(Us engineering jobs) What Are Your Weaknesses?

August 16th, 2008 admin Posted in careers |

By Lucy Evans

With careful preparation, difficult interview questions can present you with an opportunity to shine under pressure. The important thing with all questions is to show a balanced and considered approach. The following examples will show you some of the pitfalls and ways to avoid them.

Lets start with the classic interview question what are your weaknesses?

There are many variations on this question, common ones include tell me a strength and a weakness and what are your three greatest weakness. To fully prepare you should have three strengths and weaknesses prepared. The worst mistake to make with this question is to claim you dont have any weaknesses. This approach is unlikely to impress the interviewer and will present you in a cowardly light. This question may not be as difficult as it first appears. Sit down and consider what your true work related weaknesses are. When you really think about it this is often quite a long list (I know mine is). The next stage is to think what you have done to overcome these weaknesses in your working life.

Let me give you an example. I personally am very task orientated, I like to get stuck in to the main tasks and often used to ignore the more minor responsibilities. I realized that although I completed my core projects, I had forgotten to do the other tasks I needed to do like complete time sheets and tracking reports. I now make lists of all the tasks I have to complete in a day and make it my priority to complete the list above everything else. This has really helped me to multitask more effectively. When choosing a weakness, look for one that is work related where you can demonstrate that you recognised the weakness, and found an effective method of overcoming it.

Examining your strengths can be just as difficult as your weaknesses. The important thing here is not to appear like an ego-maniac. Consider carefully what your strengths are, then consider the supporting evidence you have for these strengths. Always present a considered argument with supporting evidence.

Why are you leaving your current Job?

The purpose of this question is for the interviewer to discover if you are leaving due to any current difficulties. If you are unhappy where you are, whats to say you will not be unhappy in your new job. Avoid at all costs talking about any problems in your current job and especially any problems with your current management. Highlighting problems, even if they are not your fault will give the impression that you are hard to work with or difficult to manage.

Look for the positive aspects of moving job role both for you and your future employer. Emphasize why you want to move and relate them to the specific company and job. Potential answers include seeking a new challenge, looking for somewhere with training and looking for a role with more opportunities for advancement. Consider how your answer relates not only to you, but how it will benefit your new firm. As an example if you are looking for a role with more possibilities for advancement, you need to emphasize how important work is to you and the effort you are prepared to put in in-order to advance.

Lucy works for Graduate Careers London Graduate Scheme

Public Relations Strategies For a Web 2.0 World: How to Maximize Media Exposure with Social Networking
By Nancy Marmolejo

Public relations strategies are evolving in the world of social networking and Web 2.0. Its still any business owners dream to be featured in a key media piece where their expertise and business are showcased. The free publicity and additional media queries alone can revolutionize your profits and position you favorably in front of prospects, clients, and colleagues. But what happens next? Do you sit by the phone and wait for the flood of calls that may or may not come in? Do you blast all your contacts with news of your good coverage?

Maximizing media exposure is key if you want to stretch a little media attention a long way. With the advent of social networking sites, a new way of maximizing your public relations is now underway. Social networking sites are pulling incredible amounts of traffic acting as their own media wires for savvy business owners. When done correctly, social networking can give new life to your media attention and position you in front of new prospects, referral partners, and media leads.

These public relations tips will help you expand your name recognition (and possibly invite more PR your way!) with social networking. Theyre simple, easy, and highly effective strategies.

1. Blog About It

Whenever you get media attention, be sure to mention it in your blog. Link over to the publication or whoever mentioned you and sing their praises. Use keywords that will attract new readers and identify your name with that topic. You can also talk casually on a blog about the emotional side of being featured in the media; share your excitement or behind the scenes observations (keep a positive spin!). This helps showcase your personality and highlight you as a good person for other media to call upon.

2. Use RSS Feeds to Share Your Message With a Wider Audience

Connect your blogs RSS feed to social networking sites so other people can start reading about your media appearances and other PR. The beauty of an RSS feed is that it does the work of cross posting for you! So if you share good news about a media mention, more people will learn about it. The impact of RSS feeds is exponential- check out the various sites for information on how to activate this powerful tool. Consider it your automated public relations department.

3. Create A Podcast Or Vlog (Video Blog) To Spotlight Your Media Exposure.

Script out a 1-2 minute blurb giving tips and information related to your area of expertise. Then casually add in These are the same tips I shared in the latest issue of Blah-Blah Magazine. Pick up the latest issue and let me know what you think by commenting on this blog! You dont want to make it an outright commercial, but rather a subtle nod to the great PR. If you were featured in a print publication, hold it up in the video; it will make a nice prop.

4. Let Your Database Know

There is nothing wrong with celebrating! Sometimes we just want people to see us in the spotlight. Write up a humble yet compelling note to your friends and invite them to check out your great PR. Link over to the site or to your blog where you talk about the experience.

Getting great PR is a wonderful gift but it doesnt stop there. Give your media exposure new life by sharing about it on social networking sites. Remember, youre not making a sales pitch, but rather a subtle nod to your great public relations.

Nancy Marmolejo is the Official Public Relations Expert for Self Growth Online. As a Public Relations, Media, and Social Networking strategist, Nancy specializes in helping women entrepreneurs position themselves as sought after, recognized experts. Her clients have been featured in major TV and radio markets, national publications, and Web 2.0. Pick up Nancys free audio course by visiting her website, www.VivaVisibility.com

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