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Significance of Body Language during the interview
It takes more than an impressive resume to land your dream job. Your body language during the job interview can tip the scales in your favor, or against you
So, why did you leave your last job ?
Read about how to proceed with caution when faced with this tricky interview question making sure you don’t ruin your chances to obtain employment with the prospective employer
Develop confidence dealing with new situations
A very limited number of people are comfortable striking up a conversation in a room full of strangers. This is some of our simple guidelines to getting the most out of networking events and other similar situations.
Being an executive in Japan
When one hears the phrase, “Working in Japan,” nine out of ten times the average foreign resident of Japan would either assume this implies an English teaching position or living the life of an expat in a western style apartment in the heart of Tokyo
The advantages of being a multilingual
Being able to speak English is almost a requirement if you want to get ahead in the business world. But that doesn’t mean that one’s language abilities have to stop there, especially for native English speakers.
Cover letters: The chance to add a personal touch
Wondering how to make your job application surpass all the other candidates? Having a well-written cover letter that is unique to your skills and personality is usually a great way to impress a potential employer.
Preparing your next career step
Do you find yourself at work gazing out the window, wondering if it is a time for a career change? Then you should read our tips about how to go about the transition period.
Teaching english in Japan
A good way to get your foot in the door, but also equipped with new challenges.
Avoiding the pitfalls
Japanese business customs are complicated. Here’s a "Top Five" for conducting business in Japan.
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Develop confidence dealing with new situations
A very limited number of people are comfortable striking up a conversation in a room full of strangers. This is some of our simple guidelines to getting the most out of networking events and other similar situations.
Cover letters: The chance to add a personal touch
Wondering how to make your job application surpass all the other candidates? Having a well-written cover letter that is unique to your skills and personality is usually a great way to impress a potential employer.
Teaching english in Japan
A good way to get your foot in the door, but also equipped with new challenges.
So, why did you leave your last job ?
Read about how to proceed with caution when faced with this tricky interview question making sure you don’t ruin your chances to obtain employment with the prospective employer
Preparing your next career step
Do you find yourself at work gazing out the window, wondering if it is a time for a career change? Then you should read our tips about how to go about the transition period.
Successful hiring is more than just ’filling a chair’
In today’s economy, there is no room for error when hiring senior managers. If you don’t have key people in key positions, you are setting yourself up for failure. But often, a lack of time or money prevents companies from hiring the best people. In many cases, firms are tempted to just "fill the chair."
It’s not easy, but hiring the best talent is can be done. In fact, it must be done for the integrity of your business. But how do you do it? Recruiting and interviewing potential candidates can be a job in itself. And, with advancing technology and increased specialization, it’s harder than ever to ensure that top candidates match your company’s needs.
Don’t just "fill the chair." Hire the right person the first time, by following these guidelines:
- Make sure your applicant pool consists of the type of candidates you want. That sounds like common sense, but many times job candidates are not screened to ensure that you have a streamlined process. Assess what skills your company already has and what kind would complement your existing staff.
- Consider how best to recruit the type of candidates you are looking for. Advertising is perhaps the most common way, but word of mouth can also produce successful applicants.
- List the functions of the job you seek to fill. Define it clearly with a written job description that includes performance objectives and expectations.
- Determine the salary for the position. Make the pay competitive in the marketplace to assure that the most qualified candidates will have incentive to apply. It’s a balancing act. Undervaluing a position often leads to under-qualified applicants, but overvaluing can be a drain on company funds.
- Prepare for the interview. Know the criteria for success in the position, and ask the type of questions that help determine whether the candidate possesses those skills. Prepare written questions, and ask the same questions of all the candidates. This assures your comparisons are fair and unbiased.
- Ask questions that seek to detail the candidates past experiences, skills, and perspectives. Listen closely to the answers, and note both the candidate’s verbal and nonverbal behaviors.
- Remember, you are conducting the interview. The company is not auditioning for the candidate. As the interview begins, give a brief overview, but don’t describe the job or your expectations in detail to the applicant. You might inadvertently be telling the applicant how to respond to your questions.
- Be respectful of the candidates by allowing questions at predetermined times during the interview. Answer their questions as thoroughly as possible within the time allotted.
An interview is an opportunity to relate and contrast an applicant’s skills to your needs. Throughout the process, keep your focus on the requirements of the position. Know who you are looking for, and you will hire the right person.