Pretend It's a Year from Now

Pretend It's a Year from Now

Seven years ago, I had a job in the corporate world. I had an office, a good salary, and the privilege of being known and respected for consistently doing a job well done. Even though I was successful, I'd been unhappy in my career for years. I stayed put because I was comfortable, tied to the money, loved the adrenaline rush that deadlines produce, and enjoyed the compliments I received from my boss and peers.

Secretly, I was building a business on the side. I was coaching people to live their dreams in the evenings and weekends. Although my clients were living lives they loved, I couldn't say I was doing the same.

Then, I got laid off. I was devastated, confused, and I felt betrayed. But I was one of many who were worried and wondering which direction to take next. Little did I know at the time, that this was the day I became a full time coach.

Today, I have a thriving coaching practice. I have never been happier. I owe my success to being able to imagine myself successful, visualizing victory in the future.

What I have learned can apply to you. Whether you have been searching for a job and it seems hopeless, or you are working and are tired, stressed, and barely keeping up with the workload. Start with the steps below.

Imagine yourself a year from now. The economy is picking up nicely. Although the previous year was tough for you, it was well worth it, because today you are enjoying your career tremendously. You are grateful for what transpired over the past year.

It took you a while to find your way, but you have arrived. You battled fear, uncertainty, and yourself. But you have come out a winner. Looking back, you see that there were five key steps that were your crucial to your success. They were:

You Accepted Where You Were

You stopped blaming the world for your predicament. You decided to forgive those who caused your situation. Most importantly, you forgave yourself. You acknowledged where you were because you knew that a better tomorrow would not happen until you accepted today.

You Decided You Would Win

You realized that you worked too hard to get where you were in your career, and you were not about to lose it all now. You decided that your present situation would not get the best of you. You let go of the shoulds, and the reasons why you couldn't have what you wanted in your career. Then, you made a plan to go after what you truly deserved.

You Persevered

You had a vision in your mind, and you did not give up. Sure, there were obstacles. But, you woke up each morning and told yourself that today was a brand new day. You made phone calls you were afraid to make. You wrote e-mail's and letters you weren't sure would get read. You networked. But most importantly, you were afraid, and you moved forward anyway.

You Asked For Help

This was a big deal for you because you were used to doing things on your own. You opened yourself up and asked for what you needed. You were surprised and appreciative because people from unexpected places took the time to help you. The best thing you learned is that life is much easier when you are not reaching your goals alone.

You Knew You Would End Up In A Better Place

You stopped driving yourself crazy because you knew things would improve. You recognized that your situation was only temporary. As a result, you enjoyed yourself more. You spent time getting to know you again. You lost weight, or took up a new hobby. You tried new things, and you grew in ways you never imagined possible. You are so much stronger and wiser now. You are not the same.

Ok. Now, it is today again. Do you want what saw? What steps specifically will you take to make it happen? Write it down. Look at it everyday. You have a bright future ahead of you once you can visualize the end result.

So, what do you say? You only have one life to live, so it might as well be a life you love!

Written & Contributed by:
Deborah Brown-Volkman, PCC
Career, Life, Wellness, and Mentor Coach
President, Surpass Your Dreams, Inc.

Laid Off? Today is a Brand New Day

Laid Off? Today Is A Brand New Day

A sudden job loss can be very unsettling, and it makes a person look inside in order to get perspective on their situation.

I was a person that was laid off too a few years back, so I know what it is like to not have a job to go to.

I feel fortunate, though, that I was building my coaching practice while working full time. Because of that, I was able to transition into coaching full time. But still, not seeing the same faces everyday, having deadlines, and an office to go to, took some getting used to.

The best thing about that experience is I had the opportunity to create whatever I wanted with my future. I could coach full-time. I could go into consulting. I could freelance. Whichever way I chose, I knew that it was the start of a new adventure.

For me, the job loss was a blessing; and it can be a blessing for you. Yes, you will worry about how you will pay the bills, if you will get another job, and when the new job will come. You will also have the opportunity to spend more time with your family, friends, and yourself. You will have time to do all the things you wished you had time for when you were working. You can go to the gym, get outside more, and use the time to reevaluate your life and your career. (Yes, this is a good thing.)

So How Do You Make Peace With What Just Happened To You And Create A New Future? I Have 7 Tips For You:

Recognize That Losing Your Job Was Not Your Fault

Yes, there is some relief knowing that the inevitable has finally happened vs. the waiting to see if you will go next. But there is still a little part deep inside you that wonders if it was your fault. Maybe if you worked harder, then this would not have happened. Maybe if you worked weekends, evenings, etc, it would have been some else that was cut. Maybe if you participated in office polices more, you would still have a job. All these thoughts drain your energy and take away from the contributions you made when you were there. Your company was not doing well. They had to cut costs, and you were one of the people they cut. This is all there is to it. Period. Stop making it mean something more.

Decide What's Important To You

You probably have put YOU on hold for years as you have been spending all your time figuring out how to mold yourself to be someone else. You worried about what your boss thought of you, what his or her boss thought of you, and what your co-workers thought of you. You spent many evenings trying to calm down or figure out what to do with a co-worker or boss that was driving you crazy. All of this is gone (if only temporarily) and now you get to decide what is important to you. What makes you happy? What gets you excited? These are questions that you can answer because you have been given the gift of time to do so.

Recognize That The Time Off Is A Blessing

Things in life happen for a reason. There was some purpose for you to stop and reassess how you have been living your life at this point. Why do you think this happened now? Were you working too hard? Were you neglecting yourself? Was your family screaming for you to spend more time with them? Now is the time to see if your former lifestyle will fit your future one. Use the time wisely because an opportunity like this one may never come again.

