Most of us have been asked awkward questions in social situations. Are you pregnant? What did you pay for your home? How did the two of you meet? Do you like your job?

But being asked certain questions during a hiring process is a more serious matter.  Even questions like, “What country are you from,” or “Are you married,” can get an interviewer in trouble.

But my intent here is to keep you out of trouble.

It is against the law — both Federal and state — for people like hiring managers and recruiters to ask certain questions. These are questions that are not related to the job under discussion. Interview and application questions must be relevant to the specifications of the job description, and not used to probe for personal facts.

Illegal Interview Questions

The anti-discriminatory laws protect people from being passed over for a position solely because of gender, religion, age, or other condition. As a result, employers are not allowed to inquire about:

• Race or ethnicity
• Skin color
• Gender
• Religion or spiritual practices
• Nation of origin
• Birthplace
• Age
• Physical or mental disabilities
• Marital or family status
• Sexual orientation

How to Answer Questions That Should Not Be Asked

If you are uncomfortable answering any question, your best approach may be to direct your answer to what the interviewer really needs to know. 

For example, if an interviewer asks if you are a U.S. citizen, which is not legal to ask, you should reply simply that you are authorized to work in this country. An employer is within the law to ask if someone is authorized to work here, so you are in effect throwing the question back to him in a legal frame.

Handling the question like this can be a tactful way for you to save face for the interviewer.

Another choice is to change the topic of conversation and avoid the question.

This approach takes some conversational skill, but is still possible if you can be evasive. For example, if you are asked whether you are married, you can say, “It’s complicated.”  If you are asked what country your parents come from, you could say, “I’m not sure.” 

Even though you are legally protected, the reality is that refusing to answer a question could cost you a job offer. My advice to people in this position is to think about whether they really want to work somewhere where they are asked questions that are not appropriate. These questions betray a lack of sensitivity or training.

Your third option is to politely educate the interviewer that the question is not a legal one.

In many cases people, especially people in small or young companies, may simply be ignorant of the law. Just because the application or interviewer is asking an illegal question doesn’t necessarily mean that the intent was to discriminate.

Your answer could be, “I prefer not to answer that question. It’s against the law to ask it, and it could get the company in trouble.”  Or you could simply smile and say pleasantly, “You do know that question in not allowed by law, don’t you?” If the question is about something private like your religion, you say could something like, “That’s too personal for me to discuss.”

And then be silent.

Of course, you can always just answer the questions, even if they are out-of-bounds. I don’t usually recommend this method because I feel it fosters old-fashioned thinking, whether it is intentionally discriminatory or not.

Although it may keep you from making waves, answering illegal questions may not be in your best interest in the long haul.

I also don’t recommend being argumentative or combative about the issue. If an employer has a bias against something you represent, it is better to handle it politely and move on.

You should be on the lookout for interviewers who will disguise questions as small talk or otherwise ask questions to get information they want. This is particularly a problem for women.

Because an employer knows he cannot ask if you are married or if you have children, he may ask leading questions such as, “Are you able to relocate,” or “Would working weekends be a problem.” 

How you answer these questions depends on your circumstances, but it’s good to be aware that by getting chatty you can reveal too much about yourself.   

If you are filling in a form that asks for nationality, gender, marital status, or similar information, you are free to leave it blank or X-out all possible answers. 

You should know that you are entitled to file a claim against the employer or recruiter if you are asked illegal questions.  You might choose to take this action as a political statement, or if you want to be hired no matter what the situation.

Filing a Claim

If you believe you have been discriminated against by an employer, recruiter, labor union or employment agency when applying for a job or while you are on the job because of your race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, or disability, you can do something about it. 

 

You have rights that are legally protected if you have been discriminated against because you speak out about an illegal policy (such as working overtime without pay or being denied benefits) or for participating in an equal employment opportunity matter. You can file a charge of discrimination with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

To file a discriminatory claim, you’ll need to talk to an attorney who handles labor issues, or contact your local EEOC office.  

In the U.S., the Federal and state governments are on your side in the employment field. Prejudice and discrimination still exist in the workplace, so you can do your part by knowing your rights. These laws were hard-fought and cannot be denied. Being aware of them is part of being a good citizen  and actually increases your chances of getting that job you’ll love. 

photos: De Nova, Corn on the Job, Woman’s Health Magazine

Do you dread the phone interview? Afraid your voice will sound weak or nasal?

Or you’ll get tongue-tied?

Or say something stupid?

Or not have time to elaborate on your qualifications?

Or that the interviewer will call when your children are fighting, the television is at full volume cartoon soundtrack, and you’re in the middle of stir frying dinner?

There are ways around all these problems. And they are all simple solutions. You can score high on a telephone interview with a little know-how and prep work.What’s on Your Side

During a face-to-face interview, an interviewer will assess you on how you appear, but during a phone interview, he’ll judge you more by what you say, and how you say it. You can make this work to your advantage.

You can have a cheat sheet in front of you with the right answers to difficult questions. A cheat sheet can have specific details like pertinent percentages and dollar amounts so you’ll have these facts at your fingertips.

