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    6 Things to Avoid in Your Interview Follow-Up Email

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    After an interview, it’s generally a good idea to send a short but thoughtful interview follow-up email to your interviewer(s). It’s an opportunity to thank them for their time, reiterate why you’d be a good fit, and remind them about where you shined in the interview. These thank you notes are generally pretty innocuous and considered a formality. However, there are a few ways they can go wrong. Keep reading for five things to avoid in your interview follow-up.

    Keep the focus on expressing gratitude in the interview follow-up

    First things first: The follow-up emails should generally focus on a thank you. Begin your follow-up email by expressing gratitude for the opportunity and the interviewer’s time. Reference a specific moment or discussion from the interview to add a personal touch and make it more memorable. You can also reiterate your interest in the role and the company, plus how your skills and experiences align with the job.

    1. Don’t make spelling or grammar mistakes

    This should go without saying, but just because you had a strong interview doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve gotten the job. An oversight like a spelling error or the wrong company or role (if you’re sending multiple thank you’s) could signal you’re not very detail-oriented. Or perhaps worse: you don’t care much about the outcome of the interview. Before you hit send, triple-check your note for any errors to avoid coming off as careless.

    2. Don’t focus on apologies or excuses

    Thank you notes are not the place to make up for poor interview performance. If it didn’t go well, the reality is either: 

    the team will make the decision not to proceed with your application, or 

    they’ll choose to ignore your mistakes or weaker answers because of your other answers and qualifications for the job. 

    Further, bringing weak points up will just draw attention to them. After all, the team is evaluating the various candidates you’re competing with for the role. Instead, focus your messaging on where your application stands out and any unique qualities you will bring to the company.

    3. Don’t discuss major salary, timeline, and role concerns

    Even if you’re concerned about what the salary offer might be, it’s best to reserve this conversation until after an offer has been made. Bringing it up before then might push the team to extend an offer to a different candidate who might be more accepting of a lower salary.

    The same goes for things:

    start date

    contract length (if it’s not a full-time role)

    any concerns about the suitability of the role (unless they’re significant enough to make you question the role in the first place)

    One exception might be if you receive another job offer with a set decision date. Including this shorter timeline in your thank you note may help to push the decision forward. Companies will generally understand the situation is out of your hands.

    4. Don’t ask questions you could have discussed in the interview

    The exception is if the interviewer encouraged otherwise. You should always come to an interview with a list of questions about the role and company. If you couldn’t think of any or didn’t come prepared with questions, the follow-up email is not an appropriate way to make up for it. Interviewers want your present engagement and curiosity during the call – not in the post-interview email.

    Related: Need Help with Job Interviewing Skills? Watch this Coaching Session (VIDEO)

    5. Don’t send the same note to multiple interviewers

    It can be tempting to copy and paste the same note to all of your interviewers. This is particularly true if you’ve spent a day interviewing and meeting multiple people. But it’s not uncommon for teams to share the follow-ups they receive internally. So, take the time to personalize each message. 

    If you send multiple thank-you’s, not every note has to reiterate why you’d be great for the job. Perhaps you bring up an interesting point one interviewer made. Maybe you remind another of a specific skill set or experience that makes you a strong candidate. 

    That said, don’t use the extra time needed to personalize thank you’s as an excuse not to send them to all of your interviewers. Even if you have one key contact such as the hiring manager or a recruiter, anyone who took the time out of their day to meet with you deserves a short follow-up email. 

    6. Don’t include any other superfluous information

    An interview follow-up should serve as a thanks and a reiteration of your skills and excitement for the job – period. Other information, such as sending over references or asking about reimbursements for interview expenses (if this was agreed upon in advance) distracts from the key points. 

    Additional issues or questions can be addressed in future emails or phone calls. Keep your immediate communications clear and focused on the take-home point: The strength of your application and interview. 

    Originally written in June 2019 by Napala Pratini. Updated by the Hired Content Team in December 2023. More

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      in Talent Acquisition

      Phone Interview Tips: 19 Keys to Landing a Second Interview

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      Phone interviews are the first step to getting hired – and it’s a daunting first step for even the most seasoned jobseekers. These calls are typically with a recruiter and aim to determine whether a candidate meets the minimum qualifications of the role. Here’s our checklist of 19 game-changing phone interview tips for before, after, and during your phone interview.

      Before the phone interview

      1. Practice your elevator pitch

      You can (and will) always go into more detail about your work experience in follow-up questions from the interviewer. But you should first and foremost prepare an elevator pitch for your career. Once you’ve written out a compelling (and brief) professional narrative, test it on friends to make sure it’s as clear and captivating as possible.

      Related: Why Your Career Narrative Is Just as Important as Your Work History 

      Tailor the pitch to the job description and be sure to give examples of alignment. For example, if you have experience in the role’s industry, highlight that. If you know a specific product type or technical skill, share that.

      Related: 

      2. Prepare projects or examples of your work to share

      Another way to up your game is to have examples or projects specific to the company or job.Example phone interview questions:

      Describe a project or position you held where you used Python

      Describe a project where you collaborated with other people/teams. What was your biggest hurdle?

      We recommend preparing the answers as stories following the STAR or SAIL frameworks. Choose these stories based on what’s most relevant to the job description. Don’t try to pick too many. Instead, focus on the most impactful ones.

      3. Draft answers to common behavioral questions

      You’ll also want to prepare what you’ll say to questions that touch on soft skills. Also known as behavioral questions, they help interviewers get to know you better and whether you’re a good fit (or add!) to team dynamics. 

      Example questions include:

      “Describe a time you faced a challenge.”

      “What do you consider your biggest weakness?”

