Jobs for Ex Felons Info

Interviewing teams always ask one question that is universal: What is your understanding of the mission or purpose of our organization? The number of people who hesitate, stammer, and guess at the answer is astounding.

Most organizations today have websites that can easily be found; it’s really up to interviewees to acquaint themselves with the organization to the fullest extent possible. You should know what type of products or services they provide, who are their principal clients; how long they have been in business; and who is the management team. It probably is a good idea to find out who is on the Board of Directors. The interviewers will appreciate your level of preparedness.

Always arrive early for any appointment, not just a job interview; this will allow you to compose yourself and give some quite thought to what you want to accomplish in the meeting.

Dress appropriately. If the job is in an office setting where suitable attire: a business suit and tie for men, and a business suit or dress for women. Under no circumstances should the interviewee dress as if they are going out for a night on the town. Sagging pants, hoodies, low necklines, and short skirts might be OK in one’s personal life, but the business world is different.

Even if a man is applying for a construction job a prospective employer does not care to see someone show up with pants sagging, or the person holding them up with one hand. It’s dangerous on construction sites, and two hands are needed to do the work.

While many people enjoy fragrances (colognes and perfumes) some folks are allergic to them and many workplaces have rules against them being worn. A rule of thumb is to go to an interview without any on. Something else to go without is a friend or family member. While having someone with you might make you more comfortable, potential employers simply don’t like it. Go alone, or leave the other person in the car. Under no circumstances should they enter the building with you.

While tattoos and body piercing are acceptable in some places and situations, remember, they not welcomed in all. Unfortunately, some interviewers will still use these to judge who you are, and they could get in the way of who you actually are. Your abilities are what you are attempting to impress the interviewer with, not your lifestyle. Excessive jewelry as well can be a problem. It needs to suit the organization, and you should, again, have done your homework to understand the environment you’re entering.

No matter what job you’re seeking clean fingernails, teeth, hair, body and cloths are a must. The only exception that might come to mind is clean fingernails for an auto mechanic or some other profession where one works with their hands. Still, it’s better to err on the side of cleanliness. Last but not least avoid chewing gum or having anything like candy or mints in your mouth.

It is often said that employers get a great return on their investment in an individual if the person has soft skills or if the employer takes time to train the person in soft skills. What are soft skills? Another way to put it is “people skills” or “interpersonal skills.” Some folks say that soft skills can — in some professions — be just as (or even more) important as occupational skills. Perhaps this it true, but it’s also true that good soft skills are important in all avenues of life. Simply put, you just have to know how to talk to people and work with and through people.

To define it a little further, soft skills are communication skills, conflict resolution and negotiation, personal effectiveness, problem solving, strategic thinking, team building, influencing and selling skills, personal qualities, habits, and attitudes. They can be just as important an indicator of job performance as hard skills.

Some of the most common soft skill include:

1. Work Ethic

Are you motivated and dedicated to getting the job done? Will you be conscientious and do your best work? Being on time is critically important.

2. Attitude

Are you optimistic and upbeat? Will you generate good energy and good will?

3. Communication Skills

Are you articulate and a good listener? Can you express yourself in a way that builds bridges with all you work?

4. Time Management

Do you know how to prioritize and work on different projects at once? Will you plan your time wisely?

5. Problem-Solving

Are you resourceful? Are you able to creatively solve problems? Will you take responsibility for problems or leave for someone else?

6. Team Player

Will you work well in groups? Will you be cooperative and take a leadership role?

7. Self-Confidence

Do you truly believe you can do the job? Will you inspire confidence in others? Will you ask questions that need to be asked? Will you contribute your ideas?

8. Criticism

Will you be able to handle criticism? Are you growing as a person and as a professional?

9. Change

Are you able to adapt to new situations and challenges? Will you embrace change and be open to new ideas?

10. Pressure

Can you handle the stress of deadlines? Will you be able to come through in a pinch?

Some will say those sound like expectations for someone seeking a job of great responsibility. On the contrary, these are habits and attitudes needed no matter what the job. From what may seem to be the smallest to the largest, the simplest to the most complicated: the truck driver, cook, brick mason, librarian, executive, engineer, teacher, physician, secretary, and on and on and on.

Remember to make known your soft skills when you interview.  Don’t forget them, demonstrate them, once you land the job.

One of the most serious misconceptions about job hunting is the idea that after an interview is over, there’s nothing else you can do to help you secure the position of your dreams. In fact, a lot of that final decision can still be swayed if you take the time to follow up properly with your potential employer.

Neglecting to do one or two small things could easily mean the difference between a job offer and just missing the mark. To make sure that this doesn’t happen to you, here are five easy things you can do after the job interview is over that will help pave the way for your eventual employment.

• Send a thank you note. While it may seem old fashioned in this day and age, a nicely worded thank you note sent to the right people a few days after the interview accomplishes one key thing: it keeps you fresh in the interviewer’s mind. They might be seeing a dozen other people for the position, but receiving a thank you note from just one really separates you from the pack.
• Call to follow up. Whereas the note should be sent no more than three days after the interview, you usually want to wait a week or two to call. Be polite, professional, and just use the opportunity to express your continued interest in the company and the position. You may feel pushy, but they’ll hear a person who is invested not just in a job, but in their job.
• Alert your references. If an interview went well and you think references might be called, alerting your references makes certain that they aren’t blindsided by a call. They can expect it, know what the job is about, and thus, better know what to say to make you sound great. For an interviewer, it can make for a smoother checking process.
• Ask for feedback. So, worse case scenario has happened: you didn’t get the job. Be courteous and professional about this, because it’s not a personal decision. It’s a professional one. You can still make the most of the experience by asking an interviewer if there’s anything that you might improve on in future interviews. This makes them feel helpful and actually does provide you with some valuable insight before you start the whole process over again.