Decide What You Will Do Next

Will you stay in the same career? Will you do something different? Will you start your own business? Or, will you decide to scale down your lifestyle so you can stretch out the time before you go back to work? There is no right or wrong choice, only what calls to you. Trust your instinct. The answer is inside you. It is up to you if you will take the time to listen.

Put An Action Plan In Place

Now that you have free time, how will you make it as productive as it can be? How many resumes will you send out each week? How many hours each day will you spend searching for jobs online and in the paper? How may people will you talk to, and how e-mail's will you send out? Your job search does not have to consume you, but having a daily plan, will keep you from sitting in front of the TV saying "I really should be looking for another job."

Get Support

Enlist the help of a friend, spouse, coach, colleague, etc. Someone who will listen and support you through this transitional period in your life. Looking for a job can be frustrating, time consuming, and disappointing. Remember that you do not have to do it alone.

Reward Yourself

Yes, the final reward is finding a new job, but there are milestones that can be rewarded along the way. Sent your resume to five employers? Reward. Went on one job interview this week? Reward. When you look back, you will know that you are not the same person you were before this happened. And, you will smile to yourself because you know that this is a good thing.

So, what do you say? You only have one life to live, so it might as well be a life you love!

Written & Contributed by:
Deborah Brown-Volkman, PCC
Career, Life, Wellness, and Mentor Coach
President, Surpass Your Dreams, Inc.

Change how you feel at Work

Work can be frustrating and stressful sometimes.

Yet, no matter how tough your job is, you'll need a healthy mind and body to tackle it. If you are eating poorly, not exercising, or internalizing stress, you won't feel well. And if you don't feel well, you can't treat your career with the attention and respect it deserves. Without energy, you cannot make your career as fulfilling as it could be.

As a career coach, I speak to hundreds of people each year who are unhappy with their careers. When I ask them what they eat, how physically active they are, and how they handle stress, their answers do not surprise me. One by one, they tell me that they are not taking care of themselves.

How can you love what you do when you don't feel you best? How can you build momentum in your career when you are tired? How can you fulfill your dreams when you don't have the energy to make it happen?

You Can Change How You Feel At Work. Here Are Some Things You Can Do To Make This Happen:

Let Go of Anger

Anger is a normal emotion. But, when you cling to a painful emotion such as anger, you cannot feel energized. When you free yourself of angry thoughts, by forgiving yourself and others, you will free up a lot of mental space which can be filled with newfound energy.

Solution: Decide to let your anger go, so you feel better and more productive.

Let Go of Blame

We are a society of blamers. We all do it. Even though we criticize others for not taking responsibility, when it's our turn to be responsible, we tend to look outward to assign blame if something goes wrong. Blame feels good, because we don't like to admit being wrong. The downside to blame is that it allows you to stay stuck when you could actively be trying to improve the situation.

Solution: Decide against assigning blame. Blame will drag down your energy level. If something at work is not going well, accept what is happening and try to learn from it. This way, you can make progress and move past it.

Change Your Beliefs

Your beliefs are powerful. They set the tone and direction for your career. If you say that you want one thing, but actually believe another, the resulting conflict will hold you back. Belief is critical to victory. If you do not believe that you can have a high level of energy in your career, then you are unlikely to achieve it.

Solution: Decide to let go of the beliefs that no longer serve you. Instead, focus on believing that you can transform yourself into a healthy, lively person.

Change Your Attitude

Your career can be compared to a journey. As with any journey, there will be highs and lows along the way, in this case, spread out over many years. When good things are happening in your career, it will be easier to feel energized. But when more challenging things are occurring, it will naturally be more difficult to manage your energy efficiently.

Solution: Decide that your attitude will not keep you from being in the best possible mental and physical health you can be.

Make Better Choices

Your career is filled with choices. Some of them will empower you, and others will hold you back.

Of course, no-one intentionally makes bad choices. Every time you ate something that did not nourish your body, or skipped a workout, you probably made what you thought was the best choice at the time. You weighed your options and believed that you were doing the right thing. When you learn to question choices that are bad for you, you can also learn to make better choices in the future.

Solution: Decide to make better choices. This is a vital step towards creating a healthy, energetic new you.

Change Your Job

Does your job increase your energy or drain it from you?

Many people stay in their jobs longer than they want to, because they are unsure of what to do next. They tell themselves that the answer will come someday. Whenever that day comes, they will make their move. But in the meantime, they are stagnant and unhappy.

Solution: Decide to change your job if you are unhappy in the one you have now and you have given it your best shot.

So, what do you say? You only have one life to live, so it might as well be a life you love!

Written & Contributed by:
Deborah Brown-Volkman, PCC
Career, Life, Wellness, and Mentor Coach
President, Surpass Your Dreams, Inc.

How to Create a Vision For Your Career

All of life's journeys begin with the phrase, "I want."

Think about your career and the times when you said "I want." Maybe you said "I want" go to college-and then enrolled in school and completed your degree. Maybe you said "I want" to work for a large or a small company-and you are working there now. Maybe you said "I want" to lead teams-and that's one of your current responsibilities. "I want" is a very powerful phrase. Without it, it's hard to go very far.

Imagine going on a trip without selecting a destination beforehand. What would you pack? How would you get there? Where would you stay? Your trip probably would not end up being much fun.

It's the same with your career. Not being able to visualize your desired result leads to results not happening. Goals are reached when you decide what you want, and then take action to get it. Without an end in mind, you will wander aimlessly; and as long as you are aimless, you will be wasting time. You will feel lost. You will be like a stray leaf, going wherever the wind takes you.

What's a Vision?

My definition of a vision is a visualization or a picture of where you see yourself in the future. Your picture can be one of where you want to be in a day, a week, a month, a year, or even farther into the future. The visualization of your goal is what compels you to move forward. A vision is a snapshot of what you want your career and life to look like in the future. This snapshot gives your journey a clear and reachable destination and provides focus.

