Examples of Going Above and Beyond at Work

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It’s a “dog eat dog” world today and sometimes, it can be difficult to stand out in a group of employees at your job. If you’re just thought of as another person who does the least amount possible to get through the day, chances are you will passed over for promotions and pay raises. However, if you have been to a job interview lately, then you’ve probably been asked to give examples of going above and beyond at work. The key here is to be as specific as possible and show that you are a team player. You must show that you can do what is needed, when it’s needed.

Volunteering for Overtime

This is probably one of the best examples of going above and beyond at work. No one really enjoys working overtime, especially if they are in a salaried position. If you do not see the benefits of working overtime in your paycheck, it can be hard to motivate yourself to volunteer for it. However, you can easily find yourself in the good graces of your employee by volunteering for overtime every now and then. When you’re giving this example at an interview, though, you’re going to want to dress it up a bit. Explain you volunteered to spearhead a project that needed completing.

Going Out Your Way for a Customer

If you have a job in customer service, then you have probably had a chance to go above what is normally expected. These are the examples of going above and beyond at work that can really make a difference in your interview. The quality of customer service has really fallen in recent years, so showing that you can provide a higher level of customer service is a big plus. Give a specific example that the interviewer can relate to and that shows your willingness to go the extra mile.

Doing a Job above Your Pay Grade

Every employee has their own responsibilities. When you can do the job of the guy above you, it’s a good sign of how much you have learned and adapted to your job. These instances can be good examples of going above and beyond at work, but you have to use a bit care. You do not want to let the employer think that you felt your supervisor wasn’t qualified to do the task. Instead, focus on what benefits you brought the company by getting the job done.

A Few Final Thoughts

Examples of going above and beyond at work are sometimes difficult to come up with. It’s a way of “showing off” a bit and some people are quite uncomfortable with that. However, when you have a great example, you will show the interviewer one of your best skills and that is being able to adapt. You will show him or her that you put the needs of the company above your own. This is what interviewers want to see and it can help you land the job you want.

Job Interview Tips: Clean Up Your Social Pages

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One of the most important job interview tips for today’s job seeker is to clean up your social pages. Employers are now spending time on Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter searching for accounts for potential employees. It’s worth their time when they come across an account for a very qualified individual, but what is posted isn’t what an employer should see.

What to Get Rid Of

Obviously, there are some things that should be avoided on your social pages. For example, nudity, profane language, illegal drug use, or excessive alcohol use can all portray you in a very negative light. However, these things are not the only ones that will get you into trouble. Perhaps you post up a status on Facebook about how you “snowed” the interviewer. Maybe you rave about a competitor’s product. Some employers state that they have come across social pages that list an array of past-times, some of which include skydiving, motorcycling or bull riding. Obviously, these could be a concern for some employers. Most job interview tips will tell you to avoid disclosing these types of favored pastimes.

There are other things to consider, as well. Perhaps you exaggerated a bit on your resume and the real truth lies in your profile. Maybe you have listed ten different organizations that you belong to or volunteer for. While this isn’t a bad thing, it could show a potential employer that you are simply too busy for a position that might require overtime or traveling. It’s hard to know what each employer will think, so when considering job interview tips, take as much to heart as possible about your social pages.

Change the Access

If you do not want to get rid of all those posts, pictures, and videos then perhaps it’s time to limit the access to them. Most social sites allow you to say who can see all of your information and who can only see a small part. Limiting the access to your pages to only your closest friends and family is a good way to ensure that what you did in Vegas really stayed in Vegas! Some people create two accounts, but make no mistake. Employers are very resourceful. Cleaning up your social pages should be at the top of most job interview tips!

What to Leave Up

If you don’t want to limit the access, then use your social pages to represent someone any employer would be glad to hire. For example, highlight your education, training, and experience in your profile. List a couple of organizations you belong to and make a comment every now and then about how excited you are about an upcoming interview. This is what employers want to see. They do not want to be embarrassed due to content on social pages that belong to their employees. Remember not to bash your previous employers, either. This is one of those job interview tips that everyone should pay attention to.

In Closing

The best job interview tips today include those about cleaning up your social pages. Employers are searching the social sites before they make a hiring decision. They want employees that are more concerned with working hard than playing hard. This does not mean that you can’t play hard – just hide it better!