      Related: 30 Behavioral Interview Questions You Should Be Ready to Answer 

      4. Make a brag list

      In addition to rounding up examples of your work, make a list of all of the results and projects where you drove the most impact – especially as it relates to this new role. You might be really proud of a project with no relevance to the job you’re applying for. We wouldn’t recommend bringing it up in the interview in that case.

      Talking about how and why you are good at what you do can feel awkward and overzealous. This will help remind you to highlight your successes and also, by documenting your wins, keep them top of mind. Bonus points if you have metrics, such as “My suggestion shaved 22% off our timeline, which helped us hit our goals 10 days early.”

      5. Take Hired Assessments

      Speaking of bragging, if you’re a jobseeker on the Hired platform, Hired Assessments are a great way to show off skills. In fact, high-intent candidates who earn technical assessment badges are 3X as likely to get hired! 

      6. Research the company and the person interviewing you

      Before the interview, research the company’s mission statement, recent news (type the company name into Google News), product/service offerings, and funding history (on Crunchbase). 

      You should also take time to research the person interviewing you. Look up their LinkedIn profile and find their posts, blog or other published writing. Take note of the words they use to talk about what they do. How can you mirror their language to describe what you do in a way that connects with them?

      7. Always have questions prepared to ask the interviewer  

      Having trouble thinking of questions to ask or did your interviewer answer all of your questions by the end? Make sure you do not say “No, I don’t have any questions.” This might signal to your interviewer a lack of interest in or curiosity about the role. In this situation, you can always ask the person interviewing you “Why do you like working at XYZ Company?”

      Questions also offer you a chance to demonstrate your competency in a particular role or domain. If you can use your past experience to ask more probing questions, you’re demonstrating another way to show off your qualifications for the role. These questions will heavily depend on the role but here are a few examples: 

      “In my past role, we ran into XYZ challenge. Is this something this team is facing? How are you handling it?”

      “How is this team evaluating XYZ new technology?”

      For these types of questions, keep in mind that if the call is with a recruiter, they will likely be unable to answer so many in-depth questions about the specific team or work.

      Lastly, at the end of the interview, consider asking: “Is there anything else I can clarify for you?” or “Are there any concerns about my background thus far?” These closing questions show engagement and the ability to self-reflect, helping you end the interview on a good note. 

      8. Ask what you need to bring/prepare

      You should also ask the interviewer or recruiter what to expect or prepare for before the call. Ask your contact what you should expect generally during the call and if you’ll need to have any materials handy. This is a good time to figure out if you’ll be asked any technical questions or need to address specific technical topics.

      9. Double-check contact information

      Make sure the company has your correct contact info. The contact info on your resume, in your signature/emails, and on your application should all match. Verify the company is initiating the call and how they are doing so (phone, Zoom, etc).

      During the phone interview

      10. Find a quiet place with few distractions to take the call

      If your phone interview is during the workday, plan to work from home and take the call from there. If you have to be in the office that day, find a quiet place nearby (outside of the office) to do the interview. Friends who work nearby might be able to lend you a conference room. Or look to a rentable workspace like Deskpass or WeWork for privacy. Sometimes libraries have conference rooms to reserve. 

      Reliable phone reception and/or internet is super important – perhaps most important. You don’t want to have your call drop or struggle to make out what your interviewer is saying. Do some due diligence and make sure you have good service in the location you plan to take the call.

      Keep in mind that the phone screen might actually be a video call. This is all the more reason to find a quiet and private area to do the interview. Be mindful of what’s in the background or if you’re using a Zoom background, it’s appropriate. 

      Related: Video Interviews 101: How To Impress In The Digital Age 

      11. Get an energy boost

      Make sure you have an upbeat tone to your voice, which can be accomplished by simply smiling through the phone during the conversation. Because the interviewer can’t see your facial expressions or body language over the phone, your voice is your only way to emote. 

      Practice with a friend to figure out how to most effectively sound cheerful – without sounding maniacal. To help build that energy you can also try getting (physically) big before a call: Move around and stand or sit up straight.

      12. Keep materials to reference on hand

      Have your resume and the job description in front of you during the call. Other helpful information you might want close by: the company’s about page, the interviewer’s LinkedIn profile, and the company’s Crunchbase or Glassdoor profile. Maybe even make a cheat sheet with this important info as part of your preparation process. That way you don’t have 10+ tabs open during the call!

      13. Take notes

      These will help you retain the information and ideas discussed. They will likely come in handy when you’re writing your follow-up thank you notes too. If you’re pausing while writing or typing, simply say, “I’m making a note of that,” or “Let me jot that down.” This is especially helpful on a phone or video interview, when you may seem or look distracted otherwise.

      14. Try not to interrupt

      Wait for the interviewer to finish speaking before you speak. Practice active listening. This is common sense but worth keeping top of mind. It’s easy to get excited during the conversation and want to interject with brilliant insights or ideas. Remember your mantra: cool, calm, collected (at least on the outside).

      15. Avoid negativity

      It’s important to put a positive twist on all of your responses. Even if you harbor hard feelings or had a bad experience it’s important to provide a tactful answer. Avoid speaking negatively about your previous employer or coworkers – keep those thoughts to yourself. 

      Related: How to Handle an Employment Gap on Your Resume (Flip the Script!) 

      For example, the interviewer asks, “Why did you leave your last job?” (This could also be phrased as “Why are you looking to leave your current job?”)

      Positive answer: “The position did not offer the growth opportunities that I am looking for and I want to be in a more positive and collaborative environment.”

      Negative answer: “My last company didn’t appreciate me and everyone was very standoffish. I also want to make more money.”

      16. Stay focused and on topic.

      Pro tip: Write “talk slowly” on a Post-It and keep it in front of you as a reminder. Here’s an example of an answer that keeps it short, but tells a powerful story:

      Q: “What would you say are your strengths & weaknesses?”

