Ask the Experts: Your Job Questions Answered
Frustrated with your job search? We hear ya. SnagAJob.com's job experts are here to help with your job application questions, job interviews and job dilemmas. Click any question to see the answer.
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Q. When employers ask why you want to work for them, should you tell them the truth, even if it's to say "I need a job," or should you find something clever to say like "I'd be a very great addition to your work force"... even if you know it's not completely true? –Amber V.
When an employer asks, "Why do you want to work for us?", never just say "I need a job." Why? Because the employer knows you need a job - every other person applying for the position needs a job too! However, you shouldn't lie about why you want the job, either. The key here is to be specific. Think of one thing about the company that you really like, and one specific thing you're good at. Then match them up - like this:
- "I always shop at Macy's because the employees are so helpful. I really enjoy customer service and I think I'd be a great addition to your team."
- "I really want to work for a company that offers opportunities to advance into management positions, and I know Chipotle is committed to helping its team members grow."
- "I love scrapbooking and other crafts, and I think my experience makes me a perfect fit for Michaels."
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Q: My question is, what have I been doing wrong? I have been filling out applications on this site for about three years. And I have yet to find a job. I have had about 4 interviews (thanks to this site) in the past 3 years and none of them called me back. What, if anything, might be turning employers off? I think my problem is I don't have much experience in general, but it isn't like the jobs I apply to are hard in the least. –Devon L.
Sorry you haven't had much luck finding a job. You're definitely doing one thing right: being persistent. There are about six people competing for every single job out there right now, so you've got to keep applying in order to have a shot at getting hired. Our most successful job seekers apply to 10 jobs or more before they find the one that's right for them.
It may be that employers are turned off by your view that your experience shouldn't matter because the jobs aren't hard. Experience does matter. If an employer is looking at applications for a cashier job, and one applicant has cashier experience while five others don't, who do you think they're gonna hire?
Here's the good news: even if you don't have a ton of job experience, you can use what you have to convince employers that you're right for the job. In your job seeker profile, make sure every bit of experience you have is included: part-time jobs, student jobs, volunteer experience, etc. Then, use the "Tell us about yourself" section to talk about your skills and abilities. And before your next interview, research the company and practice common interview questions so you're ready to wow them. Good luck!
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Q: After I worked faithfully for almost 9 years, under unusual circumstances I was fired from my job. I was unjustly let go, but it probably was time to move on. Should I be truthful or not? It is embarrassing and it was unwarranted. –Janet C.
As embarrassing as it might be, you’ll want to be truthful on this one. You never know when someone might call up your old employer looking for a reference. If they find out you were lying about being fired, you’re going to lose all credibility and at the same time lose your shot at a new job.
Definitely include this job in your job seeker profile. Our profile system doesn’t require you to tell us why you left your last job, so there’s no reason to mention that you were fired just yet. Nine years is a long time to work for one company, and employers may be impressed by your dedication. If prospective employers ask what happened, be careful not to say anything harsh about your old company – keep it brief and keep it simple. There were unusual circumstances that led to your being fired after nine years. Tell the prospective employer that being fired helped you to realize that it’s time for you to move on and you are now looking for a new career that’s right for you. Stay as positive about the whole thing as you can. Your new employer will like your optimism and will appreciate your honesty.
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Q: I’m currently working in a position that at the beginning was very enjoyable, but is now horrible because of my new manager. What should I do about this? –Angela P.
The short answer? It all depends. Take a long hard look at the situation – what is it about your new manager that you don’t like? Does she tell dumb jokes? Is she annoying? If she’s just getting on your nerves, you can find a way to live with it. It’s not always fun, but if you love your job then it’s worth it. Try and find something you have in common with her. Maybe she tells dumb jokes because she’s nervous around you and deep down, she wants to be friends. Make an effort to be friendly and if that doesn’t work, then just try and ignore her irritating behaviors as much as you can.
However, if she is rude and condescending, illegally docking your pay or verbally or physically abusive, you need to report her through the proper channels. If that doesn’t work, then you should start looking for a new job. No one should have to work in a toxic environment, no matter how much they like or even need their job.
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Q: How do I convince a potential employer that I'm worth hiring even though I have no work experience? I'm 20 years old with no work history to put on my applications, and lately I feel like if you don't have any experience, you won't get hired. I know that I would be a good employee, but I don't have anything to back that up except to say I'm a really hard worker. What are some other ways to prove I'm good for the job? –Angel R.
You’re not alone. Plenty of people visit our site looking for their first job – after all, everyone has to start somewhere. Even if you have no work experience, make sure to put something down in the experience portion of the application. Babysitting, volunteer work, school activities and sports are all great ways to show employers that you can handle the responsibility of the job.
Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get the first job you apply for. Our most successful job seekers apply to 10 or more jobs. Make sure your application is complete and has no spelling errors, apply to jobs that don’t require much experience, and before you know it you’ll have your first job!
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Q: I get choked up during job interviews. What can I do to help with that? –Amber A.
Don’t worry, Amber! That’s completely normal – everyone gets nervous during job interviews. If your nerves are getting to you, the best thing you can do is prepare. Before a job interview:
- Research the company. You should know who they are, what they do, a little bit of their history and who some of the key figures are in the company.
- Try and think of things you’d like to tell the interviewer. Remember, employers want to know why you are the right person for the job. Come up with examples of your work accomplishments.
- Look up some commonly asked interview questions. Have a friend or family member pretend to be the interviewer and have them ask you practice questions.
- Remember to take care of the little things. Print out directions to the location of the interview and leave early. Wear professional clothing and go easy on the perfume, cologne and makeup. Make sure you know the interviewer’s name and keep his or her phone number handy just in case of an emergency.
- Be confident! Remember, there is a reason they are interviewing you. Remind yourself of all of your accomplishments, take a deep breath, keep your head held high and you’ll do fine!
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Q: I have tons of job experience for my age (19), along with an extensive resume and amazing references. I have just moved to a new city and have been looking for a job for months. I'm seeing people my age getting jobs left and right, who have no experience. I feel like I'm doing everything in my power to get a job. Why can't I find one? –Bridgette F.
Not too long ago there were two unemployed people for every available job. Now? There are six unemployed people for every one open position. In some places that number rises to 17 people for every one open job. Those are some tough odds – even with a flawless resume. Try not to beat yourself up. It’s quite possible that you are doing all the right things and still not getting hired.
You can try freshening up your resume and profile. Fine-tune your cover letter and the “Tell us about yourself” section of your SnagAJob.com profile. Really make them shine. Consider volunteering somewhere while you’re unemployed. It’ll keep you busy, will add to your experience and provides a great networking opportunity.
Most of all – and this is the toughest part – do your best to stay positive and keep on applying. Something will come along soon.
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