Job Interview Tips: Clean Up Your Social Pages

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Some of today’s most popular websites are social network sites. These include sites such as Facebook and Myspace. Account holders can create their own social pages, update their status, and stay informed of what their friends and family members are doing. Photos can be added, as well as likes, dislikes and all sorts of other information. However, when it comes to important job interview tips, cleaning up these social networking pages is close to the top of the list.

Do Employers Really Check?

The answer is yes. Employers do complete background checks on potential employees and today, that includes checking out the social networking sites. They want to know more about potential employees before they make an offer of employment. If these social pages contain items that may cause the company embarrassment, chances are that the applicant would not be hired. Many employment services are now providing job interview tips on how to clean up these public social pages so that job hunters aren’t pulled out of the employment process because of something that is posted.

What You Should Get Rid Of

While you may love that picture of the night you danced on the table at your favorite bar, it’s not likely to score many points with a potential employer. You should remove any photos that might not be looked at too favorably. These include pictures that may not even include yourself, but someone else in a very compromising situation. Any nudity should obviously be avoided, but you may not want your employer to know that you smoke or drink, either. Some companies do not want to hire a potential employee that spends their free time skydiving, riding motorcycles, or mountain climbing.

While it’s not always fair, it is simply what employers have started doing to help ensure their employees are not at a greater risk for injury. These are important job interview tips that can improve your chances of landing that dream job.

Does Blocking an Account Work?

Most of the major social sites do allow you to limit who sees all of your information. This can be an option for most people. However, with sites such as Facebook that show updates from friends, your comments to other people may be seen, as well. Keep this job interview tips in mind when you are commenting on what your friends did this past weekend or what plans you have for the upcoming weekend.

A Few Final Thoughts

Most applicants will agree that there are probably a few things they should change on their social networking pages. It’s difficult because you want to share your life with your friends and family members. If you can do so privately, it’s a much better idea than leaving nothing to the imagination for a potential employee. The age of the internet has certainly brought these kinds of job interview tips to the forefront. It would be a shame to lose a fantastic job opportunity because your social pages weren’t exactly flattering.

Check Out Some of Our Video Tips:

Preparing for a Job Interview: Tips for Success

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One of the most stressful meetings you’ll probably have in your life is the job interview; however, there are some job interview tips that can help make this a bit easier on you, especially if you have never had an interview before. Consider the following:

Don’t Be Late

Probably one of the worst things you can do is arrive late to an interview. It is disrespectful and it shows poor time management. Arrive early, but not too early. Ten minutes is plenty of time to compose yourself for your interview. Be ready, though. You may be ushered right in to the interview when you arrive. This is one of the best job interview tips you’ll hear.

Dress for Success

Now is not the time to show off your new fun and funky wardrobe. Choose business attire, even if the job you are interviewing for doesn’t require it. For men, slacks, dress shirt, jacket and tie are necessary; for women, slacks, skirt or a dress. Avoid jeans or even khakis. Women should not wear short skirts or revealing tops. Also, avoid too much jewelry, makeup or heavy perfumes. Men should go light on the aftershave. Make sure your hair is neat and your shoes are polishes. Most job interview tips will tell you that appearance is everything and it is.

Shake the Interviewer’s Hand

While a limp handshake can be your downfall, this is not the time to show your great strength either. You want to give a firm handshake and look your interviewer in the eye. This shows confidence and that is one of the most important qualities during an interview. Other job interview tips include allowing the interview to sit first, sitting up straight and not crossing your legs. While these may seem minor, these little gestures can have an impact on the large picture during the meeting.

Think Before You Speak

When you are asked questions, take a moment to think about your answer. This does not mean you should sit there until the silence becomes uncomfortable but you should give yourself enough time to think about what you want to say. This can also help calm your nerves on those really tough questions. Other job interview tips include practicing the interview with a friend. This will help you formulate the right answers ahead of time and lessen the chance that you will be surprised with a question.

Shake the Interviewers Hand when You Leave

Before you leave, take the time to shake his or her hand and thank them for their time. This is one of those job interview tips that are often forgotten, as many people just want to get out of that room as quickly as possible! You should show your composure throughout the interview and this even includes when you’re walking out the door.