You can keep a copy of your résumé in front of you. You’ll be looking at the same thing the interviewer is looking at.

You can take notes while you are on the phone.

You are less likely to be pre-judged by age or disability or any ethnic or racial characteristics.

There are other advantages the phone interview has over the in-person interview.

It is usually shorter than the in-person interview. The typical one lasts 20 to 30 minutes, but it can be as short as five minutes or as long as an hour.

It will save you money. You do not have to travel to an interview. This can be a considerable savings if the hiring company is some distance away.

The Flip Side of the Coin

However, there are some disadvantages to the phone interview.

Because a phone interview is perceived as less personal, you may be asked difficult questions in the phone interview, like “Why did you leave your last job?” or “Why are you looking for a new job?”

The interviewer may be unskilled at getting information from you, and you could be unfairly screened from the next step of the application process.

You may have the kind of personal charisma that comes across better when in person than on the phone. You may have social skills that work best face-to-face. You may have physical advantages that don’t convey over the phone. For example, statistics show that tall people earn more money in their lifetimes. Although these kinds of things may work against you in a phone interview, they are minor.

What Will the Interviewer Want to Know?

The kinds of questions asked in a phone interview will have three purposes.

• To check your credentials. The interviewer wants to corroborate basic facts he sees on your application or résumé. Or he needs to fill in the blanks for missing information.
• To verify your experience. The interviewer has determined that you meet the requirements of the position, and now he needs to double check your experience by asking specific questions about your responsibilities and accomplishments.
• To predict how you’ll perform. The interviewer needs to judge how well suited you are for the position. These types of behavioral questions probe how you handled specific challenges in the past. It will help you give good answers to all these questions if you are relaxed, and confident.

To Avoid Nervousness

Take several deep breaths before the call. And do not forget to breathe during the call. This can help lower your voice pitch.

If you have a strong accent, lisp, or anything that could make it difficult for the interviewer to understand, acknowledge it. Tell the interviewer, “Let me know if you have any trouble understanding me, and I will be happy to repeat the information.”

Walk around the room when you are not taking notes. Standing up will make you feel more in control. Feel free to gesture with your hands if that is your habit.

Smile. Put a sticky note somewhere to remind yourself to put on a grin.

Keep your prepared notes handy and orderly. This kind of prep will help calm the jitters.

Dress as you would for an in-person interview. It will put you in a professional frame of mind and boost your self confidence.

To Improve Your Speaking Style

Practice speaking concisely and clearly. Many people are surprised to hear how they sound on the phone. One easy way to hear yourself is to use a free conference call service, like Freeconferencing.com.

Be enthusiastic but don’t talk too loud.

Limit the “uhhs,” ‘umms,” and “you knows” in your responses. A positive and confident frame of mind will help you speak unhesitatingly.

Slow down. When you are nervous, you are likely to talk faster, which makes you more difficult to understand. So talk a bit slower than you normally would.

Don’t use a speaker phone. You will sacrifice clarity. Use a landline if possible.

Resist the temptation to interrupt. Make sure the interviewer has finished asking the question before you answer. Then, wait a second or two before answering.

Eliminate “uptalk,” which is ending a declarative statement with an intonation that makes it sound like a question.

Customize the When and Where of the Call

Most hiring managers do not expect you to be available at a moment’s notice. So if you receive a call at an inopportune time, you can ask to schedule the call for later that day or the next day.

If you decide to do the interview right then, ask if you can excuse yourself to a quiet place and call them back in a few minutes. This will also give you a little time to prepare.

If you are at work, if you are driving, or if you are some place noisy, do not answer the call. Instead, call back as soon as you are able to. It is better to have the call go to voicemail and call the interviewer back than to perform poorly because of distractions.

Never put your interviewer on hold to answer another call. Ignore or disable your phone’s call waiting feature.

When scheduling an interview, be sure to clarify any time zone differences.

What to do Before the Call

The more you prepare, the better you will do. Here’s what I always tell my clients.

On a piece of paper, write down the company name, the job title you are applying for, the name of the person you’ll be talking to. Make sure you are thoroughly familiar with the job description or job posting.

Study the company’s website. Learn as much as you can about the company, the interviewer, and the job.

Create your own talking points outline. Remember to have your printed résumé in front of you, with any especially pertinent positions or accomplishments highlighted.

Plan to take notes during your interview with pen and paper, not the computer because the sound of typing is distracting.

Be prepared to answer the salary question if you are asked. Avoid bringing up salary, benefits, or who your supervisor would be. Save that for an in-person interview

Print an opening and closing statement on paper. The opening statement might be the answer to “Tell me about yourself.” This should include a 30- to 60-second statement of why you are qualified for the job, based on what you know about the position. The closing statement should include your desire to work for the company, reiterating your interest in the job. Speak using a conversational tone, not your reading-voice.

If using a cell phone, make sure the phone is charged (or plugged in) and has a strong cell signal. If you are using a cordless phone, make sure the battery is charged.

Go to the bathroom before the call.