      A: “My strengths are that I’ve worked as a frontend and backend engineer making me a valuable teammate and effective collaborator. My weakness is that I can get very focused on projects and procrastinate on smaller tasks, but I am quick to remedy any oversight so that I do not miss deadlines.”

      You should also include examples of this in action to paint a clearer picture of how this is true. It’s also nice to describe actions taken to remedy “weaknesses.”

      After the phone interview

      17. Send a ‘thank you’ email

      Include the person and/or people who interviewed you right after the interview or before the end of that working day. Thank them for their time and reiterate why you’re excited about the position (bonus points for referencing something that came up during the conversation!). This is also an opportunity to “correct” or clarify an answer from the interview if you don’t think it went too well, or if you have an additional thought you didn’t get to share. 

      18. Do a post-mortem

      Basic project management, right? This is also a valuable time to reflect on what you think went well or didn’t go so well in your interview. Interviewing is a great way to get better at interviewing, of course. But it can also help you learn more about what you want and don’t want out of your next job.

      Write down as many interview questions you can remember and your responses. Make note of what you think went well or areas you might change or improve next time.

      19. Be patient

      It’s tough to be patient after an interview while you wait for the company’s feedback. Make sure to give the interviewer three to five business days after your interview to get back to you. 

      At that point, if you haven’t heard back, it is acceptable to write them a quick note. You can let them know you’re still interested in the position and look forward to hearing back from them soon. On Hired, we encourage companies to respond within two to three days.

      Originally written in November 2019. Updated by the Hired Content Team in November 2023. More

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      in Talent Acquisition

      Interviewing for an Engineering Manager Role? 15 Questions You Should be Prepared to Answer

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      We break engineering manager interview questions down to work history, the open role, and behavioral situations.

      Congratulations! You have an interview to become an engineering manager. That’s great news. There’s just one problem – interviewing to become an engineering manager is probably going to be quite a bit different from your previous interviews.

      Here are 15 common engineering manager interview questions every candidate should prepare for. If you thoughtfully consider them and have good answers for each, you’ll be well on your way to nailing the interview.

      Related: Interviewing with the CTO? 3 Strategies to Help Prepare

      Basic work history questions

      These questions are among the most basic, but can still be very hard to answer if you’re not prepared for them. Be sure to know your resume and cover letter inside and out. I find it helps to think of your career as a series of short “stories.”

      In addition, this is a golden opportunity to really put your best foot forward. Take control of the interview, delving into what you think is most relevant to the job. Take this opportunity to connect them to your strengths.

      If you think of your interview as a movie, this is the trailer meant to get people excited about going to see the movie.

      Example questions for Engineering Manager Roles on work history:

      Tell us about yourself

      What was your role with your previous employer?

      Why did you leave your last role?

      How many direct reports have you managed in the past?

      What’s the largest budget you’ve ever managed?

      Questions about the open role

      These questions probe how interested you are in the role and how hard you worked to learn more about it. It’s also an indirect gauge of how your previous experience has helped you to understand what the role requires. If you’re able to glean interesting insights from the job posting that others can’t, interviewers will notice that.

      When I interview someone for a position, I want to know how invested they are in getting the job. I want someone who’s eager. A good way to parse that out is to determine whether they’ve done their homework or not, and it’s these kinds of questions that I use to determine just that.

      Example questions for Engineering Manager candidates on the open role:

      What can you tell us about the role you’re applying for?

      Which aspects of the role do you anticipate are the most challenging?

      What can you tell us about this company?

      How do you think your skills match our needs?

      Behavioral questions

      Behavioral questions are very common for engineering management interviews. These questions demand that you be quick on your feet. Again, it’s important to remember your stories and to be able to draw from them to apply them to the question at hand.

      If you know your stories, you likely don’t need to imagine what you would do in a given situation, you can discuss what you really did do and how you might do things differently in the future given what you’ve learned from your experience.

      One useful framework that I’ve learned for answering questions like these is called STAR:

      Situation

      Task

      Action

      Result

      When answering behavioral questions, try hard to:

      Cover what exactly happened (Situation),

      What you had to do in that situation (Task),

      What you did as an individual (Action), and

      How things played out as a result (Result).

      Related: What is the Star Method and How to Incorporate it into Interviews

      With this approach, you clearly define what happened and how you personally contributed to its resolution.

      Example behavioral questions for Engineering Manager candidates:

      Tell us about a time you made a mistake. What happened and what did you learn from it?

      Share an example of when you faced a conflict.

      Tell us about a time when you faced an ethical dilemma.

      How did you handle it when a project was coming down to the wire – what did you do?

      Related: 30 Behavioral Interview Questions You Should Be Ready to Answer.

      Closing questions for Engineering Manager candidates

      When going into an interview, it’s important to consider what you want to learn from the employer and the things you want them to learn about you.

      In the past, I’ve gone as far as bringing lists of things to learn and communicate into an interview and crossing things off as they were discussed. This is important because in the end, you’ll get a critical opportunity to deal with any items you haven’t yet crossed off.

      Is there anything else you would like us to know about you?

      Do you have any questions for us?

      It’s likely that the engineering manager interview questions you face will be different from anything else you’ve experienced before. If you go into your interview prepared to answer these questions, you’ll be well on your way to taking the next big step in your career.

      Finally, before starting salary negotiations in an engineering manager interview, be sure to check out:

      Originally written by Patrick Sweet in April 2019. Update by the Hired Content team in October 2023. More

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      in Career Hacks

      What Are Software Engineering Recruiters Looking For on Applications?

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      As you will begin to notice in your job-hunting adventures, no two application processes are the same. When you’re preparing to apply to more than one company it is important to adjust your strategy accordingly.