All goals are reached in the mind first. You see yourself both achieving that goal and experiencing the satisfaction it will bring you once you are there. This picture is what will help you to persevere during times of doubt. Your picture of success will give you purpose, power, and excitement. Your picture will give you a reason to get out of bed every day.

How do you create a Vision?

Close your eyes. Let your imagination take over. Get in touch with what you really want and what is important to you. Ask yourself meaningful questions. Let the answers come to you.

What Questions will help get you to a Vision quickly?

Here are some questions you can ask yourself:

• If it was possible, what would be different in my career?
• What type of job would I have?
• What would I be responsible for?
• What type of boss/co-workers/team would I have?
• What kind of hours would I work?
• What type of company would I work for?
• What sort of culture would the company have?
• What city would I live in?
• How much money would I make?
• How would I handle stress, my workload, and deadlines?

Once you have thought about these questions, it is time to get your answers down on paper. There are no right or wrong answers to these questions. The answers are what is true for you-not what someone else wants for you, but what is truly in your heart. Listen to yourself, and your answers will be the perfect ones for you.

Once you have your vision, then it's time to make it real.

So, what do you say? You only have one life to live, so it might as well be a life you love!

Written & Contributed by:
Deborah Brown-Volkman, PCC
Career, Life, Wellness, and Mentor Coach
President, Surpass Your Dreams, Inc.

Tomorrow will be a Better Day

Your career has its ups and downs

We all have or have had career slumps and they do pass. If you are feeling "slumpish" these days, know that you will look back one day and recognize the valuable lessons you've learned from this time in your life. Everything happens for a reason-you just might not know the reason yet.

If this is a down period for you, the good news is it's up from here.

While You Are Figuring Things Out, Trust That Tomorrow Will Be A Better Day. Here's How To Focus On What's Yet To Come:

1. Write Down What You Want Your Future To Look Like

Create a picture of where you see yourself in the future. Your picture can be one of where you want to be in a day, a week, a month, a year, or even farther into the future. This picture gives your journey a clear and reachable destination and provides focus.

Close your eyes. Let your imagination take over. Get in touch with what you really want and what is important to you. Ask yourself what you want and get your answers down on paper. Keep this description with you and look at it every day. Great things tend to happen to those who know where they are going.

2. Have A Plan

Once you have your answers, you can begin to put them into a formal structure.

Having a plan is vital to your success. With a plan, a fulfilling career will be far easier to achieve. Without a plan, you will be working far harder than you have to.

The trick is to be clear about the steps that are necessary to ensure your success. The more specific you can be in describing your steps, the better. Figuring out in detail what steps you will take-and when you will take them-is the foundation of your plan.

Another reason to create a plan is that it will prevent your goals from becoming overwhelming. The temptation to feel overwhelmed is normal. You are, after all, about to jumpstart your career. The structure of your plan will give you comfort and help you get moving again.

3. Take Action

Action is essential to your success. And, one of the best ways to keep your momentum going is having the steps you created in your plan written into your calendar.

Use your calendar as your friend to help guide you and keep you on track. Having a calendar will help determine whether you reach your goal or not. If your steps are written into your calendar, there is a higher probability that you can quickly check them off your list, because what you need to do is in front of you. If your steps are not in your calendar, they probably will not get done, because you may forget what you need to do.

Your calendar is your friend. Begin your friendship by opening your calendar and entering the steps from your plan into it. Commit to doing at least one thing every day, whether you feel like it or not. One action per day leads to a substantial number of actions taken over time. This is how you will be successful.

4. Tell Yourself That Greatness Is Waiting For You

The workplace, from time to time, can take a toll on your self-esteem. For example, if you are working in an environment that is filled with negativity, it will be harder for you to be positive. If your boss tells you daily that your work is no good, it will be harder for you to believe in your abilities. If you have been out of work for some time, it will be harder for you to trust that you have something worthwhile to contribute to the workplace, or more difficult to think why someone would hire you.

How you view yourself is how the world views you, too. If you are confident, the world sees a confident individual. If you don't feel good about yourself (for whatever reason), the world sees a person they don't have to pay much attention to.

Many clients have asked me whether I think they will be successful in reaching their goals. My answer is yes-if they do the work and they believe in themselves.

So, what do you say? You only have one life to live, so it might as well be a life you love!

Written & Contributed by:
Deborah Brown-Volkman, PCC
Career, Life, Wellness, and Mentor Coach
President, Surpass Your Dreams, Inc.

How to Reinvent your Career

How to Reinvent your Career

If you work long enough, something along the way will probably happen to you. You will work with a co-worker who drives you crazy, a boss that doesn't get you, or an employee that keeps you up at night.

It's all a part of the working world.

At other times, things will happen to you that will throw you for a loop. Your job is eliminated. You are fired without reason. Your industry goes away. This is when it's important to take stock in who are you, what you want out of life, and where you want to go next.

So, how do you get yourself back on track; find your passion and purpose again, and reinvent the next phase of your career? You soul-search and ask lots of questions.

Here where you begin:

You Make Time To Think

Reinvention cannot happen without thought.

A clear picture of where you want to go next cannot come to you unless you create time to think about it. This time is what will allow you to get in touch with yourself and your priorities.

One of the main reasons your off track right now, is because you've been "busy," too busy to make time for you. This does not mean that you have to allocate days or weeks of thought to nothing else; BUT regularly taking an hour here and there will make a tremendous difference.

Ask yourself, "When will I make time to think about what I want?" Notice that I am not saying to ask yourself whether you will find time, but rather when you will make the time. It is essential to be assertive with yourself.