In Closing

These are just a few of the job interview tips that will help you perform better and feel more confident. The most important is to arrive on time. If something happens that will delay your arrive, call the company as soon as possible to let them know.

Job Interview Tips: Clean Up Your Facebook Page

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Facebook is one of the most visited websites today. With over a half a billion accounts, this social media network is has revolutionized the way that people keep others informed about what is going on in their lives. However, Facebook has also been the downfall of many job applicants. In the following job interview tips, you will find all the information you need to clean up your Facebook page so that potential employers get the right impression of you when they do some research on you.

What Does Your Facebook Page Say about You?

While you may not think that employers look at Facebook pages, it really couldn’t be further from the truth. There is a wealth of information to be found online and social media websites are no exception. Think about what is on your Facebook page. Does it contain photos of you that might not show your best side? For example, the last night you were out at the club and dancing on the table may not be what you want a potential employer to see. Job interview tips include removing photos that show excessive drinking or even worse.

If you have strong political beliefs that may not coincide with a potential employer views, you may want to reconsider what your profile says. Consider what your likes and dislikes include. If you list your favorite activities as skydiving, riding motorcycles, bungee jumping, or other dangerous activities, an employer may not want to take a chance that you will be hurt and miss work. They could choose to hire someone who enjoys reading, poetry and basket weaving! These are job interview tips that really can help you in the long run.

Another thing to remember is that you don’t want potential employers to see any risqué photographs of you. You don’t need a photo of you on Facebook that shows you any type of compromising position. It simply isn’t worth it. Far too many college students post up pictures from fraternity and sorority parties that should be filed away for private viewing. Good job interview tips include those that limit the amount of skin that you should show online!

While there is no law against being yourself on your Facebook page, if you are job hunting, the wrong content can cause you problems. You may want to limit access to your wall or profile to only your friends. This means that potential employees will not be able to view all of your information unless you give them access. Other people have changed their name slightly so that their account will not come up when a search of their legal name is done. These are really important job interview tips that can help you stay in the running for your dream job.

In Closing

Facebook is quite a phenomenon, but it can also damage your chances of getting a great job. Employers do look at Facebook accounts of potential employees. Keep the above job interview tips in mind in order to stay in the running for that next job.

Don’t Forget to Send a Thank You Letter after Interview Email

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Have you ever sent a thank you letter after interview email? If not, you should. This is one of the most overlooked courtesies in business today, but it’s more than just being polite. It gives you the chance to highlight your experience and qualifications one last time for the interviewer. If the hiring decision is close, it could actually tip the scales in your favor.

When to Send a Thank You Letter after Interview Email

Within 24 hours after your interview, you should send your thank you letter. This will make sure that your interview is still fresh in the mind of the interviewer. If you are emailing the letter, make sure you have the right email address. You also must ensure you have the interviewer’s title and correct spelling of their name. This is very important and if you are lucky, you’ll remember both from your interview. However, if not, you can check the company’s website or call the office directly to make sure you get it right.

What to Say in your Thank You Letter

Begin by thanking the person for their time. Make a positive statement or two about the company. Explain why you feel you are a great choice for the position. Do not mention anything negative, even if you feel as though you bombed the interview. Keep it positive and professional. You want the interviewer to focus on why they should choose you for the position.

The next paragraph should include those reasons, as well as a quick reminder of your qualifications and skills. This should be very brief. You do not need to include everything that is on your resume. Just highlight the most important points.

End the thank you letter after interview email with a statement to let the interviewer know that you are still very interested in the position. After your complimentary closing, add your phone number and email address so it will be easy to contact you.

When Not to Use an Email Letter

If the company has never communicated with you about the position, you should not use email as a means of communication. However, most companies do send out emails regarding the receipt of a resume, scheduling interviews, and if there is more information requested. Make sure you have the email address correct. Do not send it to a general information email account if at all possible. It is always best to have it sent to the person who interviewed you.

Here’s An Example:

A Final Thought or Two

A thank you letter after interview email is very important, even though only ten percent of applicants actually send one. Employers notice those who take the time to do so, and as stated above, it is often the deciding factor in a close decision for an opening. It would really be awful to realize that this short letter was what would have swayed the decision. Have someone read over the thank you letter after interview email to make sure you don’t have any errors in it.