      Application processes tend to vary by company, industry, and job level. It could be difficult to know how to make these adjustments as an entry level applicant. One question that’s often asked from candidates is: What are recruiters looking for and how can you impress them?

      At our Job Searching event in January, we invited a panel of industry experts to answer these questions as it pertains to the world of Software Engineering. In our discussion with Tony Burdett, Global University Relations Leader at the NCR Corporation, Heidy Garcia, Early Careers Recruiter at Expedia Group, Iona AlGhafli, TRACK Hiring and Onboarding Lead at General Motors, and Lei Young, Emerging Talent Strategist at Dell Technologies, we learn what it takes to get a job offer at their companies.

      Resume Storytelling

      When it comes to putting together your resume, it’s best not to overthink things. In our recent virtual event, Tony Burdett spoke about how “your resume is kind of like the story of who you are.” He emphasizes prospective candidates to concentrate on the top half of their resumes and really make an effort to make that part shine. If you are someone without much experience to write about, here is what Burdett suggests.

      In addition to your engineering-related experiences, you’ll also want to list all the languages, skills, and tools you’ve worked with and be able to relate that knowledge back to your experience. Are you comfortable with JavaScript and list that as a skill on your resume? Then you must be able to talk about where you learned it and where you’ve applied it as well. As Tony Burdett said, it’s all about the “storytelling” aspect of your resume and how well you can discuss your capabilities and the experiences where they’ve come into play.

      Research the Company You’re Applying To

      When you’re first starting your career, you are going to be very eager to find a job. This being the case, you might make the mistake of applying to multiple companies at once without looking into them.

      While this might seem like you’re saving time, in the end, recruiters can tell if you want a job for a paycheck or because you’re actually passionate about the position. For Iona AlGhafli of General Motors, she believes that what interests potential employees about a company is one of the most important questions that will be asked in an interview. It’s at this time when the recruiter can really get a good understanding of whether or not the candidate is actually passionate about the opportunity.

      If you’re applying for a software engineering position, it is critical that you arm yourself with knowledge regarding that department and the recent applications or projects they’ve worked on. Maybe there is a developer whose work you admire or maybe there is a software they work on that no other company is working with. Whatever the case may be, just make sure you have concrete examples to reference during the application process.

      Make Use of Every Opportunity to Meet & Learn

      The companies our panelists work for (Dell Technologies, General Motors, the NCR Corporation, Expedia Group) are always giving potential candidates a chance to meet and learn a little more about them. In addition to virtual events hosted right here on WayUp, these companies are oftentimes frequenting college campuses for career fairs, info sessions, and more.

      Every recruiter we’ve spoken with encourages students and prospective employees to find and attend as many of these events as possible. On the one hand, it gives you an opportunity to meet with recruiters face to face and make your first impression. On the other, it also gives you an opportunity to see if the company is a good fit for you and gives you something to talk about when you’re interviewing.

      Whether it’s to get a leg up on the interview and application process or to see if you like an employer, company-sponsored events are incredibly conducive to getting a job that fits you.

      Communication is Everything

      Before, during, and after the application process, it is important to communicate in a very professional manner. The first thing you want to make sure you’re doing is being responsive. Whether it’s to schedule your interview or to thank the recruiter for their time, communicating promptly will show them that you are engaged and highly interested in the position. 

      Tony Burdett recommends that applicants think of who they’re talking to as “people that might be potential networking contacts for the future” and to always leave the door open. 

      After an interview, it’s best practice to reach out and thank the hiring manager and/or person you spoke with. However, only reach out once! We know how stressful it can be waiting to find out whether you got a job or not. Don’t let this stress cause you to trouble the recruiter with repeated emails asking about the status of your application as this could make things go south.

      How to Negotiate an Offer

      If an offer is made, there are four things you can do. You can accept, deny, negotiate, or ask for more time to consider. While those first two options are straightforward, it’s when you negotiate or ask for more time that you need to choose your words wisely.

      When you negotiate, it’s best to have another offer to use as leverage. Otherwise, you need to explain the reasons why you think you’re entitled to more money, whether that has to do with your experience or what you’re going to contribute to the company.

      According to Iona AlGhafli, candidates should attach the offer they’re asking to match to their negotiation email. AlGhafli states that it’s important to “own the process” and not to beat around the bush or be indirect. 

      In the case that you want some more time to make your decision on an offer, it is best to ask the recruiter how long you have rather than decide for yourself.

      Don’t Stress Yourself Out

      One of the last pieces of advice we got from our panelists, and this is something they unanimously agreed on, is not to let the application process stress you out. While it can be a nerve-racking endeavor, try to look at it with excitement instead of dread! It might seem like it at the time, but this is not the biggest decision in your life. Job opportunities will come and go, but the right one always finds you eventually!

      One way to increase your chances of finding that perfect match is by keeping up with us on WayUp. Whether it’s our virtual events, blogs, or job boards, we’re here to help you get that offer. Stay tuned for more career tips and ways to land the job of your dreams! More

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      in Talent Acquisition

      Concerned about Employee Monitoring Software? How to Ask about It in a Job Interview

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      In today’s digital work-from-home world, as many as 60% of companies with remote employees use employee monitoring software to track employees’ activities during work hours. While this may be insightful for the company, it also raises concerns for jobseekers who value their privacy and autonomy. 

      If you’re a jobseeker who wants to know more about employee monitoring software before accepting a job offer, keep reading for tips on how to ask about it during an interview.

      What is employee monitoring software? 

      Employee monitoring software (EMS) is software used to keep track of when and how employees work. It essentially monitors productivity and collects data through employees’ tech devices. From supervising performance to intercepting illegal activities, employers use EMS for a number of reasons.