With the right kind of preparation you’ll pass the phone interview with flying colors and that means being invited to the next level of job screening — the in-person interview.

Remember that I send a free copy of my Résumé to Payday ebook to each of my résumé clients. Is it time for your résumé to get a makeover?

photos: Wise Geek, Capital Bank TX

Did you know that looking for a new job makes you a target for thieves?

Here’s how I know.

Denise had been unemployed for nearly eight months when she contacted me to re-do her résumé. As a sales rep for a major cosmetics company, she had enjoyed a good salary, super working conditions, a travel allowance, and great benefits.

When we revamped her resume, she started getting interviews.

One day she received an email from a credit agency she’d never heard of, but one that claimed to represent one of the companies where she applied. The message asked that she complete online forms, including information like Social Security number and bank account information. Denise knew it was common for employers to run credit checks, so she completed the forms because they looked so convincing and they guaranteed privacy and security.
Big mistake.

You can guess from the title of this post what happened next. Her personal information was stolen and the scammers were able to apply for new credit cards in her name. Fortunately, one of her credit card companies called to ask why she wanted a second card, and she was able to notify local police who told her how to file for fraud and protect her other cards.

In the last year, social media scams and phishing attacks have increased 125%. The thugs know that jobseekers make good candidates because they are already accustomed to being asked for personal information.

These scammers don’t limit their target victims to any particular demographic. People of all ages, income levels, and educational backgrounds have fallen into their traps. Don’t fool yourself into thinking you are immune because you’ve heard warnings about identity theft, stolen credit cards, and hacked accounts. These thieves are pros.

After Denise’s brush with scammers, I decided to do my homework so I could alert other clients. I discovered there are three common ways job scammers work.

Work-From-Home Scams

One of the most common rip-offs geared to job seekers is the one that promises that you can make lots of money working from home.

Today plenty of people already work from home. About 30 million folks operate out of their home office at least once a week. Surveys that test worker satisfaction indicate that many people would trade a lower salary for the flexibility of telecommuting. So it’s no wonder that work-from-home scams are thriving.

Some work-at-home scams involve pay-to-play schemes. You are asked to send money in exchange for a special kit, supplies, or software that you can use to earn money working from home. Sometimes the company promises to reimburse you when you are hired, but the job offer never materializes. Or the scammer might ask you to pay a subscription fee to access a website or a list of work-at-home opportunities. Run, do not walk, away from these offers.

The most common scam you’ve probably heard about is when you’re asked to deposit a legitimate-looking check and then wire money or buy products online, and then you’re left holding the bag when the check bounces. Your bank will require you to cover the full amount of the check plus bank service fees.

In a similar work-at-home scam you will be actually set up with supplies you’ve purchased to assemble, with the promise that you will be paid for your tasks. Common tasks are stuffing envelopes, processing invoices or rebates or other papers, taking online surveys, or assembling small parts by gluing or sewing. But when the finished work is submitted, it’s rejected as “not being up to standards.”

The most dangerous scam along these lines happen when the “employer” requests payment for something in the form of a pre-paid Visa card. It is very difficult to recover money lost to a fraudulent transaction that used a pre-paid debit card because there is often no paper trail and the money transfer is immediate.

Some work-at-home business opportunities promise a refund if you’re not satisfied. However, victims who’ve tried to get refunds are usually not successful.

Identity Theft

We’ve all been warned about identity theft. One of the biggest areas of growth with identity theft is tax theft – when a thief uses your Social Security number to file an income tax return and obtain a refund.

Or, your Social Security number may be sold to an undocumented individual. When that person uses your Social Security number to get a job, his employer may report that person’s income to the IRS, so when you file your tax return and don’t include those earnings, the IRS will come after you.

If your identity has been stolen, and you receive a notice from the IRS about unreported wages, or that your return has already been filed, contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at (800) 908-4490.

Be cautious when you are asked to provide your Social Security number in a job search, especially if it’s asked for in an application or online form. Carefully check out any companies that send you an unsolicited job application or offer before providing any personal information, especially your Social Security number.

My personal policy is to never send a SSN online unless it’s a legitimate government site. The safest way is to use a secure landline.

Also, be careful of how much personal information about yourself you disclose on social media sites. People up to no good can use that information to answer “challenge” questions on your financial accounts, getting access to your money. Even saying “Happy Birthday” to your mom on Facebook could provide a mother’s maiden name to these thieves.

The Bait-and-Switch Job Offer

Scammers will put together job postings that look like they’re from real companies. They’ll use the real company’s name and logo, but the e-mail address it comes from is from a Yahoo! or Gmail account. Some of these scam opportunities are also coming through disguised as LinkedIn connection requests or job postings. The lesson here is that you have to look closely at the details in order to tell that it’s not a legitimate opportunity.

Some scammers don’t bother faking a job opening with a major company. Instead, they’ll invent a fake job to hook unsuspecting jobseekers. This technique is popular because posting the job costs the scammer little or no money, and is very effective. A scammer can post dozens or hundreds of listings for free on Craigslist. If they get even a small percentage of folks to fall for the scam, they can make tens of thousands of dollars.

