How to Get a Job for Which You Are Not Really Qualified

Steps

1. Prepare for the interview. Being prepared is more important than job knowledge, skills and experience.
2. Tailor your resume. Think creatively about how the experience you have relates to the job you want. Bullet aspects of your previous jobs relevant to the position you seek.
3. Get an interview. The hardest part of getting a job for which you may not be the most technically qualified applicant is getting an interview.
4. Conduct yourself professionally.
5. Be confident. Focus on why you honestly believe you would be good at this particular job. Make a list of reasons beforehand. If you have confidence in yourself, you are more likely to convince the employer of your ability.
6. Be up-beat. A positive attitude will show the interviewer you are a can-do person.
7. Be likable. We all want to hire and work with people we like.
8. Be informed. Know about the company and the business before you go to the interview. Know what they expect you to do for the company.
9. Ask intelligent questions. There is always more to the job than what can be said in an ad. As you find out more about the job, you may discover job functions for which you are more qualified and you can direct your focus on them.
10. Be open to training. If the employer is willing to train you for the job, demonstrate enthusiasm about learning new things and a willingness to put extra time and effort into training. If you are a quick study, now is the time to mention it.
11. Make the interview a starting point. If the job is not something you are qualified to do, ask to leave your resume with the company or ask if there are similar opportunities at a lower level. If you appear enthusiastic, intelligent and committed, your interviewer(s) is more likely to offer suggestions to help you break into the field.


Tips

* Consider taking training in the particular field you are trying to get into. It's not a good idea to apply for a job you're technically not qualified for, so actually becoming qualified is better than resorting to the steps in this article.
* Keep trying. You may not get the first job for which you interview. Each interview will leave you better prepared for the next one.
* Go back to school, get more training or take an entry-level position in the field, etc.
* Talk with someone who already holds your dream job--after all, they know how they got there!
o Remember, nearly two thirds of the time, it's not the most qualified candidate who is hired, it's the one does the best job of promoting himself.
* Remember: "No" really means "not now", not "never".
* If it's an option and if you have the means to support yourself, you might offer to work free for the company for a period of time (ie. one week, one month) to prove yourself and your skills.


Warnings

* Never lie or exaggerate. It is fine to place your experience in the best possible light, but do not say you have experience in an area you don't.
* Be prepared to handle rejection. Some employers might not consider you for positions you have no experience in.
* You may get in over your head. Your new employer and colleagues may not appreciate your lack of experience in the job. They may not want to spend extra time getting you up to speed, when they expect a base level of competence and experience.You may be unhappy with the level of extra work required to keep up.
* There are some jobs that you cannot do unless you have the correct licensure. Try to do some research before hand, and make sure that you can practice a certain profession legally without having the correct registrations beforehand.

How to Dress for an Interview as a Man

Steps

1.
Be formal (no matter what the regular dress code is at the job). The only exceptions to this are if you are interviewing somewhere that they tell you specifically what to wear for your own safety (such as at a factory). For most interviews, a suit is the appropriate attire. A blue suit works the best and it gives you a lot of versatility in terms of shirt and tie choice. Light or dark grey are also good conservative choices. A three button suit will look good on almost anyone, while a 2 button will give a slightly taller/slimmer appearance.
2. Choose a solid white or blue shirt. You don't want to look too flashy with a brightly colored shirt, and striped (and especially patterned) shirts are a little less formal. A straight collar is also more formal than a button down. Choose one with a medium spread. (If you have a particularly large neck, a wider collar may look better.)
3. Wear a tie in a dark, conservative color (never pink). Stick to solids, rep (diagonal striped) or small patterned ties. A red tie will give the friendly politician look, while blue ties give a more serious FBI agent look. Both are acceptable.
4. Wear a belt or suspenders, but never both at the same time. It’s redundant. If you're a suspenders kind of guy, get buttons sewed into your trousers and wear suspenders that button on, not the cheap clip-on kind. They will make you look cheap.
5. Show off your shoes. A pair of black oxfords or cap-toed oxfords is the best choice. Get ones that don't have super thick soles so they won’t look like boots.
6. Wear solid, vertically ribbed socks in black or grey. Get socks that are long enough to cover your legs when you sit down in your suit.
Tips