      The software may track:

      Time 

      Activity

      Project management 

      Email 

      Generally, if you’re on the clock, an employer has full discretion to make the rules. Employers do need to inform employees they maintain the right to monitor behavior. But they don’t need to be specific about the info they are obtaining or what they are using to get it.  

      And in case you were wondering: yes, employee monitoring software is legal. An employer using it might even notify employees and get their consent. 

      New data regulation laws

      In July 2023, New York City will release a new AI law requiring employers to inform candidates of any personal data collected during hiring and promotions. Oher locations inlcuding California, Washington DC, and Vermont are in the process of enacting similar AI-related laws. 

      New York’s AI law has received some mixed feedback from public advocates. Even tech leaders such as Google’s Sundar Pichai and Microsoft’s Brad Smith are calling for more oversight into AI algorithms at the national level. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission also recently warned employers that they’re responsible for any AI-generated discrimination. 

      So, what are some graceful ways during the interview process to go about discovering if a company uses employee monitoring software? 

      1. Research the company’s policy beforehand

      Before going into the interview, do some research on the company’s policy on employee monitoring software. Check the company’s website or LinkedIn page for any information on their policy. You can also reach out to current or former employees of the company to get an idea of how the company uses monitoring software. In this instance, Glassdoor or Blind might provide relevant information.

      2. Ask about the company’s policy during the interview

      We wouldn’t recommend asking this immediately, of course. Determine how critical an issue this is for you and gauge the pros and cons along with the rapport you’ve created with the interviewer. 

      If you feel it’s necessary to your feelings about the role, you could ask the interviewer about the company’s policy on employee monitoring software. You can phrase your question as follows: “Can you tell me more about the company’s policy on employee monitoring software? How does the company use it, and what kind of data does it collect?”

      Tone is important here. Be curious, and upbeat, to keep the conversation friendly but professional. 

      3. Ask about the reasons behind using the software

      It’s important to understand why the company is using employee monitoring software. Ask the interviewer why the company feels the need to use it and what benefits it provides. You can also ask about any specific incidents that led the company to start using the software.

      4. Ask about how the software is used and who has access to the data

      It’s important to know how the software is used and who has access to the data it collects. Ask the interviewer about how the software is used on a day-to-day basis and who has access to the data it collects. You can also ask about the security measures the company has in place to protect the data.

      5. Express your concerns and ask for clarification

      If you have any concerns about the company’s policy on employee monitoring software, express them to the interviewer and ask for clarification. For example, if you’re concerned about your privacy, ask about how the company protects your personal data. 

      If you’re concerned about being micromanaged, ask about how the company balances monitoring with trust. 

      For example, you might say: “Trust is a key value for me. How do you demonstrate trust with employees? Does the company have specific rules around being online at certain times or not using company property for private emails outside of work hours?”

      How can I protect my privacy? 

      Keep your work life and personal life separate. Assume what you do with company property is not private. This includes devices and programs (email, Slack, Zoom, etc.) you use through work.  

      When is the most appropriate time to ask?

      The simple answer is: the sooner the better. If EM software is a dealbreaker for you, don’t let time pass in the process without inquiring.

      Is a company using employee monitoring software right for me?

      Based on the information you get from any questions asked in an interview, how does that company compare to others? Determine what it is you’re looking for in the answers to understand if the company and role are right for you. 

      Concerned about employee monitoring software? Be proactive.

      As we continue to navigate an increasingly digital landscape, it’s important for both employers and employees to understand the nuances and implications of technology like employee monitoring software. Consider your own comfort and needs as a jobseeker regarding privacy and autonomy at work. Be proactive and ask questions if you have concerns. 

      If you’re a jobeeker on Hired, the Candidate Experience Team is there to help you throughout your search. The team is available to coach jobseekers through the hiring process and even support them if the need to ask tough or awkward questions arises.  More

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      in Talent Acquisition

      8 Final Round Interview Questions You Should Be Prepared for as a Tech Jobseeker

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      Be ready for common final round interview questions with this guide

      Congratulations – you’ve made it through the hiring process and you’re preparing for final round interview questions to secure your dream job! This is a big deal – it means you’ve impressed the hiring team with your skills, experience, and potential. However, it also means the stakes are higher and you need to prepare thoroughly to stand out from the other candidates.

      If you’re a jobseeker in tech, you know how competitive the industry can be. Final round interviews often consist of more challenging questions designed to assess your technical expertise as well as your soft skills, cultural fit, and problem-solving abilities. This final round interview is your chance to really showcase your skills and experience, and to demonstrate why you’re the best candidate for the job. 

      In some cases, the hard skills assessment period is over and the final round is more about determining team fit, or more appropriately, “add.” It’s to determine between the finalists which one will bring the most value to the team, or be the addition it needs. You may also discover this round is focused on selling you on the role. 

      To help you prepare, we’ve compiled a list of top final round interview questions for tech jobseekers, along with tips on how to answer them.

      1. Tell Me About Yourself

      You’ve probably already answered this classic question in early stage interviews, but be prepared to respond again, especially if you’re meeting new people in the final round. We’ve written an article about how to answer ‘tell me about yourself’ question for tech talent with some great tactics. 

      As a bonus, use this final round interview opportunity to further personalize your response. Revise your answer using what you’ve learned about the role and the team so far.

      2. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

      This classic interview question is often used to gauge your self-awareness and honesty. However, in the final round, the interviewer may be looking for more specific examples and how they relate to the job requirements.

      When answering this question, it’s essential to focus on the strengths that are relevant to the job and the company culture. For example, if you’re applying for a software development position, you could mention your strong coding skills, attention to detail, and ability to work well in a team.

      For your weaknesses, avoid generic answers like “I work too hard” or “I’m a perfectionist.” Instead, be honest about an area where you could improve but also show how you’re actively working on it. For example, you could say, “I tend to get nervous when presenting to large groups, but I’ve been taking public speaking classes to improve my confidence.”