Once you have made the time, find a quiet place. Sit down and take deep breaths, as many as you need to instill a sense of calmness. Your mind will want to wander, but you must bring yourself back. Remind yourself why you are doing this. You want something better in your career. Focus on the importance of this to your career, and channel your thoughts in this direction.

You Ask Yourself What You Want

Reinvention happens when you decide what you want, and then take action to get it. Without an end in mind, you will wander aimlessly; and as long as you are aimless, you will be wasting time. You will feel lost. You will be like a stray leaf, going wherever the wind takes you.

Ask yourself the following questions:

• If it was impossible to fail, what would be different in my career?
• What type of job would I have?
• What would I be responsible for?
• What type of boss/co-workers/team would I have?
• What kind of hours would I work?
• What type of company would I work for?
• What sort of culture would the company have?
• What city would I live in?
• How much money would I make?
• How would I handle stress, my workload, and deadlines?
• How would I successfully be balancing work and life?

There is no right or wrong answers to these questions. The answers are what are true for you-not what someone else wants for you, but what is in your heart. Listen to yourself, and your answers will be the perfect ones for you.

In addition, don't let past mistakes or choices cloud your answers. It's not too late for you.

You Turn What You Want Into A Vision For Your Career

A vision is a picture of where you see yourself in the future. Your picture can describe where you want to be in a day, a week, a month, a year, or even farther into the future.

All goals are reached in the mind first. You see yourself both achieving that goal and experiencing the satisfaction it will bring you once you are there. This picture is what will help you to persevere during times of doubt. It will help you with your reinvention. Your picture will give you purpose, power, and excitement. Your picture will give you a reason to get out of bed every day.

Here's an example of a vision:

I will have a career that energizes me. I will work for a company that cares about its people and be responsible for projects that make a difference. I will be paid well for my contributions. I will have a great relationship with my boss, co-workers, and staff, and work with supportive people. I will work in a location with plenty of sunshine, for no more than eight hours a day. I will commute no more than a half-hour each way. I will feel calm when everyone around me is stressed and I will wake up every morning looking forward to the day.

Remember, reinvention is a journey. One day you may have no idea who you are anymore, and on another day, you will be grateful for the events that have transpired in your life because you have become a person you truly love.

So, what do you say? You only have one life to live, so it might as well be a life you love!

Written & Contributed by:
Deborah Brown-Volkman, PCC
Career, Life, Wellness, and Mentor Coach
President, Surpass Your Dreams, Inc.

Make a Fresh Start Today

Make A Fresh Start Today

Are you caught up in the day to day doldrums of your career?

The New Year is here. This means, it's a perfect time to complete the previous year and start fresh. If you haven't been passionate about your career in a while, capitalize on this time of the year to begin again.

If you've lost your "get up and go," maybe what's missing is a new goal. Something that gets you excited and motivated again. Whether it's a new job or a new way of doing something in your present position, a new goal can give you something to look forward to.

So How Do Find A New Goal? Follow These Four Steps:

Convince Yourself That You Want A New Goal

No goal is achieved without commitment. Have you ever observed someone pursuing a goal and said to yourself, "That person is a true believer." True believers are easy to spot because they are defined by their commitment. Are you a true believer in your goal? Are you committed? If not, shift your perspective. Don't allow yourself to be comfortable with circumstances that do not further your goal.

Want to know that you will succeed before you step out of your comfort zone? Guess what? You don't get this guarantee up front. The miracles in your career happen when you say "yes" and jump in.

Start Small

Are you in one of these two places:

1. You have no idea what should be the next step in your career,
2. You do know, but haven't done anything about it yet.

Either way it doesn't matter. Now is your time to move forward.

Start small. Small steps increase your confidence and lead to completing other small steps. Small steps taken on a regular basis are more effective than larger steps taken inconsistently. Slow and steady wins the race.

Create Your Game Plan

Having a plan is vital to your success. With a plan, success is yours. Without a plan, you will be working far harder than you have to. A plan adds organization to your goal because it details specific actions and steps to get there.

Another reason to create a plan is that it will prevent your goal from becoming overwhelming. The temptation to feel overwhelmed is normal. Your plan will give you comfort and help you be successful. There is no right or wrong way to plan. Your plan can be formal and long, or uncomplicated and short. Here's how to create one: Take your career goal and break it into smaller pieces. Get out your calendar and write down the specific small pieces you will do and when you will do them. Tweak and make changes as you implement your plan. Use your plan to encourage and guide you. After all, your plan's underlying goal is for you to have an exceptional year.

Look At Your Goal Every Day

Most people want a "do-over" or a second chance. You get this opportunity on January 1st. If you create your goal, and then put it away, your words will have no value. What you can't see will soon be forgotten as the year progresses. When you look at your goal regularly, it gradually becomes a part of who you are.

Look at your goal every morning so you can start your day with focus. Look at your goal every evening, so that it stays with you in your dreams. Looking at your goal, and contemplating it, plays a large role in making it real.

So, what do you say? You only have one life to live, so it might as well be a life you love!

Written & Contributed by:
Deborah Brown-Volkman, PCC
Career, Life, Wellness, and Mentor Coach
President, Surpass Your Dreams, Inc.

Take a step back in your Career

Take a step back in your Career

Are you moving forward in your career? Or, are you spinning your wheels wondering when the spinning will stop?

Do you feel at times that you are working hard, but not seeing the results you want? That you are trying to push your way past a brick wall that won't budge? Rather than pushing forward which is causing stress and frustration, why not pull back instead?

In order to move forward in your career, sometimes you have to take a step back. Back to a time and place when you had clarity and meaning; a time when things made sense to you.

Pulling back doesn't mean you've failed in your current situation. It just means you need to reassess a situation in your career to see if it's still working or not.

