Salary Negotiation: Negotiating A Relocation Package

By Nathan Newberger

Each month thousands of employees move to a new community, to start a new job. Moves often are more expensive than anticipated. Not only is there the actual expense of moving, but also, for a home-owner, the expenses connected with selling an old home, and buying a new home.
Some corporations may offer to cover some or all of the relocation costs for employees who are moving at the company's request. Larger companies usually offer a more elaborate relocation package than smaller firms. These benefits become particularly important when there is a large increase in housing costs. For example, an employee leaving a $150,000 four bedroom home in a small midwestern community may find that comparable housing in the San Francisco Bay Area may cost around $500,000.
When interviewing for a job, ask your prospective employer whether or not it has a relocation program, and find out as much as you can about it.
Benefits which may be offered to a relocating employee vary widely. Each situation may call for a different bundle of benefits; analyze your own situation carefully. It is always best to negotiate these matters as part of a transfer package, before accepting the new job, to avoid surprises to either the employee or the company after the move has taken place.

1. Cost of a familiarization and house-hunting trip for the employee, spouse, and family. (Does your family really want to move here?)
2. Extra time off (with pay) for traveling and house hunting in the new location.
3. Moving expenses, including packing and insurance.
4. Travel expenses (lodging, meals, gas, etc.) while traveling to the new location.
5. Assistance in the sale of your old home:
• º Company assumes responsibility for monthly payments, taxes and insurance until
    the old home is sold.
• º Price guarantee: if sold by the employee, the company will pay the difference
    between the net selling price and a specified price.
• º Alternative price guarantee: If employee can not sell the house within a
    specified period of time, the company will buy it at a specified price.
• º Company will pay commissions and other costs of sale.
6. Assistance in the purchase of a new home:
• º Company to pay rent of temporary quarters, until a permanent home is located.
• º Buy down the interest rate.
• º Company provides low or no interest loans.
7. A salary level commensurate with any increase in cost of living between the new location and your old location.

You will want to minimize the tax impact of any benefits you receive. For information on the tax ramifications of your relocation expenses and any reimbursements by your employer, see the IRS Publication 521, Moving Expenses. Browse on-line or download this publication from the IRS at www.irs.gov/ How hard should you push for relocation expenses? Try to analyze your bargaining position relative to the prospective employer. Does the employer have many options? Are there many qualified local applicants for the same job? Or do you have unique skills unavailable in the local market? Ask yourself, "If I owned the company, would I be willing to pay for my relocation?"
As a final check-list before accepting a new job in a new community, consider the effects on your over-all career goals:

1. Does the move represent a true promotion, or a desirable change in direction, or is it only a lateral move?
2. Is the new location in the "mainstream" of your industry, or are you moving to a "backwater"?
3. Would you prefer to live in the new location for personal, life-style reasons?
4. Considering the changes in salary and costs of living, is the move a financial advantage or disadvantage?

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Watch out for ILLEGAL Interview questions!

by Nathan Newberger

I’ll quickly cover the following:

A) Why Employer Ask Illegal Interview Questions.
B) Examples of Illegal Interview Questions.
C) Tips on How To Respond to Illegal Interview Questions.

Job Interview Fact
U.S. law prohibits certain types of questions and you are by no means required or obligated to answer these questions. These questions are prohibited for a reason: to keep employers from unfairly trying to weed you out as a possible employee.

A) Why Employers Ask Illegal Interview Questions.
The interview is where you get your chance to sell yourself directly to the employer. During the interview the employer is obviously trying to learn more about you and how you may or may not fit in the company.

The main reason why an employer might purposely slip in some illegal questions is basically to try and get information to keep you from getting a job. Most illegal questions revolve around personal information and asking them is usually not related to the job and is often discriminatory in nature.

Another reason some employers ask illegal questions is because they just don’t know any better. Many interviewers are not trained at all and simply don’t know what is legal versus illegal. Please keep this in mind, it may just be a poorly trained, inexperienced or just curious interviewer and not meant to be harmful or discriminatory at all.

B) Examples of Illegal Interview Questions.