Bait-and-switch offers can exist on any niche job board, or even the big job posting boards. The listings collect résumés to build their database of candidates and email addresses. On Craigslist, Monster, or CareerBuilder, these scams might be posted to get leads for multi-level marketing opportunities, or it might be to build a database of jobseekers so they can sell that.

These scams can be quite elaborate. You may be asked to participate in several phone interviews, or complete a pre-employment test. Being asked to jump through several hoops is one way to lure you in and build confidence and hope.

How to Avoid Being Scammed

Research is the best defense you have against getting scammed. The more you know about how crooks work, they less likely you’ll be victimized.

• Google them. A simple search of an internet address or company name will help you determine if you’re pursuing a legitimate opportunity. You may learn that other folks have been targeted with a scam originating with this address or name.

• Proofread. Job postings and sites with lots of errors, misspellings, or typos are often scams.

• Check duplicate listings. When you search on Google for a job posting, see if the identical ad comes up in numerous other cities. If it does, it may be a scam.

• Check locale. Countries that have a high fraud rate are Belarus, Estonia, Ghana, Hungary, Indonesia, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Malaysia, Nigeria, Philippines, Romania, Russia, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Thailand, Uganda, Ukraine and Yugoslavia.

• Be objective. Act cautiously when receiving job offers that sound too good to be true. If you receive an email out of the blue with a job offer, investigate it thoroughly before responding, or simply delete it.

• Stay private. Be mindful of the details you share on social media. A lot of the information you put on social media related to your job search is public. If you put out the word that you need a job fast, it will make you a bigger target.

• Invent new passwords. Do not use the same password for multiple sites. Use passwords that contain letters, numbers, and symbols. If you set up a username and password for accessing a bogus company website, and then use the same password for your financial accounts online, scammers can access them without your knowledge.

• Monitor your credit history. Request your credit report from the three national service providers (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax). Obtain yours through www.annualcreditreport.com. You are entitled to one free copy of your credit report every 12 months from each credit reporting company. One sensible approach is to pull a report from one bureau every four months, so you receive all three reports for free in a calendar year. Staying on top of your record has an additional advantage since some companies check your credit when you apply for work. You can also sign up for an ongoing credit monitoring service, which will provide you with email alerts if identity theft or fraud is suspected on your accounts. Some credit monitoring services also include identity theft insurance, which will reimburse you for time and money spent recovering your identity.

Staying Safe

Having a plan is an excellent defense. The more focused you are on your job goal, the less desperate you’ll feel. Having assistance in developing that plan is going to help you be methodical and confident about working that plan.

Here’s the kind of assistance I am talking about:

• Work with a pro. That may involve signing on with a career service professional or career coach to develop your plan. Having a professionally done résumé should be part of your plan.

• Surround yourself. Get help from a resource in the community, like a workforce development office, or help from churches and community organizations that offer assistance.

• Reach back. Align yourself with your college or university’s career service office. LinkedIn and professional organizations can help you contact colleagues and classmates as well. Be proactive and network with people you know and trust.

If you feel less desperate, you won’t chase opportunities or respond to unsolicited opportunities. People are more likely to be scammed by things that come randomly into their e-mail inbox than things that they pursue within their own network and support team.

Avoid Being Re-Victimized

Some scammers sell lists of people they’ve stolen from. The second round of scammers comes in to help you recover the money you’ve lost in the original scam. Instead, you’re re-victimized.

Unfortunately, the kind of folks who are perpetuating these scams don’t care about people. They care only about money. They’re determined to separate you from your money any way they can.

If you have been scammed, report the crime. Contact your local police and the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov/complaint. If you have provided access to your financial information, contact your financial institution and ask for help in eliminating the scammer’s access to your account. You may have to close your account and set up an alert on a new account. For clarity’s sake during this process, it’s a good idea to keep a written log of names and phone numbers of everyone you’ve spoken to, and keep copies of all reports you file.

Being aware of the all they ways scammers operate will help you keep from becoming a victim of cybercrooks.

Don’t get tripped up by a tough question in your next interview. I tell News 17’s Sharon Tazwell—and viewers at home—how to answer those tricky interview questions…

It’s no exaggeration to say that what you wear to a job interview can change your life.  Don’t believe me? Think about these facts:

1. Clothing covers 95% of your body.
2. Interviewers make a judgment of candidates within the first 30 seconds of meeting them for the first time. Most of what they have for visual clues is … clothing!
3. Clinical tests prove that first impressions always last. Really last. Even when contradictory evidence is introduced, people stick to their first impressions.
4. Where you live, whom you marry, and what job you go to every day are three of life’s major decisions, the decisions that affect the rest of your life.

Whenever I talk to groups of jobseekers, I always stress that a résumé will get you the interview, but the interview lands the job. That’s why it’s crucial to look good for all your interviews.

Exactly how you dress will depend on the job description, the area of the country where you live, your industry, business or profession, and even your age and gender.

