Interviews Questions you should not be asked

Interviews Questions you should not be asked by Michael Cheary When it comes to an interview, some topics are simply off limits…Whilst most interview questions are used to test your ability to do the job, others could indicate discrimination. So whether an employer is asking questions about your age, or they’re using your marital status as a reason not to hire you â€" there are a few  red flags to look out for.To make sure you know exactly what you should and shouldn’t be asked, here’s a list of questions recruiters should avoid, and how to answer them if they do come up:Are you from the UK/ Is English your first language?Although employers have a legal obligation to check that applicants are eligible to work in the UK â€" they have no right to ask any questions about your race, religion or native language.Because although many jobs may require employees to speak fluently, none of them will need it to be your first language. And as long as you’re able to speak and write English to the required standard and you can provide proof of legal right to work in the UK, you’re well within your rights to be considered.In fact, implying that your nationality would affect your ability to do the job could indicate discrimination.How you could answer:  â€˜I am fully eligible to work in the UK, and speak English fluently’What they could  ask:  â€˜What languages do you fluently write or speak?’Are you married?Any questions about marital status, children and future family plans should not  be asked at an interview.Not only are these questions of a personal and potentially discriminatory nature, this particular line of questioning could also be used to determine a person’s sexual orientation â€" something which has no bearing on a candidate’s ability to do the job.So no matter what the context, questions like these should raise an immediate red flag.How you could answer:  â€˜I like to keep my personal and professional life separate’.What they could  ask:  â€˜Do you have any current commitments which may affect your ability to do this job, or which may impact your attendance?’How old are you?Although this seems like quite an innocent question on the surface, there are very few reasons an employer needs to  ask for your age.Aside from needing to be over 18 to sell certain products (e.g. alcohol) â€" your age shouldn’t affect your ability to do a job effectively. This means that employers have no right to ask about your exact age, or to let it influence their decision to hire you.Some hiring managers may attempt to ask this question subtly â€" by asking for a date of birth for their records, when you graduated, or your potential retirement plans, but these are similarly controversial.An employer can only ask your date of birth on a separate equality monitoring form â€" and the person selecting candidates will not be allowed to see this.How you could answer: ‘Old enough…’What they could  ask:  â€˜Are you over 18?’How many sickness days did you take in your last p eriod of employment?Whether the employer asks about sickness, health, or disabilities â€" subjects like these should always be avoided at an interview.The only time an employer can  ask about this is if it’s  to establish whether an applicant needs an assessment to determine their suitability for the job, or to determine whether adjustments need to be made in order to accommodate a candidate’s needs (e.g. fitting a disabled toilet).Once a position has been offered, the employer can make enquiries into health, but only if these relate to your ability to carry out the role effectively.For more information, you can refer to the  Equality Act (2010).How you could  answer:  â€˜Sickness was not a problem in my previous role’What they could  ask:  â€˜Do you have any specific requirements in order to perform this job effectively?’Do you have any previous criminal convictions?There is no obligation for a candidate to disclose criminal convictions if the sentence has already been spen t.For this reason, an employer should not refuse employment to an individual because of a previous crime, unless it relates to the role in question (for example teacher, childminder, a senior banking or financial role).Also, it’s worth bearing in mind that criminal records checks are carried out by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) for certain roles (e.g. working with children, healthcare etc.), but this should be undertaken by employers before the interview stage. These were formerly known as CRB checks.How you could answer:  â€˜Can I ask how this relates to the role?’What they could ask:  â€˜Do you know of any reasons why you may not legally be able to take this position?’  Other questions you can’t be asked:  â€˜What religion are you?’, ‘what are your sexual preferences?’ ‘are you in debt?’, ‘do you have children?’, ‘do you smoke?’, ‘are you a trade union member?’, ‘Shall we discuss this further over drinks?’  Final thoughtsThis is by no m eans a definitive list. There are a number of other questions which may arise, and the same themes could be asked in a variety of ways.If in doubt, remember: you should only be interviewed on your ability to do the job. Any questions leading to bias in hiring (e.g. relating to your personal life, age or ethnicity) are strictly off limits.However, for certain jobs, some of these factors may directly impact your performance â€" so are often classed as occupational requirements. So if they’re specific to the role in question, it may not be against unusual to ask them.But if you are asked something you’re simply not comfortable answering, don’t be afraid to speak out. Most interviewers will be extremely understanding in this situation. And, if they’re not? It’s probably not an employer you should be working for.  Looking for more advice? Read  more interview techniques now. Still searching for your perfect position? View all available jobs now    Please note, the information outlined above is intended for general guidance purposes only, and is subject to change.Need more advice on what employers can and can’t ask?  Visit the ACAS website for more information.Find a job What Where Search JobsSign up for more Career AdviceSign up for moreCareer Advice Please enter a valid email addressmessage hereBy clicking Submit you agree to the terms and conditions applicable to our service and acknowledge that your personal data will be used in accordance with our privacy policy and you will receive emails and communications about jobs and career related topics. Employee rights Employment Law Interview Techniques Job interview tips

