How do I explain I was laid off... if I am so good then why did they let me go?

George was laid off from his employer after 12 years with the company.  He has been on 4 interviews and everyone asks “Why did you leave your job?”  or “why are you looking?”  I can feel my face flush and I break in to a sweat.

Everyone is going to ask those questions.  Remember, if you were laid off or downsized it is neutral.  If you resigned, it is a negative because it is dissatisfaction on your part. The first thing you have to get out of your mind is that it was your fault.  It wasn’t.

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You are in a middle of an interview and your interviewer is interrupted by a telephone call... what do you do?  

Tim was being interviewed by a Hiring Manager.  A co-worker walked in and told the Hiring Manager he needed to talk a call.  I asked if I should leave and he said no, just give me a moment and I will be right back with you... what happens next.

I followed up with Tim and he said he felt awkward sitting there while the interviewer was on the phone.  When he got off the phone there was silence. The interviewer sat there and looked at Tim and then glanced down at the resume and there was awkward silence. Tim thought the interview was over and there goes my shot.

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If you could be any animal what would it be?

Susan was interviewing with a Pharmaceutical company and emailed me with some questions.  She was asked the above question and wanted to know what this question had to do with the job and why they ask trick questions.

These questions aren’t limited to just the Pharmaceutical industry.  They are asked by a number of industries.  The real question is; "Are they trick questions or thought provoking?"
  

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This week I am excited to say companies are hiring. In the past I talked about job opportunities coming from companies that employ 500 or less and I also said that employers were commenting about the high caliber and quality of the individuals in the talent pool.

What we are seeing now are companies looking at the advantages and benefits of bringing outsourced and contract services in house. You will see an example of this in our client story:

Carol had expertise in both marketing and public relations.  She enjoyed PR work more, but was competent in both. She attended a networking event and received a referral to a company who was looking for a Marketing Manager.  She sent her resume; the company called and asked her to come in.  The interview went well and in the course of the conversation the employer picked up she really was excited about PR.  There were three people in the room and they started a brainstorming session. The employer always thought he would receive a better return if he had an in house PR Manager instead of using an outside firm.  Two hrs later, Carol was given two assignments:  Her first assignment was to write a job description that would integrate both departments; her second assignment was to write a press release about a new service they were rolling out.  You might say she was auditioning for her job!  She has a second meeting with the employer on Jul 2nd.  I will keep you posted.