So, How Do You Take A Step Back? Follow These 4 Steps Below:

Decide to pull back

You can't get what you want in your career until you decide that you want it. Although this seems like a simple concept, many people miss this piece.

Decisions are powerful. They get you geared to go in a certain direction. Without a decision, the intent to do something is not there. Decide to pull back because you know in your gut that it's time to do so. You've been working hard and you need a break. Pulling back allows greater creativity. Decide to pull back because you know it will take you to a better place and you won't be able to reach your goals until you do.

Choose To "Be" Rather Than To "Do"

We are a bunch of do-ers. We like to have specific tasks to work on and enjoy putting check marks next to completed items on our to-do list.

But sometimes "doing" gets in the way because you get so wrapped up in what you have to do and you miss why you are doing it in the first place. "Doing" is good, but not if it keeps "being" out of the loop.

When you give yourself time to "be" you are able to gain focus and insight. When you're on overdrive, pushing becomes a way of life and you lose yourself. You get so caught up in your goals that you forget why you created those goals. Usually we rush towards something to get answers. Rushing won't provide the answers you are seeking, "being" will.

Give Yourself Time To Think

Thinking is not something we like to do. While we are thinking, negative thoughts may appear. Or, more things that we have to add to our to-do list.

Thinking is important because it gives your mind the outlet it needs to run well. Thoughts can only stay bottled for so long. Then, they need to be channeled somewhere. The amazing thing about your thoughts is they belong to you and only you. And when you take the time to listen, what you need to do next comes from you. Making time to think allows the real you to get out; a person you may want to get to know again.

Re-Choose Your Goals

As the days, weeks, and months go by, momentum slows down when we are trying to reach our goals. What once were goals that were inspiring, became hard work and frustration over time. This frustration you are feeling means it's time to reconnect with what's important to you.

Why did you choose your career goals initially? Did you choose them because they inspired you? If yes, remember that time you made your choice. Remember when you felt hopeful, excited, and optimistic. Tap into that feeling again and use it to get back on track in a more powerful, calmer, and empowering way. If you choose your goal because you felt you had no choice, reevaluate this choice. Choose your goals not because they've become something you "should" do, but because they are important to you.

So, what do you say? You only have one life to live, so it might as well be a life you love!

Written & Contributed by:
Deborah Brown-Volkman, PCC
Career, Life, Wellness, and Mentor Coach
President, Surpass Your Dreams, Inc.

Job Interview Questions

Aim: This job interview questions exercise is to help you to improve your performance in interviews.
Instructions: Read the interview questions and click on the answer that you think is best. You will then see some feedback on your answer. You can click on more than one answer to see the feedback for each answer.
Navigation: ELC > CILL > Exercises > this page. Related pages:
• Job interview simulation - an animation in which you select the answers to interviewer's questions
Question 1: Explain to us, as best you can, why you have applied for a position in our company.
1. I am very interested in the field your company is in.
2. I need the money.
3. Your company has a very good reputation.
4. Yours is the only company that has offered me an interview.
Question 2: Why do you think you might like to work for our company?
1. Good pay.
2. Famous.
3. Good training.
4. I've always wanted to work in this field, and your company is one of the leaders in this field.
5. I've wanted to work for you since your representative gave a career talk on campus, and gave me a very good image of your organisation.
Question 3: What do you know about our company?
1. Famous.
2. Your annual report describes you as...
3. My friends in the field say that your company is...
Question 4: What do you know about the type of work we expect from you?
1. What it says in the job advertisement.
2. Well at first I'd expect to... Then later, hopefully I will be promoted and I will...
3. I'd expect to carry out the functions of the post, and be creative and a good team member.
Question 5: In what way do you feel our company will help you to use your abilities fully?
1. I think I will be able to use my inter-personal skills as a team member...
2. I think I will be able to put into practice the skills I learned at University.
3. I'm afraid I'm not clear on what exactly your company offers its employees in this area.
Question 6: Have you any experience of this type of work?
1. No.
2. Well, from my summer working experience I have teamwork and organisational skills.
3. No, but I'm sure I will pick up the job very quickly.
Question 7: What do you think determines an employees' progress in a company such as ours?
1. Company politics and relationships.
2. Interpersonal and technical skills.
3. Experience.
Question 8: What qualities do you think the job requires?
1. The qualities that I have learned in my university career, for example...
2. I'm not sure.
3. The qualities that you mentioned in the job advertisement...
Question 9: What qualities would you expect of persons working as a team?
1. Co-operativeness and enthusiasm.
2. Team work.
3. Obedience.
Question 10: We have several applicants for this position. Why do you think you are the person we should choose?
1. I don't know the other candidates, so I can't answer that question.
2. I have no idea, but I'm sure I'd work hard.
3. I have the abilities, qualities and experience that you requested in your job advert, for example...
Question 11: How are your studies at the Polytechnic University related to this job?
1. Well, they weren't really relevant, but I'm sure I can pick up the job quickly.
2. Several of my courses were directly relevant to this job; for example...
3. In fact, I want to change my career because I'm bored with doing the things I did on my course.
Question 12: Why did you choose your course as your field of study?
1. I chose the course because it would prepare me for this field, and I believe that this field suits my personality and strengths, for example...
2. It wasn't my first choice.
3. My teacher and career counselor recommended it .
Question 13: What projects have you worked on?
1. I did a final year project called...
2. We did a lot of project work. The one I remember best was called... It was the best one because...
Question 14: Could you tell us something about yourself?
1. I believe that I am a well-qualified, experienced person with abilities that suit your needs, for example...
2. Well, as you can see from my resume...
3. I'm the perfect employee you are looking for, you shouldn't miss this chance to employ me.
Question 15: I see you have done some voluntary work. What did you learn from that?
1. I learned to be caring and compassionate, and to look after those less fortunate than myself.
2. I learned responsibility and leadership, for example...
3. I learned to be a better Christian from watching my colleagues and superiors.
Question 16: What do you do in your spare time?
1. I sleep, listen to music and read books.
2. I enjoy cycling and wind-surfing.
3. I enjoy team sports such as basketball and volleyball, and I am the secretary of my department's student society.
Question 17: How do you see your career developing?
1. After a few years of gaining experience in the company and furthering my professional qualifications I'd like to put my experience and skills to use in management.
2. I aim to be promoted within two years, lead a team, and, when I have enough experience  in the field, I will start my own company.
3. Well, I expect that after a few years management will promote me when they think that I am ready.
Question 18: Do you have any particular strengths or weaknesses?
1. I think I'm good at...
2. I think I'm good at... As for weaknesses, my Chinese typing speed isn't very good, and I'm studying to improve it.
3. I'm good at...  On the other hand I'm a little bit lazy.
4. Sometimes I'm too hard-working and I put myself under too much pressure to make things perfect.
Question 19: What exactly do you know about dealing with subordinates who create a bad atmosphere in your team?
1. I would fire or transfer that subordinate.
2. I would talk to him or her  to try to find out the problem.
3. I would first give him a verbal warning, and then go on to disciplinary procedures if necessary.
Question 20: What were the benefits of your summer work?
1. Money.
2. There were no benefits, I just did a very low level job.
3. I learned what it's like to be an employee, how to work in a team, the procedures used by companies, and all the little things that make life in the workplace so different from life as a student.