Promote Yourself The New Rules for Career Success Book Giveaway

Promote Yourself The New Rules for Career Success Book Giveaway Today we’re giving away a BRAND NEW book by Dan Schawbel called  Promote Yourself: The New Rules for Career Success. How people perceive you at work has always been vital to a successful career. Now with the Internet, social media, and the unrelenting hum of 24/7 business, the ability to brand and promote yourself effectively has become absolutely essential. The subtle and amazingly effective art of self-promotion is the razor-thin difference between success and failure. By drawing on exclusive research on the modern workplace and countless interviews with the most dynamic professionals, career guru and founder of Millennial Branding Dan Schawbel’s Promote Yourself gives you the new rules for success, and answers your most pressing questions about your career: * What are managers really looking for? * What do you do if youre stuck at work? * How do you create a personal brand for professional success? * How do you use social media to propel your career? Here are the ways you can win this book enter using Rafflecopter below: Like  Classy Career Girl on Facebook Follow me on Twitter  @classycareer Tweet about this giveaway (make sure you mention @DanSchawbel and  @classycareer) Leave a comment below telling us how you promote yourself at work. a Rafflecopter giveaway This giveaway is open to all residents in the US only. It begins NOW and ends on September 10, 2013. We will be giving away 1 copy of the book. The winner will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 24 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected. Good luck! Disclosure: I was provided with a copy of the book to review but this did not change what I wrote about the book.

3 Ways Distance Learning is Changing the World - Classy Career Girl

3 Ways Distance Learning is Changing the World I am a big fan of online courses so that’s why I decided to have this guest post today.  I love being able to have my two  courses, The 90-Day Corporate Rescue Plan and The 90-Day Love Your Career Formula with participants from around the world. -Anna Todays post was written by Simon Davis,  a full-time business writer. Distance learning has become more popular over the years. The National Center on Education Statistics reports that overall postsecondary distance education has increased, particularly as the economy has worsened and funds for education have tightened. Many colleges now offer some form of distance learning option to make it easier for students to work college into their schedules and bank accounts. Traditionally, these courses generally revolved around a professor in front of the camera, providing instruction as needed along with online syllabi and forum postings for conversations. However, video conferencing has brought about a number of changes to both the traditional and the distance learning setting that have improved learning overall. Here are some of the more interesting developments.   1) Greater Ability for Give and Take   One of the primary concerns about distance learning is that instructors are not as accessible to their students. In some courses, students complain that they feel their instructors do not take them seriously. Pew Internet reports that only a little more than half the students in an online course feel that they receive the same value for the course as they would in a physical setting. Part of this has to do with access to the instructor as well as to the perceived sterility of the material. In terms of access to the professors, video conferencing that goes both ways permits students to have face to face time with their instructors. It isnt precisely the same as being in a physical classroom, but it is an improvement. The Wall Street Journal reports that the same level of closeness that develops in an in person interview is not always as easy to achieve through a video conferencing service. However, it does create stronger connections and a far clearer understanding of what is being said. It can also go a long way toward creating that increased sense of camaraderie that might otherwise be lacking in a distance learning setting.   2) Greater Mobility and Retention of Information   Through the Skype or Blue Jeans network, students can access their courses and their professors from their mobile devices. Mobile devices have been used increasingly over the past few years, and that usage is only likely to increase. Courses have had to offer shorter segments to allow for greater access. However, shorter course sessions actually permit better learning. Distance learning courses like Themis offer sessions that last between 10 and 25 minutes. Their primary reason for breaking up courses like this is because the shorter sessions make it easier for students to retain this information. The traditional class lasts between 55 and 85 minutes, a period that can make it difficult for students to comprehend all the information. Shorter class times allow students to more readily absorb and recall the information. At the same time, it also makes it easier for them to access these courses on their mobile devices. Additional course video conferencing options can help to further develop the students understanding and make the knowledge even more concrete.   3) Great Levels of Frankness   One of the surprising results from a study in China as reported in New Horizons in Education is that students are more likely to be honest about their feelings in video conferencing. This was not the purpose of the study, but it was one of the discoveries. Students who participated in video conferencing sessions with their instructors were more likely to be frank about their concerns or the needs for improvement. This is one of the benefits of the slight disconnect. When using platforms like Blue Jeans, the authority and gravity of an instructor does not always have the same impact on students. This, in turn, makes students more likely to share their concerns and gives the instructors a greater opportunity to make the needed corrections. Instructors should brace for this frankness though as it may feel more brusque than they anticipate. But ultimately this will allow for healthier and stronger teaching habits and better improved distance courses to develop. Distance learning as well as video conferencing have created opportunities for many individuals to pursue post secondary degrees. Despite initial concerns about the lack of closeness and the overall quality of the classes, distance learning is on the rise. Video conferencing has also helped to address and alleviate some of these concerns. Through conferencing opportunities, there is a greater opportunity for give and take as well as increased mobility. Students can even chat on their tablets or phones while still accessing full course material. Even more importantly, students are more likely to be open about how the course is working for them. As video conferencing services and streaming capabilities continue to improve, its likely that distance learning will likewise improve.