* A nice watch rounds out the outfit. You don't have to spend a fortune on a Tag Heuer. Fossil and Timex make nice enough looking watches that can fool almost anyone.
* If you are lucky enough to be asked for a second interview, simply changing the shirt and tie combination can give the look of a whole new outfit, even if you don’t have another suit.
* Although it seems counterintuitive to wear another layer, putting on an undershirt will keep sweat from getting on your dress shirt and showing exactly how nervous you really are. The bonus is that your white shirt will look whiter with a white undershirt. Choose a white short-sleeved tee in favor of an athletic undershirt.
* Make sure your dress shirts' tails are long enough that they stay tucked in. Refresh your tuck right before the interview in the nearest restroom: unzip your fly and reach in to pull the front tail downwards, to align the placket with your trouser hitch and belt buckle.
* Wear unscented deodorant and no cologne
* Rather than carrying a backpack or loose papers, bring a folder or portfolio with at least one copy of your resume.


Warnings

* It is imperative that your clothes are clean and pressed. If you never iron your clothes, iron just this once for your interview.
* Some dress shoes can be slippery, and literally falling on your face is not the impression you want to make. Look for shoes with rubber inserts for traction.
* Also make sure your shoes are shined and the heels aren't worn down. If the heels are worn down, you can have them repaired at a cobbler.
* Don't get a watch that beeps, and make sure your cell phone is in silent mode.
* Some of the more technical organizations you may interview with have a "we don't hire suits" custom. Check beforehand with the firm's HR contact to inquire about this.
* Make sure that you are clean and orderly, because if you are not they will look for the guy that is.


Things You'll Need

* A blue or grey suit
* 2-3 white and blue dress shirts
* 2-3 conservative ties
* Black oxford or cap-toed oxfords
* Black belt
* Dress sock
* Watch

How to Make a Resume

Steps


1. Start by making a list of all the jobs you had and the dates. Don't leave anything out. Include jobs, awards, educational degrees, skills, personal projects: anything that would be impressive and/or interesting to anyone (even if not impressive or interesting to everyone). Even after your resume is finished, maintain this list. That way, you don't have to revisit those portions year after year. Organize your list by category.

2. Tailor your list to the position you're applying for (this will require a bit of research). Trim out each item that is not directly relevant to the job and add on two or three sentences explaining the relevance of each item. Whenever possible, list your experience in terms of accomplishments and achievements rather than tasks and responsibilities. Show your success. You may end up with many different versions of your resume, each one emphasizing a different set of skills.

3. Consider stating your objective. Again, keep this short and to the point, a single sentence. Personalize it to the position. Make sure your objective doesn't contradict the position you are applying for. Many employers will ignore an objective; so if it doesn't add something to the resume, don't include it.

4. It's time to format. Mind the look and feel of your resume. It should have clean lines and be easy to read. Make it two pages max, and only one page if you're just out of school - if you have more to share, save it for the interview. The font should be 10-13, no smaller, no bigger, but you should be able to read it well when you print it out. Black and white is best unless you're emphasizing your artistic or publishing skills (and even then be careful and tasteful). Keep the format neat and organized.

5. Include an address, phone number and email address. But, do not include an email that shows you shouldn't be taken seriously, such as beerandboys@email.com. Don't use your current employer's name, number or email, either. If necessary, get an extra email address with a professional name that you can use for job searches.

6. Proofread, proofread and proofread again. Have a friend or professional that you trust proofread. Have an enemy proofread. Have a stranger proofread. Then proof again! Take criticism well and remember that just because someone suggests something doesn't mean you have to make the change. Don't boast about written communication skills with a typo.

