a game where you can learn to excel. Leave the expensive prepared foods on the supermarket shelves and start cooking from scratch the savings can be substantial and you have plenty of time for preparation. Only buy something that you absolutely need right now, luxuries and treats will be available after you find work.

3. Temping. Temporary work through an agency can provide a paycheck, even if considerably smaller than your prior income. If the work is in your field, it may lead to a permanent position but is worthwhile even if the work is low skilled and routine. It keeps you in the business loop and can be positive when you apply for permanent positions: I took a temporary job because Im just not happy unless Im working and productive is music to the ears of potential employers.

4. Self-employment. Working for yourself sounds tempting with the thought of no future lay-offs and potentially high income. Unfortunately, the worst time to start a business is when your resources are limited. Starting a business takes money, more money than you can imagine, to say nothing of the time and effort you will invest, possibly with little monetary reward.

5. Entry level jobs. You have paid your dues through the years, gaining skills, experience, and personal competence. All led to increased income and a higher level of responsibility. To step backward into work you could have performed as a teenager makes you think of yourself as a failure, that you are no longer worth anything. Try changing your perspective. Entry level work, such as fast food positions, pays minimum wage and often results in minimal worker effort and service. Since you are only doing the job temporarily, you have the chance to shine above your coworkers by displaying enthusiasm, caring, efficiency, and excellent customer service — something always noticed by the public. In a best case scenario, you may impress a business customer who is looking for a great employee and receive a job offer. At worst, you are bringing in some money to the family coffers and if you are clever enough to select an evening shift, you days are still free to devote to job search for that position you really want.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Visit the country several times before.