Why Hiring an ADHD Job Candidate Is a Smart Business Strategy

Why Hiring an ADHD Job Candidate Is a Smart Business Strategy ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is defined as “a chronic condition marked by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and sometimes impulsivity.” So, why is hiring someone with ADHD a smart strategy for your business? I explain the reasons why below.Early YearsWhen I was 10 years-old, I was diagnosed with dyslexia, and a motor-visual impairment that made it difficult for me to copy the lessons teachers would write on the blackboard into my notebook. My ADHD diagnosis would arrive twenty years later.To counter my dyslexia, my parents were advised to give me a portable typewriter, a Brother EP-44 with a futuristic two kilobytes of RAM. Yes, you read that right. Not gigabytes, not megabytes, but KILOBYTES. In other words, I could type exactly 2048 characters before the memory was full.But all technological limitations of 1982 aside, there was a much darker part of having to lug a seven-pound word processor with me wherever I went: I was immediately labeled as “differ ent”. When you’re 10 years-old, being “different” is the kiss of death.Years of few friends, lots of bullying, and constant “I don’t want to go to school” arguments with my parents ended finally when I got into the famous LaGuardia High School of Music and Art and Performing Arts. And guess what, everyone there was different!Benefits of Being DifferentDo you know what came out of those years of hell? Superpowers. In addition to typing well over 100 words a minute as an adult, there was one huge benefit that I did not realize was being planted in my young brain at the time:I was learning to not only accept being different, but to use it to my advantage for the rest of my life.I can attribute the majority of my success, both personal and professional, to the fact that I’ve never been “normal.” By having teachers and initial employers who considered me “damaged,” I was able to outshine, outmaneuver, and outgun “normal” students and colleagues at every turn.W hen you’re differentWhen you are different you learn to handle all sorts of things quicker, better, and more to your benefit than “normal” people. For example:You grasp concepts better You’re less likely to let fear prevent you from trying new things You fix mistakes quicker than others You learn to pivot faster and with less dramaMost importantly...You learn to not give a damn about what other people think about you or your actions.We’re stronger than you could ever imagineWhile mild disabilities such as dyslexia, ADD, ADHD, and OCD can be traumatic for kids, and even for adults if undiagnosed or untreated, if utilized correctly, the life-skills learned from coping with them can be a gift to the grown-up employee or entrepreneur.Those with some kind of learning disability have tremendous amounts in common with brilliant entrepreneurs and employees. We’ve had to “learn how to learn” in a different way. Much like a blind man who learns to “see” with his other sens es, those with learning disabilities learn to “learn” in different ways.These different ways used to result in me getting in trouble in school for not arriving at the answer the “right” way. Now, they are exceptionally helpful in the entrepreneurial world, where sometimes you just need to get things done right now. And it doesn’t matter how.What Makes Hiring Those With Disabilities a Smart StrategyThose with disabilities have usually figured out the shortest way to get from point A to point B within five seconds of being given the task. We’re the most upfront and honest people you’ll ever meet. When I start working with someone, they know within five seconds that I’ve got ADHD, and I work “faster than normal.”I’m up-front about why I’m different. And I’m the first person to tell you that I am and why it’s a benefit. I do this, not because I believe I’m better than anyone else, but so that others understand how I work, why I work the way I do, and how it can be useful to both of us, as long as some simple guidelines are followed.If You Want Me to Get Something DoneTell me what it is, give me a deadline, then leave me the hell alone. You’ll get it perfect the first time, definitely on time, and most of the time early. People with ADHD RARELY miss deadlines because we require them.For someone with ADD, ADHD, or most any kind of learning disorder, chaos is our worst enemy. Organization is our best friend. Once we learn that, a whole new world opens up for us. We can work in certain ways to guarantee that certain things get done when they should. We’re not rushed when we do it.The problem comes when we’re not given a deadline. In our world, “soon,” isn’t an actuality. Give me a deadline, and I guarantee you’ll have it in your hands before it’s due. It will probably be perfect.As Long as We Trust You to Truly Listen to UsWe’ll be the most honest people with whom you’ll ever work. Those with ADD/ADHD have one fear:Tha t when we need to express ourselves, we’re not truly being listened to.This is a problem for multiple reasons, but the main one is that we need to feel like we’ve said what we had to say and were truly heard. This way we can file it as completed and move on. If we trust that you’ll truly hear us when we talk, we’ll never lie or withhold information from you, ever.ADHDIs Not a Negative TermWe’ve been told that our disability is a negative so many times that we’ll work harder than anyone else. We want to prove the world wrong.The first time I sold a company in 2001, I was over the moon with happiness, not just because of the sale, but because it was a moment in my life where I was able to prove every single doubter wrong. I’ve used that fuel and that passion to start and sell three companies in total, as well as write two best-selling books.Because we’ve been put down so much, in the end, we truly want to succeed. And we want people around us to succeed, as well!At the End of the DayWe know what it’s like to fail. More importantly, we know what it’s like to be told that we’ll never succeed at anything.It’s exactly because of that, that we want to succeed, we will work harder than anyone else to get there. And if we’re working with you or for you, we will be your biggest cheerleader, as long as we know you have our backs.In the end, we love the rush we get from success and an ADHD employee or business leader will do almost anything to get it. That makes working with us a smart business strategy.If You Are an Employee or Business Leader With ADHDYou will enjoy Faster Than Normal: Turbocharge Your Focus, Productivity, and Success with the Secrets of the ADHD Brain, and the award-winning podcast containing interviews with tons of successful people with ADD and ADHD who share tips, secrets, and keys to using their gift as their biggest asset.

How Is Monsters Resume Writing Service Different From Other Resume Services?<|endoftext|>