7. Toot your own horn, but be careful. There is a fine line between arrogance and confidence. Try not to cross that line.

8. Follow directions. This is a huge indicator of responsibility to a hiring manager. If the ad says "no calls please," then don't call! If the job description asks you to provide your salary history, then you will probably want to include that information in your resume. However, this is not an absolute: it may limit your negotiating power to get the best possible salary.





Tips


* The point of a resume is not to get the job, it's to get the interview. Focus on your best accomplishments. Focus on things you've accomplished so that whoever reads the resume will think, "I want to find out more about how this person did that."

* Be consistent! Format each entry in your resume in the same way.

* Include an Executive Summary. Many (most?) resumes only get a brief look-through (there may well be 40 applicants for one job). Sometimes, just five or ten seconds is spent scanning through on each one. Therefore,consider including an Executive Summary as the very first thing the employer sees. This will be a concise (3-5 line) note on your education, experience, and abilities. Label this prominently (in a contrasting colour).

* Don't over-qualify yourself for a position. Give enough information for interest and save the "wow" factor for the interview. Write the resume for the position you are applying for without altering the truth.

* Don't go overboard with your attachments! Don't attach 6 letters of recommendation, your diploma, your birth certificate, and your CPR and fitness certifications. Indicate your current certifications and be prepared to give references upon request.

* If you list your references in your resume (which many employers request anyway), be sure you have their permission to list them.

* If you're just out of school put your educational details in before your employment details, with the most recent first on both of them. If you've been out of school for more than a year, or you have significant job credentials then list past employment and accomplishments first.

* Consider leading with your strong suit, whether it be education, skills, work or volunteer experience. The idea is to showcase your strengths and minimize your weaknesses.

* Detail your duties within each position but don't go overboard. Accomplishments are more impressive than duties. "Cut expenses by 25% over six months while maintaining historic revenue levels," is more impressive than, "Was responsible for a $500,000 budget." The latter says, "I did this," the former says, "I did this and I can do it for you."

* Highlight your expertise in any particular skills that will impress the interviewer, such as software programs, foreign languages, customer service, or anything else that might be relevant to the job.

* Listing personal hobbies is optional (and can make you look well-rounded), but make sure they are sending the right impression. You may be proud of your skateboarding prowess, but the employer will probably be more impressed with your Toastmaster's International speaking experience.

* Quantify your accomplishments, if possible, by applying specific numbers to your successes. For instance, if you streamlined the flow of work for your department, define how much time it saved the company over a period of, say, 4 months. Time is money.

* Think hard about what you've done and what you've accomplished. Many people are somewhat shy and modest about what they have done on the job. Don't be! For instance, instead of saying "answered phones," say "answered multi-line phone and routed calls for an office of 43 people." The example here shows the prospective employer the volume of work you've handled and the complexity of the equipment.

* Consider double submissions: Send one application to Human Resources, another to the most applicable ranking officer (research and find out who that is). HR clerks have been known to disqualify resumes on a technicality, while it may catch the (less bureaucratically inclined) officer's eye.

* If possible, keep the resume for a day or two before reading it again. You may think of something else you want to add before submitting it to prospective employers.

* Write a cover letter that is short, sweet and to the point (and specifically written for the job you're applying for). If at all possible, do not write more than a page-long cover letter (make sure, though, that you include everything the employer asks for). Try and remember that the person reading it is probably looking at hundreds of resumes. Address logical questions in your cover letter. If you're applying for a position in California but your resume has a New York address, explain why. If you don't, the reader will probably trash the resume (unless the company is ready and willing to pay for a relocation package).

* Keep your layout simple. For example, don't use too many type fonts, two or three at most. Sans-serif fonts are best for headers, serif fonts are best for listing the details. White space is free and makes for easier reading. Be very careful in using colour (except very occasionally and for emphasis). Make it easy for the employer to find the information he wants.

* Backup your resume, on a USB, hard-copy, or even in the draft folder of your email.