Sending a Thank You Email after Interview

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Letter writing has really become a forgotten art. With email, texting, and free long distance with most phone carriers, the postal service isn’t as busy as it once was. Do you remember how many Christmas cards your family received in the mail when you were a child? Now, it is not uncommon to only get a couple throughout the entire holiday season. One area where the internet has really changed things is with the thank you email after interview.

Should You Send a Thank You Email After Interview?

Only about ten percent of all interviewees actually take the time to send a thank you letter afterwards. While it is not a requirement to land a great job, it can sometimes turn the tables in your favor. This is really true if the decision is close. If you have had an interview about a job opening, you should send a thank you email or letter within 24 hours after the interview.

There is some debate within the business world on if a thank you email after interview is appropriate. Most people would agree that if there has been email communication regarding the open position and interview that an email is quite acceptable. However, if the only correspondence has been through regular mail or over the phone, you may want to consider mailing your thank you letter. If you do not have a specific email address, it can be difficult to ensure that your letter will reach the right person, anyway.

Our Example Job Interview Thank You Letter:

What to Say in a Thank You Email After Interview

The email should be addressed to the person who interviewed you. If there was more than one person present, try to send it to everyone who was there. Send each email separately, instead of to one group of recipients. You should make sure the name spellings and titles are correct. Include the position in your subject line, such as Customer Service Interview – Thank You. This will help ensure your email is read.

Thank the interviewer for their time and for the chance to speak with them about why you are a good choice for the open position. Also, include one or two positive comments about the company and why you would like to work for them. You should highlight your qualifications and skills concisely and show why they would be a benefit to the company. Don’t make this portion of the email too long. You are only looking to refresh their memory about your interview.

Do not apologize for mistakes that you made in the interview. You want to keep this positive. End with a sentence expressing that you are still interested in the position. Include your name, email address, and telephone number after the complimentary closing.

In Summary

A thank you email after interview is very important. It helps remind the interviewer of your qualifications and skills and shows that you are still interested in the job. It is also polite! While not very common any more, it shows that you cared enough to spend a few minutes your time thanking the interviewers for theirs.

Key Points Of A Thank You Letter After Interview

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One of the most important, yet most overlooked parts of the employment process is the thank you letter after interview. Employers report that only about ten percent of the people they interview actually send a thank you letter. While it’s not always the pivotal point in the decision process, it can help sway the odds in your favor if the decision is close. You should take the time to send this thank you letter after each interview. It’s not only polite, but it could help you land the job.

Key Points Every Thank You Letter Should Include

The obvious reason that you are sending a thank you letter after interview is to thank the interviewer for their time. However, there are several other less obvious reasons. For example, this gives you the chance to quickly highlight your experience, qualifications, and training once again. It is important to show why you feel you would be a good fit for the company, too.

You should address your letter to the person who conducted the interview. It’s important to get the spelling and title of the person correct. If you have any doubts, take a look at the company website or simply call the main office. They may be able to help you. Thank the person for their time and let them know that you appreciate the opportunity to speak with them about the opening.

Reiterate – very quickly – your qualifications and skills, paying close attention to those that would help you fill the job requirements. Mention one or two reasons why and how you could benefit the company. This needs to be short and to the point. Now is not the time to include all of your resume bullet points. End with expressing your continued interest in the opening. Conclude with a complimentary closing, followed by your email and phone number.

The most important thing to remember is that this letter should not contain lengthy ramblings on why you’re the best person for the job. It also should not portray your feelings of desperate need to get the job! Keep it professional and make sure that someone proofreads it before you send it. One grammatical or spelling error could have disastrous effects.

When You Should Send a Thank You Letter after Interview

You should send this letter within 24 hours of your interview. You can send it by email, if there was other email correspondence about the opening. It won’t do you any good to send a thank you letter after interview if it doesn’t reach the right person. The sooner you get it sent, the better chance you have of the interviewer reading it before making their final decision.

A Final Thought

A thank you letter after interview is one of the “forgotten arts.” Not only is it polite, it also helps remind the interviewer of your qualifications and skills. If the competition is close for the position, this letter could be the deciding factor. Wouldn’t it be sad if the other person got the job simply because they took a few minutes to send this letter?