With so many variables, it’s no wonder that most people need advice about dressing for an interview. Are you trying to decipher a company’s dress code? Wondering what the difference is between business casual and business formal? Can’t decide what kind of shoes? Don’t know if dress slacks or a skirt is a better choice? Or whether dark jeans are acceptable? What about colors, jewelry, briefcase, tie? My favorite links that make sense of dress codes are About.com’s article on Interview Attire and the Houston Chronicle’s article on the difference between business casual and business attire.

Here are my own 10 basic rules to help you dress for success.

Dress Professionally

Dress for the interview, not necessarily for the job. Interviewers will look for a polished, professional look, so dress to impress them. Dress with authority. Dress to show you take the job and the interview seriously. If you apply for a dental hygienist position, you don’t wear scrubs and clogs. If you apply for a construction manager’s position, you don’t wear work boots. Details like combed hair, polished shoes, and an outfit that shows you didn’t just walk in off the street (or just get out of bed!) demonstrates to the interviewer that you care, that you value the time and attention he is giving you.

Boost Your Confidence

Wear an outfit that makes you feel confident and comfortable. Knowing you’re putting your best (scuff-free) foot forward helps you smile and stand tall.  A positive, relaxed, and confident attitude is something interviewers look for in a candidate, so get out your power suit!

Dress Upward

Choose clothing that’s at least as formal as the person interviewing you. Sound crazy? Don’t worry. You’re more likely to be treated with respect. People like to do business with people who look like them.

Do Homework

Know what the company dress code specifies. If you don’t know it, you can observe how people are dressed as they exit and enter the building. Don’t do this on Fridays, however, in case there is a casual Friday policy. You could also call their human resources person and simply ask what’s appropriate attire for an interview there.  Wear what others wear, only a bit more polished.

Play Safe

When in doubt, err on the side of conservative. Unless you are applying for work in fashion, the arts, or the entertainment field, flamboyancy is better left for your off-duty hours. Unless you are a recent grad, an intern, or someone switching careers, you probably have an understanding of what the unspoken dress code for your field is already. Stay within those lines.

Look Ahead

Anticipate what will happen during the interview. If you are applying for a position in academia, expect a campus tour and multiple interviews over the course of the day. If you are interviewing at a manufacturing or research facility, you may be touring the entire operation, a lab, a warehouse, or a processing plant. In an urban setting, you may be walking a few blocks for lunch with the interviewer. You can always call ahead and ask.

Avoid Red Flags

Be aware of the taboos. Different fields have different tolerances. What’s expected at a small start-up company will be a deal-breaker at an investment firm. It’s safe to say that for women the interview taboos are low necklines and high skirts, statement jewelry, dramatic makeup or flashy manicure, and open toe shoes. For men, it would be a mistake to wear tennis shoes, a shirt without a collar, or a distracting necktie. Neither gender should wear fragrances, headphones, sunglasses, a hat, or out-of-date clothes. Cover any tattoos, turn your phone off, and don’t chew gum.

Add a Jacket

Whether you are a man or a woman, you can’t go wrong with a jacket. No matter what else you wear, what the season, location or type of business, a jacket gives your outfit a finished look. It conveys authority. Men can wear a sport jacket unless the code calls for a suit. Women can wear a blazer, a suit jacket, a Chanel-style jacket or a trapeze jacket. You can always remove a jacket if it’s too warm. Trust me on this one: a tailored jacket rocks any look.

Check the Fit

How your clothing fits is more important than how much it cost. If you don’t want to invest in an expensive interview wardrobe, that’s understandable. Classic pieces are best, but they must fit your body correctly. Older job seekers especially need to be careful their clothes look up-to-date, and fit is what matters when it comes to looking up-to-date.

Clean Up

Finally, grooming is just as important as wardrobe. Have a breath mint just before the interview. Check your teeth for lipstick. Check your hairdo and makeup. Are your fingernails clean? Shoes shined? Clothing wrinkle-free?

Like it or not, when you interview you’ll be judged by that 95% of the visible you. Dress as though the quality of your life going forward depends on it. It does.

 

photos: Brooks Brothers; Creativenglishlearning.

I’ve written more than 1,000 resumes, so I know what I’m talking about when I share the five most common resume mistakes with WNCN’s Sharon Tazwell. Don’t want your resume to end up in the recycling bin? Follow these tips…

It’s January, a time when many of us are setting new goals for the year ahead. In my dealings with people and in my own experience, I’ve found that when we successfully reach goals in one area of our lives – social, physical, or spiritual, for example — we’re empowered to do the same in other areas – areas like relationships, wealth, or career.

We’ve all seen how a friend or colleague who loses excess weight decides to earn an extra degree, or someone who learns a new skill expands her social circle.

May I suggest that career goals are a great place to start.

Whether you want to change jobs, change careers, or simply get more out of your current job, the first step is defining the goals. You need a plan.

Step One: Take Stock

To figure out where you’re going, first look at where you’ve been. The exercise I’m suggesting can take as little 20 minutes.

Here are some questions to ask yourself.