* Do not pad your resume. This may be illegal, and, if discovered, may well cost you the job, if not immediately, then months or even years later.

* Do not include irrelevant personal information. This includes age, religion, political affiliation, race, and similar (unless these are job-related).

* Be culturally aware. In some cultures it is customary to list your age, marital status, and family status, it is not common everywhere (such as in the US). If you think age is important, you can allude to it with the year you graduated college or high school. Otherwise, these dates aren't necessary. Beware that, depending on the industry, you may face age discrimination if you graduated many years ago. For example, in creative industries, having graduated more than a few years ago may disqualify you from getting an interview for a junior position.

* Including a photograph? In some countries, or for certain jobs, this is expected. Elsewhere, it may be illegal for the employer to ask for one. It certainly personalizes your resume and adds visual appeal (assuming you don't make Quasimodo look handsome!)

* Fill-in-the-blank style resume builders are readily available, particularly on Microsoft word processors.

* Draft, re-draft, and revise again!

* Remember, the resume lands you the interview and the interview gets you the job!

How to Answer Tough Questions in an Interview

Steps

1. Apply for jobs you really want. If you're not really sure about a job, every question will be tough to answer.
2. Know yourself. Consider your strengths and weaknesses, and be aware of the qualities you offer a potential employer. Think about how your past experiences have helped you.
3. Before the interview, think about (or write down) all the possible questions you could be asked, and come up with answers to them.
4. Recognize that the interviewer is interested in you. Don't sell yourself short, and realize that you have something to offer. This will make questions easier to answer.
5. Talk about the future as much as the past. Avoid discussing uncomfortable things from your past and focus on what you can do for the company and why you want to work there. If caught off guard with a question, don't answer right away. Take some time to compose your thoughts, and then answer as best you can.
6. Try to answer all questions as positively as you can. Don't speak negatively about former employers, former companies or former management.
7. Do some research about the company and the position you are interviewing for. If possible, talk to someone who has the job and find out what the companies look for in an employee. Don't lie, but position yourself as the ideal candidate.
8. Look over your resume' before the interview as many questions may come from your resume'.
9. Don't ramble especially when answering a tough interview question. Answer the question...get in and get out of it! If you seem unsure they may continue the same line of questions that are making you uncomfortable.
10. If you don't understand the question, it is alright to ask them to repeat it rather than assume you can fake your way through an answer. People usually rephrase a question the second time through and that can give you an edge.

Tips

• Be clean. Shower 1 hour before, no perfume, no "statements" like punk clothing/haircuts/jewelry/nose or earrings/other body art. If you want to sell yourself, be relaxed and ready to kick butt.
• Give yourself plenty of time to get to the interview. You don't want to be late or rushed--arriving early will allow you to enter the interview calm, cool and collected (and ready to answer questions).
• Keep in mind that a job interview is not "just about you". It is also your opportunity to determine if the company is one you wish to work for. When the interviewer asks if you have any questions, the worst thing you can do is say no. Always have at least two or three job or company related questions ready.
• Do a bit of research in advance of the interview and learn about the company's history and direction.During the interview, refer to things you've learned about the company. This tells the interviewer that you have an interest in the company and understand its mission, giving you an edge over applicants who simply "walk in".
• Turn potentially negative answers into positive ones. A common example would be "What are your weaknesses?" The worst answer to give is that you haven't any. Find a weakness that you've improved upon and use that for your answer to this common question. "I learned in my previous position that my computer skills were not as strong as I would have preferred. I have since completed classroom training in that area, and have greatly improved." Remember, the question isn't meant to determine what the "weaknesses" are- it is meant to determine what you have done to correct them.
• Always bring questions full circle back to your stated achievements and qualifications. When the interviewer asks a "How would you handle xxx?", a good answer would be "I had a similar situation in a previous position, and I handled it by.." Whenever a positive result was achieved, it is imperative that you note it. "My actions resulted in a decrease of operating expenses by 15% while increasing revenues by 25%."
• Practice asking yourself questions in a mirror or have someone you know assist. Do what all US Presidents, court witnesses and executives do to prepare for tough questions: using a role-playing format, have someone ask you the same potentially tough questions, giving you the opportunity to practice your answers and delivery. Allow yourself practice to work through not only the best answer but one you're most comfortable delivering.
• Use the STAR method when asked questions such as have you ever been in a group that did not work well together? Discuss the Situation, what Tasks you needed to achieve, what Actions you took, and the Results. It's okay if the situation ended badly. Discuss what you learned and how you would have handled the situation differently.