Illegal questions generally fall into 4 categories:

1. Disabilities & Physical Skills
2. Personal Background
3. Race, Creed, or Color
4. Family & Relationship Items

10 Sample Illegal Questions:

1. How tall are you?
2. Are you a US Citizen?
3. How old are you?
4. Are you really a man?
5. Are you Chinese or Japanese?
6. What religion are you?
7. Have you ever filed for bankruptcy?
8. Have you ever been arrested?
9. Are you married?
10. How many children do you have?

C) Tips On How To Respond To Illegal Interview Questions.
First and foremost, avoid reacting in a hostile fashion remember that you can always decide later to decline the job offer. Your goal during the interview is to try and get the job offer.

Response 1:
Go ahead and answer the question. If you don’t feel uncomfortable and you think your answer is in your favor, why worry? Go ahead and answer the question and make no mention that you think its improper or illegal. Just remember that you run the risk of harming your candidacy if you give an answer not favorable to what the interviewer has in mind.

Response 2:
Refuse to answer the question. You are within your rights but in a delicate and sensitive area with regards to the potential job offer. You can say politely that you don’t feel comfortable answering the question and ask to move on. You may even want to mention to the interviewer that the question is illegal and doesn’t pertain to the job. The key here is to be as tactful as possible. But keep in mind, you may come across as confrontational or not a "team player" in the eyes of the interviewer. CONCLUSION
Generally speaking, its better not to confront or debate the interviewer about the legality of a question. But if you have any uncertainty about the questions, you should be alert to any pattern of discrimination especially if you notice several illegal questions. Try and remember the questions and speak the employer’s HR director and get answers to what may have happened. 

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How To Handle The Job Hopping Question

by Nathan Newberger

The Career Landscape Has Changed

As the economy changes and pink slips pop up, the once optional choice of changing jobs has become a mandatory step towards the top. Times change: 15 years ago employers may have easily rejected a good candidate who held five jobs in eight years. Today, in the wake of company mergers, corporate acquisitions, dot.com shutdowns, mass lay-offs and restructuring, hiring managers are more forgiving of job hoppers. They are realizing it is more of the norm. While today’s employers may be less weary of job changers than their predecessors, some may still have misgivings. That is why you must come prepared with confident, reassuring answers to tricky questions like:

The Tough Interview Question: quot;Why have you switched jobs so often?" 

What Is The Interviewer After?
When interviewers ask such an uncomfortable question, they are usually looking or one of the following:

1. A reason to choose you. Valid reason(s) for your jumping jobs.
2. A reason to eliminate you from the selection process. Any red flags that indicate you are the problem and will not last long at the company.

Popular Reasons For Switching Jobs Often
To receive the employer’s approval and acceptance of your reasons for changing careers, formulate an acceptable response to counter the job hopping issue. Some popular reasons for switching jobs include:

1. Taking care of domestic demands, death/extended illness in immediate family, etc.
2. Moving because of spouse’s job, desire to travel, climate, family, etc.
3. Continually seeking more satisfaction in the workplace
4. Experiencing different jobs to determine where true interests lay
5. Working in positions that were only temporary (internships, summer jobs, campaign work, etc.)
6. Wanting more responsibilities, more money, more respect, more prestige, more flexibility, etc.

Be Honest With Your Answers
Don’t try to leave employment skeletons in your closet because sooner or later, they will invariably come back to haunt you. Be bold. Take full responsibility for whatever leaps you made in your professional past and explain why you did what you did and how you’re a better candidate because of such actions.

In your answer, try to:

1. Tie Your Work Together.
   If you worked in different capacities, relate those duties to the position you’re applying for.
   Answer Example:
   "Since I worked in public relations, marketing and promotions, my communication skills continually improved in various mediums which would aid your advertising firm."
2. Explain Why This Time Will Be Different.
   If you always had to leave jobs because your husband was in the military, say how his retiring will change your pattern. If you jumped whenever another offer looked better, say how you have learned loyalty, stability and commitment take precedence over money.
   Answer Example:
   "After I graduated from college, I wanted to test my talents in many different fields but now I know that my true passion is for architecture."
3. Reveal How Your Checkered Career Path Can Benefit The Company.
   List how your skills, experience and education improved in each of your previous jobs and that such a varied background can bring a fresh perspective to the current position.
   Answer Example:
   "Since the film and music industries are so closely related, I feel my experience in the recording and commercial music business helped me acquire unique contacts and skills that will improve your film production company."