      3. What experience do you have in this particular area of tech?

      Interviewers ask this question to see how well you understand the specific area of tech the company is focused on, and how you might be able to contribute to the team. To answer a final round interview question like this, highlight any relevant experience you have, and talk about any specific projects or accomplishments to showcase your skills in this area.

      4. How do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends, technologies, and developments in your field?

      In tech, staying up-to-date with the latest trends and developments is crucial. Employers want to know you’re committed to continuing your education and staying current with industry changes. The interviewer wants to know if you have a passion for learning and if you’re proactive about keeping your skills relevant.

      When answering this question, show that you have a growth mindset and that you enjoy exploring new ideas and technologies. Talk about any industry events you’ve attended, online courses or certifications you’ve completed, or any side projects you’ve worked on to expand your knowledge. 

      For example, you could say, “I’m passionate about keeping up with the latest trends in software development. I regularly attend tech conferences and meetups, read industry blogs and newsletters, and take online courses to expand my knowledge. 

      Recently, I implemented a new cloud-based infrastructure in our company that reduced our costs and improved our scalability.”

      Interview Tip: 

      Don’t forget to include hobbies or volunteer activities here. If you help coach a high school robotics team or provide a nonprofit with web development support, for example, it’s great to share.

      Related: Hired’s 2023 State of Software Engineers report

      5. How do you approach problem-solving in a tech environment?

      Tech jobs are all about problem-solving, and employers want to know you have a solid approach to tackling challenges. When answering this question, talk about any specific problem-solving techniques you use. This might include breaking down problems into smaller parts. Perhaps it’s using data to inform your decisions or collaborating with team members to brainstorm solutions.

      Related: Want to Ace Technical Interviews? A Guide to Prep Software Engineers

      6. How do you handle working under pressure or tight deadlines?

      Chances are your work environment will be fast-paced and high-pressure at times, so demonstrate you can handle these kinds of situations. When answering this question, discuss any experience you’ve had working under tight deadlines, and how you managed to stay focused and productive in those instances. You might also share any strategies you use to manage stress, such as exercise or meditation.

      7. Can you walk me through a project you worked on from start to finish?

      Employers want to see how you approach projects from beginning to end, and how you collaborate with others along the way. In your answer, highlight your specific contributions to the project. Be sure to mention any challenges you faced and how you overcame them. You can also tell your interviewer about any lessons you learned from the project and how you might apply them to future projects.

      Related: Interviewing with the CTO? 3 Strategies to Help Prepare

      8. Why do you want to work for this particular company?

      Show you’re genuinely interested in the company and the work they do. When answering this question, do your research beforehand. Highlight specific aspects of the company that appeal to you. This could be the company culture, their mission or values, or specific projects or initiatives they’re working on. 

      Don’t be afraid to reference previous interviews in which you gained new insights. This shows how engaged you’ve been throughout the interview process and that you’ve connected with the team. 

      Final round interview questions? You’ve got this!

      Before we close, let’s review a great quote from author Thea Kelley. She said, “Interviewers are sick of robotic, canned answers people have read in books. So think through and prepare your own answers—ones that are both authentic and strategic.” We hope this article has given you food for thought. And, provided you with some material to contemplate as you organize and prepare some response options.

      Making it to the final round of a tech job interview is a major achievement. By preparing for common final round interview questions and practicing a bit, you’ll go into the interview feeling ready as ever. Remember to highlight your relevant skills and experience, and to showcase your passion for the industry and the work you do. With a little preparation and a lot of confidence, you will land the tech job of your dreams. Good luck! More

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      in Career Hacks

      Don’t Go Into an Interview Without Doing These Key Steps

      by

      You might be the perfect candidate, with a perfect resume, and exactly what a company is looking for. But, if you don’t know how to interview well, or conduct yourself in a professional manner don’t expect to land a job. 

      Over the years, the interview process has evolved into a digital landscape with new rules and codes of conduct. Although the platforms have changed, the importance of interviewing has only grown. As a job marketplace, our main focus is to get you hired. While you might think of us mainly as a place where you can find jobs, we are also dedicated to your success and are a resource that strives to help you every step of the way.

      This being the case, we hosted a Job Searching 101 event with recruiters from companies like Expedia, Discover, and CVS Health to identify a list of interview tips and ways to prepare for an interview in 2023.

      [embedded content]

      Research Everything About a Job & Company

      First and foremost, before you even apply to a company, research must be done. While knowing all the ins and outs of the position you’re applying for is important, far more research is needed. 

      Learn about the company and its standing in the industry. What are some of the recent goals and expectations that the company has set for itself? Bonus points if you’re familiar with recent events that the company was involved in and you’re able to bring it up naturally in conversation. What are the company values, what is their mission and culture? Do you know their mission statement?

      However, as much as you want to be informed and well-researched going into an interview, you also want the dialogue to flow naturally. You’re not trying to prove your knowledge or solve a problem, so try not to overdo it! As Taiana Hale, a College Recruiter for CVS Health says, “research the company and understand their industry and goals as an organization. However, try not to overdo it. You’re not trying to prove your knowledge. We still want the interview to seem natural.”

      Understanding the Process

      When you get to the interview portion of a job application it is best to familiarize yourself with the process as much as possible. Don’t be afraid to ask your main point of contact, whether it is the recruiter or the employer, what the particular process is like. 

      Is there a behavioral part and a technical part? Is there a case study portion? Ask them what is to be expected and what some good ways to prepare are. Not only will you be able to prepare yourself better for the interview but you’ll demonstrate to the recruiter or employer that you’re taking the time and energy to make sure you do a good job and potentially get the job.