What To Cover In A Thank You Letter After Interview

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Letter writing is certainly a forgotten art in today’s internet based world. Text messages replace phone calls and emails communicate instantly what once took days to deliver to a mailbox. However, one of the most important pieces of correspondence you may write is a thank you letter after interview. Employers report that only ten percent of all interviewees take the time to write this thank you letter. The people who do so make great points with their interviewer.

What You Need to Say

When you are drafting your cover letter, the purpose is to remind the reader of your qualifications, skills, and experience, but also to show how you would be a beneficial employee for the company. The thank you letter after interview helps remind the interviewer that you are still quite interested in the job and that you want a job offer. While it is not always the deciding factor, it can make a difference if the decision is close. It only takes a few minutes of your time, but can be one of the most important letters you send.

One of the most common mistakes that people make when writing this type of thank you letter is that they make it too long. It does not need to be a recreation of your cover letter or your resume. It needs to be short and to the point. It also needs to be addressed to the interviewee and make sure the name and title are correct. If you are not sure, don’t just guess. Check on the company’s website or call to get the correct spelling and title.

Begin by thanking the reader for their time and state something positive about the company. This doesn’t need to be overdone, but simply stated. The next paragraph should remind the interviewer of your experience and skills, but concisely. Add a line or two about why you feel you would be a good fit for the company and what you can bring to the company that would benefit it.

Conclude the letter by expressing your continued interest in the position. After the proper complimentary closing, include your name, email or address, and your phone number. If you are typing your thank you letter after interview, make sure to do the same for the envelope, as it simply looks more professional. If you are sending it through email, this obviously is not necessary!

A Final Thought or Two

You should send your letter within 24 hours of your interview. If not, you risk the interviewee receiving the letter after they have already made their final decision. If you are called back for a second interview, you should send another thank you letter after interview, too. Many employers not only appreciate this polite gesture, it will show that you are still quite interested in the position. It can also be a deciding factor in whether or not you are offered the job. For just a few minutes worth of work, the results could be well worth your time.

Gathering Materials for an Interview Thank You Letter

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Surprisingly, only about ten percent of all interviewees send an interview thank you letter. What was once a very common practice is not considered part of the job application process by many people any more. However, many employers still report that this letter can often be a deciding factor when choosing who gets the job offer and who does not.

Gathering the Necessary Materials

If you will send your interview thank you letter in an email, then you will need a computer and an internet connection. Make sure you have the email address correct and be sure to fill in the subject line. For example, it might say “Manager Interview: Thank You.” This will help ensure your email is read and not just dismissed.

Make sure you have the correct spelling of the interviewer’s name. If you are not certain, don’t guess. Look on the company’s website or call the company if you cannot find it online. Begin by thanking the interviewer for their time and the chance to learn more about the company. List at least one thing that you found impressive about the business.

The next paragraph should quickly and succinctly highlight your qualifications, skills, and experience again. However, do not make this read like your resume. Include a line or two about why you feel you would be the perfect choice for the position.

End the letter with a statement showing you are still interested in the position and that you look forward to hearing their decision. After the complimentary closing, add your name, email and phone number. This makes it easier to contact you. You may not necessarily get a reply back to this email, but it can often make the difference between you getting job or someone else getting it instead.

If you will mail your interview thank you letter, you can either write it by hand or type it out. Some people prefer handwritten letters, but it will depend on the position you are applying for and how legible your handwriting is. The above tips apply pertaining to the content of the letter. However, if you’re not writing the letter by hand, be sure to include your full address at the top. It should look like a traditional business letter. Choose a high quality paper and envelope. If you type your letter, make sure the envelope is typed out, as well. Don’t forget the correct postage or it might be returned to you.

The CareerRush Job Interview Thank You Letter Example:

A Few Final Thoughts

You should write your interview thank you letter within 24 hours of your interview. Some companies may have several days’ worth of interviewing, but others may need the position filled very quickly. However, even if you do not know if the interviewer will see the letter before they make their decision, it’s really the only polite thing to do. With schedules so busy today, potential employers appreciate someone taking the time to say thank you. This often forgotten business practice is usually very well received.