CONCLUSION
Each counter to the job hopping question will vary based upon individuals and their unique experiences. Not everyone has a perfect career history but that doesn't mean you are at a disadvantage. Use the above tips to better handle this situation during your next interview.

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Avoid Potential Interview Disasters

by Nathan Newberger

There are definitely things that you can do to avoid minor mishaps which could ultimately blow an interview. Become familiar with these 7 potential interview disasters so you can prevent them from obstructing your path to that ideal job. 

1. DON'T ARRIVE LATE
Showing up late is both rude and inconsiderate. Is this the first impression that you want to leave with a potential employer? Map out your route and try it out before the interview. Plan on being at least half an hour early to your appointment. This will provide a buffer to protect against wrong turns, traffic jams and all the other mishaps that may befall you. If you arrive early, you can use the time to calm your nerves.

 

2. DON'T SAY THE WRONG NAME
Many a nervous candidate has been known to accidentally call the interviewer the wrong name. In order to avoid this disconcerting faux pau, find out who you will be speaking to before the interview. Memorize the name(s). If this information is not available prior to the meeting, then write the person’s name on your notepad as soon as you sit down for the interview. If you do slip-up, do not make a huge fuss. Apologize quickly (and sincerely) and move on.

3. DON'T SAY THE WRONG THING
Choose your words carefully. Avoid impulsive answers; the first thing that pops into your head may not be the best response. Remember, it’s ok to pause if you need some time to think. Feel free to say "that’s a good question; let me take a moment to think about it." This demonstrates that you think before you speak. Is your everyday speech peppered with expletives or other potentially offensive phrases? If so, take care to avoid these during your meeting.

4. DON'T BECOME SPEECHLESS
Interviews are stressful situations for even the most qualified candidates. This tension can lead to candidates "freezing up" during the meeting. Alleviate some of the expected stress by practicing mock interview questions. Have a friend conduct simulated interviews. If possible, have him/her conduct the interview in a variety of manners including reserved, rushed, and disinterested. This way you will be better prepared for whatever the interview may bring.

5. MONITOR YOUR INTERNAL SYSTEM
Nature has a funny way of acting up at the wrong moments. Fortunately, you can help prevent these unwanted incidents. Avoid the awkwardness of a growling stomach by eating a few hours before the interview. Be careful in what you eat and drink in the 24 hours prior to the interview. Do not overindulge; an upset stomach or hangover is formidable distraction.

6. DON'T BE TOO MODEST
The interview is no place for humbleness. Too much modesty can make you appear introverted or lacking confidence. Don’t be afraid to be your own cheerleader. Prior to the interview, make a list of your accomplishments both personally and professionally; practice talking about them. Have a friend listen to your answers as you practice. This will help prevent you from crossing the line between justifiable pride and boasting.

7. DON'T LACK ENTHUSIASM
No one wants to work with a stick in the mud. With this in mind, how can you prevent from appearing lukewarm? Smile and maintain eye contact. Sit forward in your chair. Avoid speaking in a monotone. Be positive in your responses.

CONCLUSION
By preparing yourself against these potential interview disasters you are one step closer to getting the job of your dreams. Remember sometimes it really is the little things that make the difference. 

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Bouncing Back From A Bad Interview

by Nathan Newberger

Nobody is perfect. Nobody lives a perfect life or always has a perfect day. And it is absolutely possible that one of those not-so- perfect days may happen to coincide with the day of a job interview.

Even though we do not like to admit it, we sometimes perform poorly during job interviews. The easiest thing to do is pout, sulk, complain, and whine, but those things don’t really help your job hunt. What is worse, a bad reaction to a sub-par interview, may carry over into future interviews, and make your job hunt much more difficult. Instead, you can make the most of the situation, by recovering quickly. These tips should help you get on your way. 

Mind Your Manners
One of the worst things you could possibly do after a bad interview is chock the whole thing up as a loss and not follow standard post- interview procedures.

