Except when the employer has not got a clue what they are doing, all employers ask all candidates one key question: "Do you have any questions for me?" Answer in the negative and the employer will know you have no real interest in the job, and your candidacy is over. Here are 10 interview questions that candidates can ask, positive and negative, that will help the employer know if a candidate is worthy of further consideration: 1. "What do you do, exactly?" The absolutely favorite question for employers. They love this one. It’s perfect. The candidate has clearly informed the employer that they are lazy, do not know how to prepare for an interview, will not know how to prepare for a business appointment, and should not be considered for the job. 2. "How may personal, sick, and vacation days will I get?" The candidate is interested in not working. The employer is interested in hiring a worker. No need to continue with this candidate. 3. "Why is the position vacant?" On the face of it, not a bad question. But it can appear to be gossipy. It might be held against you. There’s a better way to ask: 4. "What did the previous holder of the position do that you would like to see continued and what would you like to see done differently?" No gossip and you are focusing on the employer’s wants and needs. 5. If it’s a new position, "What budget has been allocated?" An employer will like this question because it shows that the candidate understands that without a proper budget the position may be experimental in nature. Candidates should avoid accepting positions that have not be thought out by the employer. Odds are, they’ll be unemployed within a few months. 6. "What is your employee turnover rate?" As with question number 4, this question shows that the candidate is diplomatic. You can’t very well ask, "Is this a nice place to work?" What are they going to say, "No?" If the turnover rate is low, odds are it’s a good place to work. 7. "How long does the average employee stay?" Same logic as the previous question. If they stay five or more years, you should be alright. 8. "Do you promote from within?" If it is small place, with little growth opportunity, this question will tell the employer that the candidate does not understand the nature of the company. But, if it’s larger, the employer will know that the candidate is looking for a career and not just a job. 9. "Why do you like working here?" Everyone likes talking about themselves. 10. "What type of person succeeds here?" This shows that the candidate wants to fit in and wants to make certain they will. And here’s a freebee: My favorite interview question, which should be asked even before the interview begins is, "How can I make your life easier?" That’s the best way for the candidate to show that their focus is on the employer and not themselves. And that’s how you get a job offer! Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Everyone has heard of New Year's resolutions. You know, those promises we make to ourselves about things we'll do better in the year ahead. Sometimes these resolutions work, while other times we end up with gym memberships we never use! But have you ever heard of a career resolution? It's actually the same thing as a New Year's resolution, only career-focused.
However, with something as important as a career, you don't want to break these resolutions. That's why it's important to keep these goals manageable.
Here are four simple career resolutions that are easy to stick to and achieve.
Be Self-Aware Of Where You Stand In Your Career
BigstockBeing honest and self-aware of where you are in your career is the most important step in making strong career resolutions. If your career is going nowhere and you're unhappy, then it may be time to consider a career change, which will take you down a different path entirely.
But if you're happy and in good standing with your career, it's a lot easier to set goals for the year and build out a long-term career plan.
Find A Way To Grow Your Career
BigstockCareer growth is a very broad spectrum that means something different to everyone. It could be something as simple as improving on a weakness or building on a strength. It could also be learning a new skill or taking on additional responsibilities at work.
On a larger level, it could be seeking a promotion or moving into a leadership role.
Whatever the goal is, make sure it includes growing professionally. The worst thing you can do is stay the same! If you're not growing your career, you're dying—and becoming a lot less valuable to your employer. There are always ways to upskill!
Better Serve Your Professional Network
With current colleagues, former colleagues, and other professional acquaintances, you've probably built a solid professional network through the years. A strong professional network can come in handy if you lose your job or are looking to make a career change. However, you shouldn't just rely on your network when you're in need!
It's important to find ways to offer value to your network. This could include checking in with members of your network from time to time. Exchange messages on LinkedIn to see how they're doing or share relevant content of interest. If you can help someone in your network going through a career challenge, you should!
Maintaining a strong professional network is like an investment. If you want it to pay off, you have to put some time into it and be consistent.
Take Care Of Yourself
Bigstock
Working on your career is hard work! It's okay to be selfish sometimes. Whether you're working to grow your career or looking for a new job, it's important to find balance.
Your family and health always come first, so make sure your career goals don't interfere with that. If you want to set aside time during the week to work on your career that's fine, but don't miss important family events or milestones.
Don't let your career goals get in the way of your health goals. Go to the gym, take a walk, or go for a jog. Balance is key to maintaining healthy career and life goals. Sometimes you just need to adjust that balance as you go.
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This article was originally published at an earlier date.