Should you reveal a disability during the job search?

Should you reveal a disability during the job search?

Dec 3: If you have an "invisible" disability that could affect your job performance, when and how should you tell a prospective employer? More 

Top 10 myths about job interviews

Nov 18: In an ideal world, all interviewers would be well versed on your qualifications and ready to ask thoughtful, incisive questions. Here's what to expect and how to navigate a real-world interview. More 

How to launch a second career that gives back

Nov 10: About half of Americans want to keep working after they retire, but in jobs that do more for the community. Here's how to make it happen. More 

How to manage millennials

Nov 5: Teens in the workforce today are different from previous generations. Here's how to manage them effectively and not wind up seeming like a nagging parent. More 

Turning down the volume on political talk at work

Oct 29: Don't fret that a no-politics policy will violate anyone's First Amendment rights: Private-sector employees have none. More 

Is cubicle etiquette an oxymoron?

Oct 22: Actually, no (at least, not yet). A new book explains how to cope with rude colleagues, avoid e-mail wars, and more. Take our quiz to see how your office manners stack up. More 

How women can change the work world

Oct 7: A pioneering advocate of women's advancement in the workplace believes now is the perfect moment to reach for full equality. More 

How to ask your boss to work flextime

Sep 24: Many big companies allow employees to work flexible hours, but what if yours doesn't? Here's how to make your case. More 

Help! My boss is allergic to new ideas

Sep 21: What to do if your company is trying to encourage innovation but your boss is a chronic naysayer. More 

8 ways to make air travel less grueling

Sep 17: Most frequent fliers understand all too well why JetBlue flight attendant Steven Slater lost it. Here's how to keep your cool. More 

Find a 'retirement' career you'll love

Sep 14: Too young to kick back and relax, but not sure what you want to do next? Here are five tips to help you figure it out. More 

Is a college degree really worth $1 million?

Sep 10: In the 'knowledge economy,' a college degree is often a great investment, but it's possible to make a good living without one. More 

Overworked? Take back your lunch hour

Sep 2: Do you and your coworkers eat lunch at your desk every day? Stop and take a break: It'll actually make you more productive. More 

After a drug conviction, can you ever get hired?

Aug 30: No question it's tough to get hired with a criminal conviction, but there are ways to keep an old mistake from wrecking your job prospects forever. More 

Get hired after an internship -- even with a tattoo

Aug 20: Don't think of yourself as 'just an intern,' and realize that, while it depends on your company's culture, most won't view tattoos too harshly. More 

Employers' wacky interview questions

Aug 9: To narrow the vast field of candidates, some hiring managers are resorting to off-the-wall questions. Don't get stumped. More 

Ask for a bigger salary -- and get it

Aug 2: If a prospective employer asks what pay you'd want early in the interviewing process, don't get blindsided. Here's what to tell them. More 

Get a job, or go to grad school?

Jul 26: In this shaky job market, hiding out in school for a couple more years may be tempting, but it's not always the best move. More 

Bad credit, no job?

Jul 21: More employers than ever are looking at candidates' credit scores. If yours has been battered by the recession, here's what to do. More 

What pay should you expect now?

Jul 6: Know what to expect in a compensation package? You'll be surprised when you learn more about your options. More 

Summer intern or unpaid employee?

Jun 18: The line between an internship and a job can be blurry, but federal law bars employers from using students as unpaid labor. More 

Employers may do creepy web searches about you

Jun 15: A deep Web search could turn up your Amazon wish lists, whether your house is in foreclosure, comments you've made on blog posts, tweets, and even more information you thought was personal. More 

Not commuting is driving me crazy

Jun 11: Working at home sounds great, but it presents special challenges. There's no disgrace in deciding it just isn't for you. More 

5 ways to take a guilt-free vacation

Jun 2: Worried about job security and overwhelmed with work, you may be tempted to skip taking time off this summer. That would be a mistake. More 

Help wanted: Hackers

May 24: Want a stable career in the notoriously volatile IT world? Think cybersecurity. Techies who can keep data safe from cyberattack are in demand. More 

When the boss doesn't defend you

May 18: If your company believes the customer is always right, employees may lose their motivation, and morale and profits may suffer, says one expert. More 

The next 'hot' careers

May 4: How to figure out where tomorrow's in-demand jobs will be -- before your competition does. More 

Get your big paycheck back

Apr 28: If you took a lower-paying job after a layoff, you may be able to negotiate a return to your old salary with a new employer. Here's how. More 

A job you hate, but it's a job

Apr 20: At a time when many people are struggling to find work, is it frivolous to look for a new job just because it's making you miserable? More 

Should you ever say: I *%&@ quit!

