How to respond to behavioral questions

Behavioral questions are those that ask you about a specific ability/skill. Three examples of behavioral questions are (associated skill is listed in brackets):

• Describe a time you had difficulty with a co-worker? How did you deal with the situation? (Interpersonal skills)
• Tell me about a time that poor communication has caused problems? (Communication skills)
• Describe a difficult problem you faced. How did you overcome it? (Problem-solving skills)

You can answer these questions by using the S.T.A.R. approach:

Situation: Describe a SPECIFIC situation you were in.
Task: Describe the task you had to do and provide enough detail for the interviewer to understand.
Action: Describe the action you took - if it was a group effort make sure to keep the focus on what  you did (use I instead of we). This part should be the longest portion of your answer.
Results: Describe the positive result of your actions. E.g. a promotion, increase in productivity, or satisfied customers. 

How to answer difficult interview questions

Below is a list of some of the most common interview questions that people struggle with or answer poorly:

1) Tell me about yourself? What can you do for us?
This is the time to sell your qualifications. If you're unsure of how to answer this question use the PAWS approach:

• Personal: 1st talk about your personal life e.g. sports you're involved in, special interests and what you do in your free time. Remember not to be too personal or inappropriate.
• Academic: 2nd talk about your school life, the courses you're taking and what you've learned. Make sure to highlight how your education will be applied to the job you're applying for.
• Work: 3rd talk about your work/volunteer experience and the skills you've learned. Try to talk about the skills that are directly related to the job you're interviewing for.
• Strengths: Lastly, talk about your strengths - these can include recognition/awards at work, scholarships you have received, or skills you posses. Again, mention how your strengths will apply to the job you are interviewing for.

2) Why do you want to work for us?
The answer to this question should demonstrate your knowledge of the company you're applying to. At the same time, your answer should mention what skills you'll be bringing to the organization. So try explaining a specific aspect of the company and what you can do for it.

3) What are your salary expectations?
Do your research! Check with someone who holds/held the position you're apply for and ask them. You can even do a google search or check job postings of what the going rate for the position is. In this way you can respond by saying that you did your research and found the going rate to be so and so. If you don't have an exact figure then it's okay to provide a range.

3) What is your biggest weakness?
Try to avoid cliche responses such as "I'm a perfectionist." Instead, find something that isn't a main requirement for your job and explain how you're trying to improve upon it.

How to prepare for an interview

A few steps you should take before going in for an interview:

1) Research the company. Make sure you have some knowledge about the company you're applying to as well as the position you're applying to. If you know someone who works at the company then interview them. If you don't have contacts within the company then do a simple Google search - you'll be surprised by the amount of information you can find.

2) Practice interview questions with someone. By practicing questions you'll be more prepared and confident when going into the interview. Remember that if you can't find someone to practice with you can contact Kwantlen Career Services. Kwantlen Career Services will help you prepare for the interview by going through questions with you.

3) Make sure to print enough copies of your resume + references for each person that is interviewing you, including yourself. If you don't know how many people will interview try calling the organization - the receptionist might have the answer to this question. Otherwise bring three copies just to be safe. 

4) Make sure you know the commute to the company. Remember that you can't always rely on GPS. If possible, try to visit the company before the interview so you know where it is.

5) Prepare what you're going to wear a day before. Make sure to iron your clothes ahead of time so you're not rushed on the day of the interview. Remember that your interview clothes will change depending on the job you're applying for but it's always better to be dressed more professionally than being under dressed. 

6) Purchase a thank you card for the interviewer. You can write your card after the interview and give it to the receptionist. Otherwise try obtaining the e-mail of your interviewer (ask for a business card) so you can e-mail a thank you note.






Good luck!

Technical Writing with White Space

Using white space in all kinds of writing will have a dramatic impact on how the information is received.  Below is a summary of the keys ideas in the link.

•      Headings – off set with white space
•          Margins – bigger margins will create less words on the page
•          Spaces – between ideas and heading
•          Bullets - soften large amounts of small bits of similar information
•          Numbered List – 3 to 5 points and indent

Using white space will give the reader time to take in the information they are reading. 

http://www.ehow.com/how_2122748_use-white-space-technical-writing.html

Formal Report Writing

All formal report writing should be written with the guidelines that are given to you.  Most classes, and companies will have rules that need to be followed.  However I have summarized seven points from the website found below.  These points should be considered on top of the rules you have be given.  These summarized points are helpful when writing any formal report.

1.           Abstract/Summary – mini version of the report
2.      Outline – Organize your report before you begin writing it
3.      Introduction – will help the reader understand the rest of the report
4.      Discussion – body of the report, will give the reader the full picture as well as make sure it is understood
5.      Conclusion – summary of the findings
6.      Recommendations – what you think should happen with the results
7.      Appendix – Resources

When writing any report, make sure you know the audience.  Be concise and stay on topic.  Make sure that the information you need to convey is going to be understood, by the audience as well as stakeholders. 

http://www.articleclick.com/Article/How-To-Write-A-Formal-Report/3237

Writing a Business Memo

5 Tips for writing a business memo

1.       Subject line is direct and to the point
2.       First paragraph explains the memo
3.       Second paragraph is the body (content)
4.       Last paragraph is the conclusion (thanks you, contact info)
5.       Re-read, correct error

Memos can be very difficult to write.  Making sure they have all the important information in them as well as being as short as possible.  Also read over a memo before sending.  While checking for errors, see if you can delete information that is not needed.  This will ensure that the memo is as short as possible but no shorter, and as long as it needs to be but no longer.

http://voices.yahoo.com/5-tips-writing-good-business-memo-1391547.html

Save A Life

Last year I saved a stranger’s life. No, it was not as dramatic as pulling a body from a burning plane on Russ Baker Way, but someone needed me as much as Carolyn Cross needed Simon Pearce. 

Several years ago I had signed up with the Red Cross’ Unrelated Bone Marrow Donor Registry. In 2011, under the control of Canadian Blood Services, someone from the OneMatch Network contacted me to say I was a partial match to someone in need. A simple blood test proved I was the best match and so the process began. After a full physical exam, more blood tests, interviews and injections, I spent two consecutive days hooked up to an apheresis machine at VGH. That was all it took. Because I bothered with a few inconvenient appointments and two days in hospital, someone has a good chance at a full, healthy life. Based on the volume of blood required, that person is likely a child.

A year after the process is complete I am allowed to request more information on the recipient of my blood. That person could be anywhere in the world. Depending on the rules in the country where that person lives, I may or may not get any information beyond a one word statement of their health. It is enough for me to know I gave someone and their loved ones hope. If someone I love is ever in need, I hope OneMatch can find someone that can help. So I ask all of you between the ages of 17 and 50 to considering joining OneMatch at www.onematch.com.