How Is Monster's Resume Writing Service Different From Other Resume Services?Monster's resume writing service can help you get a promotion or a raise. Now some people will say that it isn't the resume that's important, but if you're running into dead ends in your career and aren't getting that promotion or raise, then your resume is useless. Monster's resume writing service can help with that, and it helps them find companies to work for as well. So they can help you get the job you want or even get hired for a new position.The writer for the writer can help you make sure that you're going to have a job when you go off to school or look for a new job. If you're just sitting around hoping that something will come up, you could end up being a bum or even homeless. Being unemployed or underemployed can be hard on a family, and it can also affect a person's self esteem. The writer for the writer can keep your mind focused on what you need to do. They can make sure that you have a place t o live, food to eat, transportation to use to get to work, and the ability to get to where you need to go on time, if you need to get to where you need to go on time.The writer for the writer can also help you build up a sense of self worth. With all the things that you have to pay for at school, you're probably going to have an inflated ego by the time you graduate. The writer for the writer can make sure that when you go back to school or if you decide to go back to school you have a sense of pride and self esteem.The writer for the writer can also help you make sure that your resume is exactly what you want it to be. When you sit down to write your resume, you don't want to come up with one that isn't professional or that doesn't tell the employer all the little details about yourself. By having a professional resume writer to help you with your resume you're not only creating a better chance of getting a job but you're creating a resume that people are going to want to read.The writer for the writer can also help you learn how to write a resume and apply for jobs online and offline. Since so many people use the internet for everything these days, it's likely that you'll be applying for jobs online. Monster's resume writing service can help you do this and even if you're applying for jobs offline they can help you out. Some people just send their resume to companies or to business people that they know and they hope that they get called for an interview. It's far better if you can write a resume that speaks directly to the employers rather than wasting time sending a generic or average resume.How is Monster's Resume Writing Service Different From Other Resume Services? There are two things that make Monster's resume writing service different from all the rest. These two things are: First, they can work together with you to write a resume that's tailored specifically to your needs of the company.Secondly, they have a system that's designed specifically to we ed out resumes that won't be successful. So you get one chance to put your best foot forward and to get your resume approved. And if you're trying to get a raise, they'll work with you to build up your skills.The Monster's Resume Writing Service can help you get a promotion, get hired for a new position, or just make sure that you're getting a fair shot at success. No matter what type of professional you are and no matter what job you're applying for, if you need a resume written it's important to know how to get it done.

5 Ways To Customize The Dreaded Cover Letter

5 Ways To Customize The Dreaded Cover Letter Raise your hand if you love writing cover letters  I didnt think so. If you find yourself struggling with  what to write, you are not alone. In fact, one career coach, Hanna DeBruhl, refers to a cover letter as the wicked stepmother of resumes and I couldnt agree more! Ive heard job seekers say these things like: I dont know what to say in a cover letter, and doesnt it just repeat information thats in my  resume? I just  change the contact information and hit send I dont bother sending a cover lettershould I? The reality is that everyone receiving applications has a different opinion of cover letters and that impacts when and if your letter gets read. To learn more about who likes  to receive them and data that shows declining interest in cover letters by HR and recruiters, check out Donna Sveis research on Avid Careerist. To be clear, even Donna says it would be a sin to omit sending a cover letter. This is what  you need to know about writing a good cover letter: Always Follow Directions Read the job posting thoroughly, and follow the directions. If the company requires you send a cover letter, then do so. If a cover letter is