Apr 5: Knowing how to quit is just as important as knowing when. More 

No reply to your resume? Here's why

Mar 30: Not only are HR people swamped with resumes, they often don't know what hiring managers really want, says one career coach. More 

Too shy to job hunt?

Mar 19: Many job seekers are nervous about contacting virtual strangers. Here are 7 ways to make it less nerve-wracking. More 

Give money to a jobless friend?

Mar 12: If a friend's been out of work a long time, it's a sticky decision whether to offer a little cash to tide him over. Here's advice on how to help. More 

Getting a green job isn't so easy

Mar 1: The field gets talked about a lot, but it's still in its infancy. Here's how to find the opportunities that exist right now. More 

After a layoff, become a consultant?

Feb 19: If working for just one employer no longer appeals and you want to set up a consulting business, you'll need to line up a network of potential clients. More 

Don't wear pajamas for a phone interview

Feb 4: You've likely only got five minutes to wow the hiring manager, or be eliminated. Here are 15 secrets to help you pass the test. More 

Get an unpaid internship or wait tables?

Jan 28: The competition for summer jobs and internships is stiff this year, but landing the right one can set you on a solid career path. Here are some of the best programs, and how to get in. More 

Help! My boss keeps putting me down

Jan 13: A manager who finds fault with everything can shake your self-confidence and damage your career. Here's how to protect yourself. More 

7 New Year's resolutions for your career

Jan 4: If you're lucky enough to have a job, you may still feel as if you're just treading water. Two experts tell how to move forward in 2010. More 

10 jobs that will get a raise in 2010

Dec 28: A raft of surveys suggests that raises will be almost as scarce in the coming year as in 2009. But starting salaries in some fields are rising. More 

3 perks to ask your boss for - and 9 not to

Dec 21: With pay stagnating, many employers will grant goodies like extra days off if you ask the right way. But probably best to skip that request for a tanning bed. More 

My old boss is badmouthing me!

Dec 17: A reference who makes a negative comment can sink your job hunt. Here's how to fight back. More 

Should you move to find a job?

Dec 15: The job market is dismal all over the U.S., but some places are better than others. Here's what to consider before packing your bags. More 

Beat stage fright at work

Dec 1: Don't let a fear of public speaking hold you back. Here's how to make your anxiety work for you. More 

Should you be paid for being on call?

Nov 27: When it comes to who gets overtime pay, the issues can get tricky. Here's what you need to know. More 

10 biggest job interview blunders

Nov 18: In this lousy market, don't be your own worst enemy. Here are the most common mistakes candidates are making -- and how to fix them. More 

Over 50, and zero job offers

Nov 10: Age bias can be an extra hurdle in this awful job market, but you can make your experience work in your favor. More 

Facebook your way to a new job?

Nov 4: Social networks like LinkedIn and Twitter can help you find your next opportunity, if you know these secrets.More 

15 best places for green jobs

Oct 26: 'Clean tech' employment is poised to soar -- and the jobs will be all over the country. More 

5 ways to cut work stress

Oct 7: Feeling overworked and overwhelmed? These simple strategies can help you reduce the strain - and they don't cost a thing. More 

My boss fired me, then 'friended' me

Sep 30: Awkward! Here's what to do when you get a Facebook friend request from someone at work, and you really don't want to accept it. More 

Why more women don't get MBAs

Sep 18: Women make up roughly half of the U.S. workforce but only about one-third of graduate business students. The nonprofit Forté Foundation would like to change that. More 

7 steps to finding a job online

Sep 15: The secret, says a longtime recruiter, is knowing how to "reverse engineer" your resume. Also, if you're a new grad, must you include a so-so GPA? More 

Help! My boss is driving me nuts

Aug 28: When a control-freak boss is in charge, you and your co-workers may be tempted to rebel. Here's a better strategy. More 

You're hired! You move. You're fired!

Aug 21: It's happening a lot lately: You accept a job offer, maybe even move to a new city to do so, but then the employer backs out. Do you have any rights? More 

Can you get promoted now?

Aug 13: Maybe. But the recession has changed some of the rules of the game, so beware of mistakes you may not even know you're making. More 

How to save the world at work

Aug 10: For-profit companies with a social mission are growing -- and hiring -- thanks to a new breed of venture capitalists. More 

6 ways to be happier at work

Aug 3: This is no time to wallow in negativity. New brain science reveals why staying positive is your best defense against career stagnation. More 

Do women do better in a recession?

Jul 23: Female managers just might have an edge in a rotten economy, says the author of a new book. Here's why, and how men and women can learn from each other's strengths. More 

Where the tech jobs are now

Jul 21: At least 400,000 tech jobs are going begging, even in this economy. Here are the skills employers are looking for most. More 

How to be a better global manager

Jul 9: Success in foreign markets demands that you understand differences between cultures. A new book tells how. More 

Trading a white collar for blue

Jun 19: In the 'knowledge economy,' blue-collar work - the kind where you don't sit at a desk - has long been considered second best. That's changing fast. More 

Dare you ask for a raise now?