Warnings

• Do not go there hoping to get the job. It produces sweat, stupid answers, etc., as anticipation is not a good thing. Go there to show them what they will be losing if they don't hire you. Don't wish for the job, just go and prove how good you are. Do not humiliate yourself--just convince the company you are a good human and they will want you. Easy.
• Don't try to impress the interviewer by using vocabulary you don't know. If you don't know what a word means, don't use it. Otherwise you will come across as ignorant and insincere.
• Don't appear arrogant or the interviewer will try to stump you by asking even harder questions. Pay attention to your body language!

How to Perform Well in a Group Interview

Steps

1. Research the company on the Internet. Don't just go to their website, but go to other sites that you can find on google that discuss the company. Get financial information and company history.
2. Read the position details and read them well. Make sure you come into the interview able to describe what you think the job is. Think about how your skills and background fit into the job, as you may have to answer that question on the spot.
3. Arrive early. This will give you an advantage over some of the other interviewees, allowing you extra time to meet the interviewers.
4. Introduce yourself to the people from the company before the group interview begins.
5. Be alert and ready for anything. These interviews are interactive so pay attention as you will be expected to participate.
6. Prepare a 2 minute introduction summarizing your education, your experience, your career goals and how this position will fit into your future plan. Practice this introduction on people in your life.
7. Usually group interviews are designed to see how you interact with other people so be courteous to your fellow interviewers.
8. Listen. The interviewers will usually give an overview as well as detailed instructions. Some group interviews involve training and exercises involving several steps. For example, you may have to perform a mock sales pitch using the companies steps to a successful sale.
9. Interviewers may be looking for leadership skills, but this does not mean talking over others or trying to be the loudest. Instead, act as a 'facilitator': say "Shall we take a vote?" and then count the votes. This shows that you are confident, but willing to listen to others.
10. Again, if trying to show leadership, delegate tasks to others. Don't try to do it all yourself: no good leader would do that, but if you can co-ordinate others, this works well.Take detailed notes if you are allowed to do so.
11. Make eye contact with everyone at some point. Direct your pitch at everyone, and don't focus all your attention on one person.
12. Include quieter people: if someone hasn't said much, ask their opinion. This is great as it shows you are considerate and a real team player. (But don't defer to someone else when it's your chance to speak.)
13. Praise others for their good ideas - it is a good way to seem friendly and a little authoritative at the same time.
14. Don't be shy. Speak out, but don't cut other people off or go over your allotted time for the question or exercise. If you are broken up into small groups, realise that people will still come over from time to time to hear what you are saying.
15. Smile. It might be nerve-wracking but if you appear morose you shan't fare well.
16. Be sure to say goodbye to the interviewers before you leave and send a follow-up letter.

Tips

• Say things like:
  • "That's a good idea - who else agrees with that?"
  • "Shall we take a vote? One, two, three... yes, this is the most popular way, are we all agreed?"
  • "What's your opinion on this?"
  • "He is doing X, so why don't we do Y, so everything gets done."

Warnings

• Don't expect to get the job, since some group interviews involve up to 20 applicants at a time.
• Don't expect the group interview to be your only interview. Sometimes there are follow-up interviews involved.
• Do not get angry or abusive towards someone if they appear to be taking over, or for any other reason!