• What am I most proud of this past year, both personally and professionally?
• What went right for me this year?
• Did I receive any awards or recognition this year?
• Did I take on any additional responsibility this year? If so, what?
• How did I take initiative in my job this year?
• Have I learned any new skills?
• Did I earn any certifications or licenses?

Record this information in a success journal. You choose the style. It can be a Microsoft Word file on your computer, a note in Evernote, a series of emails you send to yourself (be sure to use email tags so you’re able to find the emails again), or a simple paper journal.

The idea is to gain perspective on the past year, but also to create an easy way to assess the coming year as it progresses. You can enter answers to the same questions in the coming year, making notes of your accomplishments. Why wait until the end of the year? These revisits will serve as reminders of what’s important for your particular career advancement.

Step Two: Articulate Your Goals

Decide what you want. Describe your ideal job. Add to your success journal answers to the following questions. Think about the person that you want to be, and imagine the possibilities.

• Who is my ideal employer? Specify the size, industry, culture, location, and structure.
• How much does my dream job pay? Be realistic here, based on your own research about your industry or profession.
• What are the most important benefits, other than salary, that would prompt me to go to work for a new company?
• What does my ideal job look like? What is my job title and what are my responsibilities? Who would report me, and to whom would I report? Would it involve travel? Do I want to work independently, as part of a team, or both? Do I like short-term projects or long-term projects?
• What do I want my next job to do for me that my last job didn’t do? Is there anything that I do in my current job that I don’t want to do in my next job?

Step Three: Make a Plan

Next, identify two or three goals you want to tackle. Use the S.M.A.R.T. goal system to articulate your goals. This system demands that goals should be “Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely.”

You’ll need to prepare a game plan for how you will reach these goals. But don’t use planning as an excuse to procrastinate. You want to get to Step Four as quickly as possible, because actions create momentum.

Take each of your two or three goals and write down the steps under each of them that you need to take to reach that goal. The more individual steps you can map out, the easier it will be for you to reach your goals. The steps should be practical tasks necessary for you to succeed.

Sometimes it helps to start at the goal and work backwards. If you can define what would have to happen for you to step up to the final goal, you can then define what has to happen before that.

Here are some steps that are typical for career advancement.

• Research job postings for entry-level jobs when changing careers to determine what skills, education, and experience are required.
• Join an association for your chosen profession or trade, and attend a virtual event, such as a webinar, or a traditional convention or conference.
• Enroll in an online course that focuses on the skills where you need improvement or updating.
• Identify a volunteer opportunity to put new skills into practice, either in your current job or with a community organization.
• Decide what skills are transferable from previous positions or interests or education.
• Work with a professional résumé writer to create a résumé targeted to your field.
• Join some industry-related groups on LinkedIn, and follow successful companies in your field that have company profiles on LinkedIn.
• Look for people in your network who can act as references for you.
• Using LinkedIn, connect with two or three contacts at desirable companies in your area.
• Identify possible employers and submit your résumé to each.

Step Four: Take Action

One common mistake people make when setting goals is to ignore milestones. If you don’t give yourself wayposts along the path to measure your progress, you won’t know when you’re on the right track. So, be specific when writing milestones.

These wayposts need to spell out dates and scenarios. Instead of writing, “Ask for a raise before the end of the year,” write, “In July, ask for a raise that brings me up to current industry standards.” Or, instead of writing, “Beef up my LinkedIn profile,” you could write, “In March, hire a professional to give my LinkedIn profile a makeover.”

Once you have listed your goals, the steps to achieving them, and your milestones, you have a nifty game plan for action. You may need to add or modify the steps, but you have a helpful checklist to guide you.

Over the months ahead, as you work your way through the checklist, consider the actions you are taking. If you’re taking the right actions, you should be seeing results.

If you’re not getting the results you want, change the plan, not the goal. Re-examine your tasks to see what could be off target, not specific enough, or too big a step.

If you aren’t reaching the milestones you set, you might want to get feedback. I’ve always found it helpful to have an accountability partner when I’m trying to stretch my skill set or achieve a new goal. Your accountability person could be a friend, family member, coach, résumé writer, or therapist. It should be someone you trust who can add some perspective on how you’re doing. Just knowing that someone will be asking about your progress, pushes you to stay on track.

Step Five: Measure Your Progress

Whenever you’re on a self-improvement journey, it’s crucial to periodically check all your mirrors and the road ahead to make sure you’re heading in the right direction at the right speed.

So, it’s a good idea to schedule a monthly check-up or a quarterly review, when you can re-examine your plan and make any necessary adjustments. Check to see if you are meeting milestones, and if your goals still look realistic and desirable.

The adjustments you make might be eliminating some steps, combining them with other plans, changing the timeline, drafting more specific goals, or even doing a major overhaul of your plan!

If you don’t take charge of your future, you may find your career wandering off onto detours, or stuck in a dead end. Instead, you can create the career you want for yourself. What it takes is seeing the big map, knowing what your destination is, and then making a plan to get there step by step. The important thing is to start. Now.

A résumé can get you an interview, but it’s the interview that gets you the job.

So, the smart ones (that’s you!) prepare for that interview. Here’s what to do.