optional, you should still include one. This shows you are willing to take the extra steps and may make a difference. Customize The Letter One cover letter template won’t fit the needs of every job you apply to. You just cant send the same letter to every job you apply to. Employers can tell, and it makes you look lazy. (See an example of a template letter gone bad) Here are five ways to customize your cover letter and improve your chances of it getting read: 1. Remember that to whom it may concern is so passe. Not only does addressing a letter this way look old, but it also sends the message that you don’t care enough to look up the person’s name. Address the letter to the person who does the hiring. In most cases, this will be a hiring manager, not human resources, unless you are applying for a job in HR. If you’ve read the description carefully, there may actually be a contact name listed. If not, the posting may indicate who the job reports to, such as the senior project manager within a named group. Go to LinkedIn, and search for that job title and department. Or use a search engine, and enter the job title and department information in the job posting. If you’ve done your due diligence and can’t find the name, use the job title one level above. If nothing is available, which is highly unlikely, then â€" and only then â€" you can use a generic addressee, like Hiring Manager. 2. Make your first sentence stand out. Too often, cover letters are sleep-inducing. Don’t start you cover letter like everyone else by stating something like, “attached you will find my resume for your Project Manager job.” Instead, lead with a quote from a performance review or recommendation that highlights some of your relevant skills or your work ethic. Perhaps you could begin with your value proposition (the problem you solve, who benefits and how you do it uniquely). Even dropping the name of an employee you know in your opening sentence can capture the attention of a reviewer. 3. Why do you want to work at this company? One question every employer wants you to answer is “why us?” Explain in a sentence or two why you want to work at that company. Research the company, look at press releases and learn about some of its projects or clients. Do your best to specifically explain why you would be a good fit in the company. 4. The middle is the meat and connects the dots. The second paragraph of your cover letter explains how your skills match what the company is looking for. Focus on the specific processes, procedures or work-related skills, rather than the soft skills. Communication, leadership, time management and initiative are important, but you have to be able to perform the job successfully. Be sure you explain the technical or work-related skills. Be sure to tie your value back to the job and company. For example, if you say you have X years of  project management skills, how will that benefit the organization you are applying to? (Think about the projects youd work on in that company  and how your experience would relate.) 5. Close your letter. The last paragraph thanks the readers for their time and consideration, reiterates your interest in the company and role and states your next steps. Set the expectation that you will follow-up. Too often, candidates applications are misplaced or not received. The only way to know for sure that the company received your materials is if you contact the HR team or someone else in the company to verify your application was received. Is this type of follow-up really necessary? If you are interested in the job, yes. Looking For A  Different Approach To Customize Your Cover Letter? Liz Ryan, CEO of Human Workplace and an HR veteran, recommends using what she calls a pain letter in this  Forbes article. This empowering approach requires research and knowledge about the company to whom you are applying, but the results make it all worthwhile. Pain Letter users tell us that their Pain Letters result in call backs about 25%  of the time, she writes in the article. Here is a summary of the four paragraphs of a Pain Letter: The Hook: Congratulate the company on something specific from a press release or news article. The Pain Hypothesis: Make an educated guess about what the pain points are for the company. It could be rapid growth, a new client, a merger or layoff â€" just to name a few. The Dragon-Slaying Story: Share a short example of how you’ve overcome a similar pain point. The Closing: Conclude the letter by inviting a conversation if there is interest. Bottom line: When you do send a cover letter, either a classic format or a Pain letter, put in the effort to make it stand out. Modified from  post which originally appeared on US News World Report On Careers