There are too many factors you cannot foresee:

1. Often times, a bad interview in your mind wasn’t that bad in reality. For all you know, it might be the best one your interviewer has had in a long time.
2. You cannot read the mind of you interviewer, you cannot be absolutely certain about what the interviewer is looking for, and you cannot be absolutely certain about the impression you make. So, you cannot assume you have slim chances.
3. Not getting selected for one particular position does not rule you out of the running for future possible positions.
4. One interview may not be your last interaction with a company or an interviewer. So make the best possible impression. Be sure to:
   • º   Be courteous and maintain composure as you leave the interview
   • º   Send a thank you letter, note, email, or other form of correspondence.

Make a List
Even the worst of the worst interviews can still have some value. To really benefit from the interview-gone-bad, try the following:

1. As soon as you get out of an interview you would classify as "bad", create a list of every aspect of the interview that made it "bad". Spend as much time as you need on the list so that you can capture every problem; but make sure you create the list right after the interview, so everything is fresh in your mind.
2. Next, create a list of every possible solution to the problems you just listed. This should be an ongoing process.
3. Continue adding to your problems list. New interviews might reveal new problems. Over time, you will come up with solutions to those problems as well.
4. Continue adding to your solutions list. Ideas can come to you at anytime and you may happen to come up with better solutions to problems you already solved.

Check It Twice
The use of lists really helps you to recognize problems and figure out solutions to them. To truly get the most out of them, however, the lists need to be used as constant reminders.

1. Post your lists on a wall, the refrigerator door, or a mirror. Put the lists in a spot where you will see them regularly. Let them serve as a constant reminder of your ongoing self-improvement.
2. Study your lists in between and especially right before interviews. Your lists should be as important as any background research you do on a company. The test of how much you learn is your next interview.
3. Take your lists with you to an interview. Immediately after the interview, examine your lists. Note problems that reoccurred, problems you overcame, solutions that occurred, solutions that did not work, and any new problems that emerged. Your lists should be ever changing.

CONCLUSION
You will not always have the interview of a lifetime. But you will find that the more effort you put into learning from interviews, the fewer interviews you will need before you find a job.

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5 Skills You MUST Convey During The Interview

by Nathan Newberger

No, it's not time to throw your resume in the trash and start a "new age job search". But one thing that any job seeker must understand is that the showcase of talents does not begin and end with the resume. There are many "secret" abstract, often called "soft", skills that employers keep an eye out for.
This article discusses the five key "secret skills" that interviewers examine and how to demonstrate them in an interview situation.
These five skills are:
1. Organizational
2. Critical Thinking
3. Communication
4. Interpersonal
5. Multi-Tasking

1. ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS
Unless you are applying for a job as a mad scientist, organization is an essential skill for any job. Employers can get sense of how an individual will handle large workloads by how organized that person is during the interview. Moreover, a person that makes a sincere effort to stay organized is an employee that will take a job seriously and make a sincere effort to get things done. The best way to display these skills:

• •   Dress professionally and neatly for an interview.
• •   Keep supplies or materials on hand if you think they might be pertinent to the interview.
      This can go beyond pen, paper, resumes, and business cards depending on
      the position you apply for.
• •   Organize your thoughts before the interview. Preparation for typical interview questions
      will reflect a sense of general readiness.

2. CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS
Nobody wants a mindless drone for an employee. If they did, they would buy a robot. Employers want people that can think on their feet and respond. They are looking for people that won't come crying with every little setback. They are looking for problem solvers. Having critical thinking skills means that you can come through in the clutch. The best way to display these skills:

• •   Prior to the interview, prepare of a list of anecdotes or previous jobs that required critical
      thinking to solve a problem. When applicable, bring these examples up in the interview.
• •   Talk your way through the answers. Let the interviewer understand your train of thought
      when responding to questions. This can also buy you a little extra time if you are
      unsure of how to answer.

3. COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Glossophobia, or the fear of public speaking, is the number one fear in America, but making an impact requires these skills. Unless you can communicate ideas to others effectively, you may not come across as very confident. This is precisely why so many employers ask for individuals with good communication skills, often including public speaking.