Study the Navigation Charts

Research the company interviewing you.

Doing a little homework to learn about the particular business will give you confidence, let you tailor your résumé and cover letter for the job, help you identify the real hiring honcho(s), and increase the chances that you’ll have the right answers — and the right questions — during the interview.

At a minimum, you should:

Check out their website. Go to the “About Us” page. If it’s a publicly traded company, look at the information for investors. You’ll gain insights on their people, performance, and plans.

Google the company. Do a regular Google search as well as a search on Google News. The Google News search will identify any recent news articles featuring the company. You can also set up a Google Alert for the company, so that you will be notified via email when there is something new about the company online. You want them to know you are up-to-the-minute, and interested in them.

Snoop around their social media. Scan their Facebook business page, their company page on LinkedIn, and their Twitter account. They may also have a company Google+ page, Instagram account, or Pinterest boards. Taking the time to look at what the company posts on its social media accounts will help you get an idea of the company culture, how they brand themselves, what their mission is, how the employees dress, and what kind of community involvement they support.

Log on to Glassdoor. At Glassdoor.com you can get the inside scoop from people who work there and folks who have interviewed at the company. There is no charge to join the site, but the site uses “crowdsourcing” to collect data, so you will be asked to provide information on previous or current employers to add (anonymously) to the Glassdoor database.

Know the Home Port

Learn about your interviewer.

Job searching is a competition. Whatever you can do to gain an advantage over other applicants (and still play a fair game) is just savvy maneuvering. If you know the name of the person who will interview you, that’s one advantage.

You’ll be comfortable using the person’s name when introduced, and more likely to remember it when departing. You can also do some more detective work.

So, once you have been contacted for an interview, ask for the name of the person who will be interviewing you (if it’s not the person who contacted you). An easy way to do this is to ask, “Who will be conducting the interview?” You can also ask, “Will anyone else be participating in the interview?”

Make sure you get the correct spelling of the interviewer’s name. Conduct a Google search on this person, and look them up on LinkedIn. If you are going to be interviewed by a committee or group, ask for the names of all participants, if possible. On LinkedIn, you may discover that your networks overlap. Name dropping is permitted.

Work with the Tides and Weather

Choose the best interview time.

This is a tactic not everyone knows about.

Surveys reveal that when a hiring manager has to interview lots of candidates in a short period of time, he suffers what’s called interview fatigue. By the end of the day, he’s tired, and the interviews all start to run together.

You’re just another résumé with a face. It’s hard to stand out.

You’ll have a better chance of making a positive, memorable impression if you interview early in the process.

When you are contacted to schedule the interview, you may be offered a choice of times. Ask the interviewer how interviews are being scheduled. If all interviews are being conducted in a single day, or on consecutive days, choose the earliest slot you are offered.

However, if the interview dates are separated over several days (for example, on a Friday and then the following Monday), your best bet is to choose the earliest slot available on the last interviewing day.

Also, ask how much time you should allow for the interview. If the interview goes exceptionally well, and the interviewer offers to show you around (or introduce you to the people who would be your co-workers), you don’t want to have to beg off because you need to go back to work or go to another appointment. Make sure you schedule enough time for the interview and anything that goes along with it, like completing paperwork, taking tests, or getting a friendly tour.

While we’re on the subject of timing, be sure to arrive early for your interview. Ten minutes is normal. My grandfather prided himself on never being late. He told me, “Always plan on having to wait at a railroad crossing when you’re on your way somewhere.” I like to give myself a buffer for emergencies like that.

But don’t show up an hour early either. If you get to the company more than 30 minutes early, wait outside in your car or take a walk around the block. You’ll have a chance to clear your head while you practice deep breathing.

Wear the Right Gear

Finally, dress for success.

The usual advice for choosing interview attire is to “dress appropriately.”

But what that means isn’t exactly clear.

Depending on the kind of business, the size of the company, the level of the job you’re applying for, the part of the country where you live, the season of the year, your age, and even the day of the week…there are variables.

You’ll have to do more homework. Find out if there is a dress code at the business. If you have to stalk the parking lot or the elevator to get a handle on what employees wear, do it. When that interviewer shakes your hand, he’ll be making eye contact, but his peripheral vision will take in your whole body, and 90% of what he sees is clothing.

You want to demonstrate that you understand company culture and can be a team player. You want to present yourself as an individual who is already successful, has self-esteem, and possesses enough social intelligence to take care of things like grooming and yes, even fashion.

Going into an interview even slightly sloppy is an affront to the person interviewing you. You might as well stay home. Be clean. Be professional.

The key is to over-dress rather than under-dress. The old adage that you should dress for the position one rung up the ladder is still valid.

It’s usually recommended that men wear dress slacks, a sport jacket, and tie. If you choose a suit, blue or dark gray is preferred over black. A shirt should be white or a light color, and long-sleeved. A tie should be conservative in both pattern and color. Shoes should be brown or black dress shoes, comfortable, in good condition and polished.