Stressed Could be your business chemistry

?Stressed Could be your business chemistry In today’s corporate environment, workplace stress seems inevitable â€" but people react to pressure differently. Faced with the same trigger, one person may remain cool as a cucumber while another melts down. A newly-released study by the Deloitte Greenhouse Experience asked more than 23,000 professionals about their stress levels at work, and found their responses to stressors might have something to do with business chemistry, a system for understanding individual work styles. Deloitte identifies four business chemistry types: Integrators seek connection and bring teams together Drivers seek challenge and generate momentum Pioneers seek possibilities and spark energy and imagination Guardians seek possibilities and bring order and rigor The study found that 28 percent of respondents are often or almost always stressed. The top stress triggers in today’s work environment include workplace errors, a challenging workload with long hours or multiple responsibilities, and moments of conflict. It also found that business chemistry type affects how individuals experience stress at work, with guardians reporting the most stress, followed by integrators, drivers and pioneers. Coping strategies A second study with a sample of more than 17,000 professionals found people also cope with stress differently, depending on their business chemistry type: Action is the most popular strategy overall, used by 83 percent of respondents and all Business Chemistry types. As the famous saying goes: “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” Cognitive strategies, like considering the big picture or thinking through possibilities, are also common. Nearly 90 percent of pioneers reported using these methods to cope, while less than 70 percent of guardians did. This pattern was reversed when it came to strategies associated with doing more groundwork, like organizational tasks or seeking further information. Both kinds of strategies involve stepping back from the stressful situation, but the guardian approach is more detail-focused while the pioneer approach takes a broader view. Interpersonal coping strategies, such as talking to someone about feelings or asking for help, are less common overall â€" reported by just 47 percent of respondents. The more relationship-oriented and team-focused types â€" integrators and pioneers â€" reported using these strategies more than others. Overall, pioneers are the least stressed and reported using coping strategies more than any other type. Next steps So what does this mean for business leaders who want to help their employees cope with stress? Try to take notice when your experience of a situation seems different from those around you. You may think something is a piece of cake, but others might need some time or space or reassurance to deal with what’s happening. You may also want to consider how to make space for different styles of coping. Instead of looking skeptical when someone hops out for a quick yoga class or feeling impatient when someone else wants to slow down to outline a clear plan, recognize these as coping strategies and let them manage their stress levels in their own unique ways. A better understanding of how others cope with stress can have a big impact in making your team more productive and efficient. Join Dana Manciagli’s Job Search Master Class right now and immediately access the most comprehensive job search system currently available!