Interesting article with a great concluding sentence:

“…they may be overlooking extremely talented individuals whose only weakness is that they don’t have the right name to drop.”

This piquant statement expresses frustration that I felt along the way in my job search.

I have fixed this by networking a LOT, and uncovering many, many 2nd degree connections. I use those all the time to make introductions for others and myself as well.

Also, I now have great respect for the added “something special” that knowing a name brings to you – and knowing how to get introduced to that name.

My standard: Keep networking, keep talking to people, keep building relationships and don’t blindly accept invites unless you feel the person is someone you can help along the way.

Seattle ranks 13 out of 15 with 1 job posting for every 3 people unemployed

Hide a video camera, interview people for a job that doesn’t exist, for a company that doesn’t exist…all supposedly so you can learn how to interview better.

Sure, the candidates (victims?) are textbook examples of what not to do at an interview. It’s simply sad how poor their answers and behaviors are. But knowing this guy created this as a way to learn how to interview better – would YOU (as a recruiter or hiring manager) – ever hire him after seeing this stunt?

Why?

• Twitter has a smaller audience than job boards
• Twitter is usually a more technically sophisticated group
• Twitter is social media
• Twitter’s free

TwitterJobSearch.com – Twitter Job Search Engine.

Now what?

Enter prepared with specific – not general – examples of how you solved a problem, made the company money, improved a situation. Be a hero, Now is not the time to shy away from sharing your moments of glory.

If your interviewer is unprepared, jump for joy. You can take control of the interview. Ask questions about the job, the company – all based on the extensive research you’ve done in preparation. You’ve saved them looking a fool while also setting yourself up to deliver only your best answers.

Practice your answers before going in. If it’s a company you really want to work for, practice them even more. The stakes are higher now, play your cards well.

Once they are wowed, remind them that you are interested in the job, and how you are highly qualified for it. This finishes up your time together on an upbeat note. People remember more of what happened at the end of an event than at its beginning. First impressions set the tone for how all that follows will move forward, but if you wrap it up in a pleasant package of positive punch at the hour’s end, this coda to a great discussion beefs their accord in bias toward you.

If you spoke poorly along the way, learn from it and move on. What’s said cannot be unspoken.

Asked about weaknesses? Talk about one that isn’t centered on the core competencies of the job.

“I must steal an Oreo each time I walk the dog out the kitchen door. But I rinse with water after, and floss.” See, flaw admitted with admirable error recovery. That you skip 4 when you count to 5 is another matter you’ve overcome with hidden tricks. Keep them hidden.

Last, always warm up your writing hand poised around a good pen over good paper. Practice a few times to remind your hand how to write – not tap tap tap – and simply say “Thank you for your time. I look forward to speaking with you again soon. Regards, Robert Tettington”

If you cannot manage a legible scrawl, type and print a note on good paper trimmed down to slip inside the notecard. Flourish a believable signature below the print for that human touch. This won’t get caught in spam and will make you memorable to the interviewer.

For good karma, even if you don’t get the job, send a nice note thanking them for their time and effort. Again, you become memorable and added a nice touch to their day. These recruiters do gossip among themselves so make sure they only share positive stories about you.

Career Couch – Lining Up Interviews Is Just the Beginning – Interview – NYTimes.com.