The best way to display these skills:

• •   Practice speaking, or answering interview questions in a mirror. This will get you used
      to speaking aloud and let you see the things you may be doing wrong.
• •   Practice interviews with another person, so you can learn to keep cool when reacting to
      another person's comments.
• •   Stay calm and ALWAYS MAINTAIN EYE CONTACT. It's hard to disagree with a confident
      person. Once you SEEM confident, you hold all the cards.

4. INTERPERSONAL SKILLS
Along with being able to communicate your own ideas well, you have to be receptive to other ideas and work constructively with them. Companies need versatile team players: people that will work hard on their own and increase the depth and effectiveness of a group effort. The best way to display these skills:

• •   As in the case of critical thinking, it is a good idea to prepare a list of examples in which
      you were part of a successful team effort. These items may not be on your resume, but
      could come up in an interview.
• •   When possible, reflect back on cases where you coordinated a team effort. It is one
      thing to work well in a group, but it is even better when you show that you can
      also lead and take charge of a group.
• •   Don't be afraid to mention troubles within a team that you had to overcome. A group of
      people will not agree on everything 100% of the time. Being able to work
      through problems and succeed is paramount.

5. MULTI-TASKING SKILLS
Businesses are always happy to drive down costs, and the best way to do this is by hiring fewer individuals who can multi-task. It is often the case that one efficient employee can do the work of two typical employees. Employees are paid for the hours they work, and employers want to get the most out of what they pay. An employee that can complete multiple tasks at once is the solution.

The best way to display these skills:

• •   When discussing previous positions held, include situations where you worked on
      multiple tasks at the same time.
• •   Prepare a list of projects that required you to separate tasks into clusters that could be
      addressed simultaneously. Be ready to explain the thinking behind your separation
      system.
• •   Show a willingness to take on many responsibilities. Any worker can pick up one or two,
      but if you can pick up more without getting spread to thin, you become a valuable asset.
•  

CONCLUSION
The resume will always be around and serve as your primary means of communicating skills with a prospective employer. But remember that you are more than just a list of skills on a piece of paper. The interview lets the employer see whats not easily determined from a resume and also your chance to shine. Mastering the art of showcasing your "secret skills" will let an interviewer know you are person they need to hire.
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Learn How To Succeed At Career Fairs

This issue will quickly cover the following:

A) Purpose of Career Fairs
B) How To Best Prepare
C) Tips & Strategies During The Fair
D) Career Fair Follow-Up

A) PURPOSE OF CAREER FAIRS
Career fairs are designed to provide job seekers a way to explore career opportunities within a variety of companies at one location. Job seekers should take advantage of these fairs to be better informed about the job market. Career fairs must be a part of your overall job search process. It’s a great way to learn about job openings, research companies and practice your interviewing and networking skills. 

B) HOW TO BEST PREPARE
Its important to make the most of your time at career fairs. There will be many employers and even more job seekers vying for attention so its critical that you prepare in advance of setting foot into the career fair.

Here are 5 tips that can help you be well prepared: 

#1 - PRIORITIZE
Find out what companies are going to be attending prior to the day of the career fair and identify and prioritize the top companies that you definitely want to visit. 

#2 - RESEARCH
Spend a little time researching these companies; the more you know the better. Use the Internet, library, etc. Employers love talking to candidates who are familiar with their company and business. It also makes you look smart. Candidates who are knowledgeable about a company come across as intelligent and interested. 

#3 - YOUR RESUME
Create and/or refine your resume and bring many, many clean, crisp copies to handout. This is very imporant!

#4 - APPROACH
Create a one-minute introduction that summarizes your skills, goals, experience, etc. Practice this until you are comfortable using this as your opening. The career fair will present many mini interviews and you need to be prepared for this. Anticipate interview questions and practice your responses. 

#5 - APPEARANCE
Dress professionally – don’t wear shorts and sandals. Use good judgement in what you wear and project professionalism. Bring a nice folder to carry your resumes and a notepad and pen for taking notes. 

C) TIPS & STRATEGIES DURING THE FAIR
Follow these tips below and you are on your way to a more productive career fair.