In traditional office settings, women are usually advised to wear either dress slacks or a skirt with a classically styled top, nothing flashy or sexy. A dress is another option unless it is too short or form-fitting. A jacket always looks professional and makes you feel put together. You can choose a colorful blouse or one bold piece of jewelry, but understated is usually better. Go easy on cosmetics and fragrance. Choose conventional shoes, ones that are comfortable, in good condition, perhaps with a small heel. Peep toes need not apply.

For both genders, a briefcase is the finishing touch that spells professionalism.

However, if you are a man interviewing at a start up company where everyone who works there wears dark wash jeans or khakis, that’s what you should wear. With a really good shirt. If you’re applying for art director at fashion ezine, you won’t wear a dark suit. You’ll wear something totally trendy. Maybe a bright shirt or a statement tie.

And if you are a woman interviewing for a non-traditional kind of job – in the creative or entertainment field, for example — all bets are off! Unless you are changing professions, you probably know what standard dress is in your chosen field.

I’ll craft your résumé to get you in the door, but the rest is up to you. With these tips, I have confidence that you’ll sail through those interviews. Don’t forget the breath mint!

ATS stands for Applicant Tracking System, which is exactly what it sounds like – software that filters and analyses the job applications.

As a jobseeker, you’ll benefit by learning how to play the ATS game. I can help.

It’s understandable why people who hire want to use the ATS systems. Like any electronic management tool, they simplify the process, letting a computer tackle the job of narrowing the pool of applicants.

But what if you are in that pool? And you want to make the cut, get that interview? Once you understand how ATS works, chances are much better that your resume will score points instead of getting tossed in the recycle bin.

Here’s Why Companies Love the System

Instead of sorting through what could be hundreds of applications for one particular position, a recruiter or hiring manager working with an ATS has access to a search system like the one that exists online with Google or Bing or Yahoo. He can type in what he wants and a list of ideal candidates pops up.

It’s all based on résumés. (What else is new?)

Different software companies have developed different tracking systems but they all offer the same benefits for employers. They:

Automatically screen out applicants who lack the required skills, education or experience for the job.

Make it easy for companies to comply with federal employment laws that forbid discrimination based on age, gender, and ethnicity.

Streamline the process of reporting to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission by collecting data from candidates who apply for work.

Let everyone within the company who is hooked into the system share applicant résumés and notes, making internal communications smoother.

Understanding the Tracking System

If a résumé isn’t structured in a way that fits the applicant tracking system, it can enter a black hole. That means that even if you are a perfect fit for the job, if your résumé isn’t structured to talk nice to the ATS, the recruiter or hiring manager won’t even know about you. You’ll be just a benchwarmer.

One advantage for jobseekers applying through an applicant tracking system is that some systems automatically notify a candidate whose résumé doesn’t fit the job. When you submit a résumé manually for a position that’s in demand, employers generally don’t have time to send you a reject notification.

But when you get an ATS-automated notification that your application has been rejected, you can look for other approaches to be considered for the job, like using your network contacts. You can also tweak the résumé, or simply move on to other opportunities. There will be other teams happy to have you join them.

An ATS will pull out certain information from your résumé and place it in specific fields within the its database. These fields include contact info, work experience, education, and skills. Then the system analyzes the extracted info to see if it matches the criteria that the position demands.

It will look for the number of years you register with any particular job category. It will read how long you’ve worked with a certain skill. Then, it assigns your résumé a score, ranking you compared to other applicants.

The way the ATS manages this ranking is by searching keywords. It will look to see if certain keywords appear and the number of times they appear.

It will look for how keywords fit into your work history or your education, or how recently you used a certain skill. If you were on the track team in high school, it won’t rate you as high as competing in the latest triathlon.

It will check to determine the relevance of keywords in context. In other words, does the keyword or phrase appear with other keywords you would expect?

The higher your résumé ranks, the more likely it will end up being reviewed by a human reader. You’ve made it through the goalie!

ATS — It’s Not a Deal Breaker!

Applicant tracking systems see some keywords and phrases as more valuable than others. A system can let a hiring manager fine tune his search by assigning greater significance to certain terms or qualifications.

He can also apply filters to narrow his search. A geographic filter might screen out candidates unwilling to relocate. An education filter might boot candidates without certain certificates. He can also specify keywords as either “desired” or “required.”  All these factors affect how a résumé scores.

Brad Pitt could have used an ATS in the baseball movie Moneyball to help him calculate those important on-base and slugging percentages, and then zero in on his best drafts.

Companies that create applicant tracking systems continue to refine their processes and algorithms. Their systems are becoming less expensive as more providers enter the market.

There are no clear statistics about the number of companies using applicant tracking systems, but it’s clear that those numbers will continue to grow as the software’s cost comes down. The systems are currently being used primarily in midsize and larger companies. Almost all Fortune 500 companies use ATS software.

Any time new technology is introduced to the hiring process, it’s a little threatening for jobseekers. Don’t let the new ATS technology scare you. There are a number of excellent ways we can find all the right keywords that are going to help you rank high. I will help you structure your résumé so it makes its way through the system to win the game and land you that interview.

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