Jun 12: Believe it or not, two-thirds of U.S. employers plan to give pay hikes before the year is over, according to a new survey. Here's how to boost your chances of getting one. More 

Keep the job-search blues at bay

Jun 4: It may be tempting to just give up looking in this tough job market, but that's a mistake. If you're a 'discouraged worker,' here's five ways to get moving again. More 

Get a great job after graduation

May 29: Employers are superpicky in this economy, but here are four ways to increase your chances of getting an appealing offer. More 

Don't let ID thieves hijack your job hunt

May 19: Scammers increasingly are targeting job seekers; here are 6 ways to protect yourself. More 

When e-mail comes back to haunt you

May 8: A careless e-mail with a phrase like, 'We'll handle this situation differently than usual' could be trouble if your company is sued. Here's six ways to cut your risk. More 

Just-in-case prep for swine flu at work

May 1: Nobody knows what to expect, but companies and employees are taking some common-sense precautions. More 

How to work better with Gen Y

Apr 28: So-called 'milennials' are confident, ambitious, and tech-savvy, says one expert. They also need constant coaching. More 

Four job strategies for the class of 2009

Apr 15: Graduating soon? Sure, the job market is a dreadful mess, but that doesn't mean you can't launch a career. More 

Out of work 6 months. Now what?

Apr 13: If you've been unemployed for half a year in this market, should you just take any job you're offered? Rewrite your resume? Enjoy the break? More 

Will your references sabotage your job hunt?

Apr 7: Don't take your recommendations for granted. If the people you list are anything but easy to reach, and highly enthusiastic, you could lose out on an offer. More 

Job market for techies to get healthier?

Mar 27: Demand for tech professionals has been slipping of late, but Obama's plan to digitize health records may give it a shot in the arm. More 

Be a manager and a temp?

Mar 16: Many companies wary of adding permanent head count are hiring managers and techies for short-term gigs. Here are the pros and cons of being an executive temp. More 

After a layoff, is it risky to take a health test?

Mar 5: As genetic testing proliferates, a new federal law prohibits employers from asking for genetic information about you, or from using it to deny you coverage. More 

Skip the recession, get an MBA?

Feb 20: Many people think this is the perfect time to go back to school and hide out from the lousy job market. But don't say that on your application. More 

Job hunting for introverts

Feb 13: If networking drives you nuts and you tend to think a while before you respond to interviewers' questions, you may find a job search especially difficult. Here's what to do. More 

Staying productive after a layoff

Feb 10: When companies cut staff, morale often slides, experts say. Here's how to help survivors do their best work. More 

Just got laid off? Get better severance

Jan 27: You're probably shocked, scared, and even angry. But try to stay cool (at least on the outside); it could help you negotiate a bigger severance package. More 

Ace your first 100 days in a new job

Jan 20: As Barack Obama surely understands, taking a leadership role at a time of crisis is even tougher than usual now. Here are some tried-and-true ways to succeed. More 

Where the jobs are - still

Jan 15: Yeah, times are hard. But the executive job outlook for 2009 presents a few pockets of opportunity, especially in accounting, engineering and health care. More 

Keep your job: A 10-point survival guide

Jan 7: If layoffs, restructurings, and a foggy future at work have you rattled, try to take control of the things you can. Here's how. More 

'Dilbert' on how to save your career

Dec 12: As the cartoon turns 20, creator Scott Adams speaks out on boss diversity, where Wall Street went wrong, Dilbert's scary job hunt, and more. More 

Traveling for business, safely

Dec 4: Last week's terror attacks in Mumbai sent chills down the spines of globe-trotting businesspeople, and for good reason. Here's how to minimize your risk when traveling abroad. More 

'The biggest turkey I ever hired'

Nov 26: One new employee decided to take a nap in the CEO's office the first week on the job. Oops. More 

1 job, 11 interviewers

Nov 21: It's not easy if you're a candidate being grilled by a big panel, but you can make it work for you. Plus, using LinkedIn to boost your job search. More 

When layoffs lead to nasty politics

Nov 14: Tough economic times may bring out the sharp elbows in co-workers, but should you join in the maneuvering or keep your distance? More 

Be a better networker

Nov 7: In this troubled economy, finding your next job (or not) may depend on your having a strong circle of people you can call on, and who know they can call on you. More 

How to get a job for the holidays - and beyond

Oct 27: Seasonal hiring is well under way, but it's not too late to get a temporary job - and maybe even turn it into a full-time gig. More 

Laid-off banker? Where to job hunt

Oct 23: Recruiters say you can land on your feet, especially if you're a star with a strong network. More 

How to jumpstart a new career

Oct 20: Lack of experience keeps many people from trying to switch to a different industry, but it can be done. Techies' know-how is particularly portable. More 

How women are redefining power

Oct 10: The traditional male style doesn't appeal to many women, says an eminent executive coach, and that's okay. Women's own style works just fine, if they let it. More 

Leave now - or risk getting laid off?

Sep 30: Once a company has announced plans to cut its headcount, employees face a tricky choice. Here's how to protect yourself. More 

How to deliver bad financial news

Sep 26: Announcing lousy results is never a day at the beach. Whether you're addressing the board or employees, here's how to do it right. More 

Retiring where the jobs are

Sep 22: With more people planning to work in their retirement years, choosing where to live increasingly means checking out the local job market. A new AARP job site can help. More 

How to deal with 'desk rage'

Sep 17: Asked to do more with less, and anxious about their futures, employees may lash out at innocent bystanders. Here's how to turn an angry outburst into a useful conversation. More 

Don't sabotage your job hunt: 6 tips

Aug 28: Many people who get laid off rush out and start looking for a new job right away. That's usually a mistake.More 

How persuasive are you?

Aug 15: Most of us aren't nearly as skilled at influencing others as we think we are, says one expert. Take a quiz to find out how you rate. More 

Where the big jobs are

Aug 8: Demand for high-level talent is surprisingly robust, especially for senior managers who are willing to move. More 

How to find the right career coach

Aug 1: Plenty of people claim to be qualified to help you make your next career move. To make sure they can deliver the goods, heed these 9 tips. More