      Another great option is to reach out to someone who works at the company and ask them for tips! While you may not get a response 100% of the time, if you approach someone professionally and authentically they are more likely to help. At the end of the day, all processes are different, so don’t pull your hair out trying to memorize questions or certain steps of an interview.

      Reliable Technology

      The next thing you need to keep in mind when going into an interview is to have reliable technology that you have a firm grasp on. In this virtual age, a large percentage of job applications and interviews are done online through video chat or otherwise. This being the case, candidates need to make sure they have a good web connection, they’re testing the applications or platforms being used for the interview, and no technical difficulties will occur during the interview.

      “I had an interview and the candidate was 12 minutes late because they hadn’t loaded the application and couldn’t get into the system. I hope that they learn from that and take more preparation going into the interview process next time”
      Lane Garnett, Sr. Manager Recruiting Process and Engagement, Discover Financial Services

      You could be the ideal candidate for a company but if you’re lagging on the video interviewing aspect you could get nixed. While in-person interviews have not been done away with entirely, virtual interviews are becoming more and more common. One way or another, having your technology locked in will ensure that you don’t miss out on a job because of a technicality.

      Appearance and Aesthetic

      Your appearance, whether it’s during an in-person interview or a virtual one, is critical. For virtual interviews, you want to make sure your background is neat and orderly and there are no distractions or off-putting stimuli. Adding a blurred filter to your background on a video call may be a good idea to ensure you aren’t showing an unprofessional background.

      Always make sure you check how you look on camera before starting the interview. Glares from lighting, messy clothes in the background, and sound interference will all make you look unprofessional in the eyes of recruiters. So if you have roommates, make sure you let them know you’re going to be on an interview before they barge in asking about happy hour!

      “This one time I was interviewing this one candidate, and they had their background was all set up fine and dandy, but they didn’t tell their roommates they were interviewing this day, and the roommates kind of barged into the room and started talking about “a crazy bender” they had last night, and it was not the best impression.”
      Sean Bea, Early Careers Recruiting Expedia Group

      When it comes to what you wear, the more formal you are the better. However, it’s a great idea to take note of what the aesthetic of a company is before going into an interview. Is everyone buttoned up with a jacket and tie? Or are some people rocking more casual wear with sweaters and shirts? Don’t fake your appearance, but always look professional so the employer will see you as a fit for their company.

      The Question Part

      At the end of your interview, more often than not, the person on the other end will ask if you have any questions yourself. The worst thing you can do in this situation is say no. On the other hand, a well-thought-out and intellectual question will leave a very good impression on the interviewer.

      One great question is to ask the interviewers themselves about their own experience of the company. What do they like and enjoy about working there? What are some of the challenges they face and how can you support and assist them in some of those things? How do you measure success?

      The list of good questions you can say at this moment goes on. Just remember to keep it relevant to the job and to ask something that seems like you’re interested in the longevity of your contributions to the company. You want to show that you have been paying attention and are engaged in the conversation. 

      How Do You Follow Up After an Interview?

      This last interview tip is one that a lot of people tend to forget. Make sure to send the recruiter or whoever interviewed you a follow-up and thank you email. The first 24 hours after an interview is the best time to go ahead with a follow-up. 

      Use it as an opportunity to expand a little bit on what you discussed during the interview and points that resonated with you. If there was something that stood out to you or something you aligned with, whether it was one of the company’s core values, the direction they’re headed, or an attribute of the job, don’t be afraid to share that.

      The more interviews you do, the better you will get. While it may be a time to show yourself off and what you’re capable of, don’t forget to use the interview as a time to see if the employer is a right fit for you.

      The more you think about interviews as a conversation and an exchange of information the more at ease you will feel. Keep up with the WayUp community as we continue to share resume secrets, career tips, and professional information you can’t get anywhere else. 

      [embedded content]

      For more career advice and tips on how to find a job, keep up with the WayUp community guide and look out for new Job Searching 101 virtual events! More

    • 125 Shares179 Views

      in Talent Acquisition

      Need Help with Job Interviewing Skills? | Coaching Session (VIDEO)

      by

      What do companies look for when interviewing potential employees? Hear what they prioritize first-hand in this on-demand panel discussion featuring:

      Senior Manager, Recruiting, Brightspot, Avery Davila

      Technical Sourcer, Hired, Gabe Morabe

      Candidate Experience Manager, Hired, Alice Tan* 

      Candidate Experience Manager, Hired, Maria Coffey*

      What are recruiters really listening for?

      Avery Davila

      I think it’s really important in the interview process to be engaged. It comes across as you’re genuinely interested in the company, you’re genuinely interested in the role, and you’re excited to be there. Look engaged, have good posture, pay attention, and maintain good eye contact. This is a little difficult with the virtual world nowadays but you get the gist!

      Gabe Morabe

      Ask genuine questions and follow up. Perhaps I say something in the introduction of the interview and you mention it during the middle of the interview. Say it’s how interesting this product is or you have experience doing this in the past. It shows me that you’re 1) actively listening and 2) relating it back to your previous experiences.

      Avery Davila

      I suggest also having a notepad handy and jotting down a few notes, perhaps key things that stick out from the conversation. For example, if there’s any discussion around role expectations and you have notes to reflect back on. I think it also shows you’re interested and comprehending the information. I did that during my interview with Brightspot actually and I even used it to reflect back on before my first day so there’s a double positive. 

      Gabe Morabe

      You can take those notes and apply it to all your other interviews as well. It’s not just for one company. All these companies are probably going to be looking for the same thing especially if you’re applying for a specific role.

      In regard to concise stories of previous work experiences, I’m definitely looking for how you take your preview experiences, look at the job description, and apply it to how your experience fits in with this role specifically. This can be alignment with certain projects, an initiative you’ve led, a certain amount of sales within a certain market.