• • &nbspRelax and plan on spending time at the fair. Career fairs are not that frequent so plan
      your time well. Try to avoid standing in long lines. Go early if possible because the first
      hour is usually the slowest.
• •   Always request business cards or at least get an email address so that you can follow-
      up and pursue leads.
• •   When you get to actually talk to a company representative – remember to shake hands
      firmly and introduce yourself. This is your chance to make the best first impression.
• •   Be mentally prepared with a list of question to keep the conversation flowing. Ask about
      the company, the industry, what job opportunities exist, etc. Always try to relate
      your skills and experience to the company or jobs that may be open at the company.
• •   Visit companies outside your industry. You will be surprised at how many companies
      hire in all types of professions (ie. hospitals, banks, etc.)
• •   Visit your lower priority companies first. This way you can practice and fine tune your
      approach. When you are ready, then proceed to the top priority employers on your list.
• •   Network! Talk to both employers and other job candidates. If you are standing in line,
      don’t be shy talk to the people in line. More jobs are filled by networking than any other
      means.
• •   Conduct yourself with a professional manner at all times. Employers are watching at all
      times. So when you are walking around or waiting in line, always maintain
      professionalism.
• •   Be aware of time. Don’t stand and monopolize an employer’s time. Its not good for
      them or for you. Ask specific questions, get to the point and most importantly get the
      contact information for later follow-up.

D) CAREER FAIR FOLLOW-UP
Its important to keep yourself fresh in the mind of the employers. To do this, you must send follow-up or thank you letters within two days. Always refer to the date and location of the job fair. Try and highlight any part of the conversation that stood out to make it easy for them to remember you. Always include a copy of your resume. You might also want to follow-up with a phone call.

Also its important to re-group after a career fair and evaluate your experience. Try and understand what you did right and what can be improved upon, as this will help you be more productive at the next fair.

Most importantly, just have a very positive attitude. Always have a smile and thank each person you speak to for his/her time. You have something to sell and employers are there to shop around, and vice versa. 

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How To Answer The TOUGHEST Interview Questions!

WHAT THE INTERVIEWER IS AFTER

Few interview questions invoke as much dread as "Tell me about your greatest weakness?" Keep in mind that by asking this question that the interviewer is trying to determine if you engage in self analysis and how you handle difficult questions.

These 5 quick tips will help you to successfully navigate this interview hurdle on your way to landing your ideal job.

  5 Tips To Help Answer - "TELL ME ABOUT YOUR GREATEST WEAKNESS?     TIP #1 - MENTION THE DOWNSIDE OF A SKILL.
This strategy is successful because you actually answer the weakness question by showcasing a skill. For example "I am very committed to customer service. Sometimes this leads to my spending quite a bit of time with customers. At times this causes me to fall behind in other areas."

TIP #2 - SHARE A WEAKNESS THAT YOU ARE WORKING TO OVERCOME.
This tactic is successful because it shows that you are committed to self-improvement. An example of this is “I am not really comfortable presenting before an audience. I have joined a public speaking group in order to overcome some of my nervousness.” Another example is "I currently only speak English. I recognize that the world is getting smaller day by day and I am studying Spanish in order to be better prepared for the future."

TIP #3 - USE A WEAKNRESS THAT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE JOB.
While it is usually preferable to answer with the downside of a skill or a weakness you are working on, sometimes, the best tactic might be to use a weakness that is unrelated to the job. This way you can honestly answer the question while not casting doubt on your ability to fulfill the job requirements. Examples include "I am a terrible cook" or "I cannot dance." This strategy is useful if you are trying to inject a (quick) humorous story into the interview regarding some mishap related to the weakness.

TIP #4 - DO NOT PRETEND TO BE PERFECT.
It is never a good idea to answer this question by saying you have no weaknesses. Everyone has weaknesses. By saying you have none, you will appear arrogant.

TIP #5 - DO NOT GIVE A CANNED OR COMMON ANSWER.
This will make you will seem phony and insincere at worst and unimaginative at best. An example of a very over-used answer is "I am a perfectionist." Say this or something similar and be prepared for the interviewer to (inwardly) roll his/her eyes and subtract points for originality.
When talking about your weaknesses, always clearly communicate both what you are doing to overcome the weakness and that you are confident that your efforts will be successful. 

 

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