      Avery Davila

      I recommend, as you’re preparing for interviews and trying to be concise, outlining your experience and making sure that you hit all the key points. If there are metrics, challenges, successes, or specific projects you want to highlight, make a quick outline. Jot down about two sentences to help you concisely articulate so you’re not going back and forth in a story or you leave the interview realizing you wanted to mention this. That’s a good tip for preparation to help you be concise and clear when you’re explaining your background.

      Definitely ask questions too. It shows you’re genuinely interested in the company. Have questions prepared even if they’re simple ones and even if they’ve been answered earlier in the interview process. You can ask the same questions to different interviewers because you can get that different perspective based on the role and the unique experiences they’ve had, how long their tenure has been, etc.

      Watch now to discover: 

      How to appear confident (with examples of how candidates excel without knowing what to expect)

      What recruiters see as red flags and how to avoid them 

      Resources for interview tips and more!

      *Since this event, Alice and Maria have taken their CX insights to new roles as Pre-Sales Enablement Specialist and Customer Success Manager with Hired respectively.

      Curious how Hired helps jobseekers find great roles in tech and sales? Learn how our platform helps you create meaningful connections with top employers.

      Haven’t joined yet? Complete your free profile with Hired and let employers come to you. 

      Watch the original presentation below.

      [embedded content] More

    • 125 Shares129 Views

      in Career Hacks

      5 Interview Secrets for Landing a Job at Capital One

      by

      Interviews can be exciting, intimidating, life-changing, and sometimes, all three. As you make your way into the professional world, chances are you will go through tons of different interviews and hiring processes, each one different from the last. 

      But if you happen to be fortunate enough to land an interview with Capital One, one of the most innovative and forward-thinking companies in the financial services industry, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

      From preparation tactics to presentation skills, here is a list of the 5 Ps that recruiters, hiring managers, and employees suggest familiarizing yourself with if you want to land a job at Capital One.

      Preparation

      First and foremost, you want to be prepared going into a Capital One interview. But prepared for what? According to Anna, an associate software engineer, she found success by familiarizing herself with life at Capital One and doing plenty of research prior to her interview.

      By digging deep and finding some relevant information about the company, Anna prepared herself to have meaningful and in-depth conversations with her recruiter. In doing so, she portrayed herself as both informed and interested in the position, two things that recruiters love to see. 

      In addition to gaining hard knowledge of the company and the role you will be undertaking, another thing you can do to stand out is familiarize yourself with the culture of the company. For example, maybe a company does monthly outings or other social events. Mentioning something like that, which may not have to do directly with your position, is a great way to show you want to work at a company and are looking at it from all aspects.

      Presentation

      Once you’ve dedicated enough time to prepare for the interview, then comes the time to present your knowledge, skills, and most importantly, who you are. In our conversation with Abhishek, a Senior Associate and Enterprise Services Project Manager, he shed some light on what he thinks is the best way to present yourself during an interview.

      Abhishek went on to say how at the end of the day, everyone is similar to one another in the sense that we all have lives and interests, and to present yourself as such helps form a connection that will ultimately work in your favor.

      At the same time, you don’t want to come off as overly familiar or unprofessional. By combining a personable and friendly attitude with a professional and corporate one, you will be able to check off even more boxes as a candidate.

      Patience

      Hand-in-hand with presentation skills comes the ability to be patient. Without it, you risk giving off the wrong impression or missing the chance to demonstrate the full extent of your worth. But interviews are nerve-racking! And oftentimes stressful. So what is an eager prospect like yourself to do?

      According to Senior Recruiter Kelly, the best way to remain and appear patient in an interview is to listen.

      Kelly spoke about how much of a turnoff it is for her as a recruiter when a candidate constantly cuts her off or interrupts her. But she agreed that a lot of the time it’s unintentional. So when you’re interviewing, remember to take a breath, take your time, and try not to worry about filling empty space or replying so quickly. 

      There are several things that public speakers suggest in order to help ease this burden. For example, repeating back the question, using a filling sentence like “that’s a great question,” or “let me think about the best example of that” all are ways you can buy time and make sure you answer the question correctly.

      Passion

      Throughout every conversation we had with the Capital One employees, there was one common trait that they all shared: passion. Passion not only for what they do at Capital One as employees but as individuals and what they do in their personal lives as well. 

      Although it may not seem like it, exuding your passions, whatever they may be, will get you very far in Capital One’s hiring process. Just ask Abhishek.

      “My recruiter and I connected on a very personal level after I mentioned my love of motorcycles. It was then that I realized that the people at Capital One are real people too with interests, passions, and beliefs of their own.”Abhishek, Senior Associate and Enterprise Services Project Manager

      Whether or not you end up sharing interests with your recruiter doesn’t matter. What Capital One wants to see out of people applying is that they can get excited about something, no matter what it is. So if there is something you love and are passionate about, don’t be afraid to mention it during the interview!

      Personality

      One factor that bears a lot of resemblance to your passion is your personality. And although they are similar, your personality has to show so much more than what you’re passionate about.

      We spoke with Student and Graduates Recruiter Addison regarding what the best steps are to show your personality during an interview and she responded with an ode to authenticity.

      Recruiters are able to tell when something sounds rehearsed. And it prevents them from getting a true understanding of who you really are. So during your interview process, make sure you’re confident in portraying yourself not only as a professional but as your true authentic self as well.

      Putting It All Together

      While all of the tips shared by these exceptional associates at Capital One are invaluable, there is one critical piece of information that everyone should remember, and that’s to apply.Now is the time to explore opportunities and really see how far your capabilities can get you. So what are you waiting for? Start browsing open opportunities at Capital One today and find the job of your dreams. More