5 Easy Cover Letter Tips for Changing Careers to Teaching
There has been an interesting shift which can be noticed these days. More and more people are changing their careers from corporate world to teaching. There can be various reasons for this shift. May be there are looking for a job which is more comfortable and gets them more holidays. May be they are enjoying the hectic and target focused corporate environment. May be they are looking for new challenges in life.
No matter what these reasons are, but while applying for the teaching job from any other career, you must make your cover letter look as impressive and interesting as possible so that you can get the attention of the recruiter without fail. It is surely challenging to grab a good job if you don’t plan your actions in advance.
In case you are finding it difficult to deal with the situation then we have some wonderful cover letter tips that will help you create a wonderful impression on the recruiter and you can end up with a smart job.
Follow these tips….
- Present Your Skills
One of the most important points that can really impress the recruiter is your talent and skills. It depends how smartly you can establish a relationship between the qualities you possess and the skills that are needed to be a good teacher to students. You must be able to portray them in a smart way so that your experience in the other industry or job can add more value to your teaching career. Some of these qualities which are a must for a teacher include being a leader, ability to train or mentor a group, creativity, multi-tasking, problem solving, team building etc. You must be able to present these qualities and their utilities in a practical manner.
- Trends in Education
Know about the hot topics in education industry. Make sure you have arranged for enough resources to gain wonderful knowledge about the present scenario along with the changes that need to be made in future for a brighter tomorrow. Surf websites, read magazines, discuss with friends and do everything else that it needed to be done to bring your awareness at par with other teachers. While writing your cover letter, you need to mention some wonderful points and ideas which can reflect your knowledge.
- Talk About Relevant Experience
Do mention if you possess any kind of relevant experience. For instance, if you have trained personnel at your last job or you have been a part of some volunteer program where you dealt with school kids. These small thing cans surely strengthen your profile. If you have any such experience which is related with children or teaching kids then it is worth a mention.
- Education Qualification
This is one of the most important things that a teacher must have. If you are planning to take classes for English then you are expected to have a degree in the same so that you can teach them with perfection. Make sure you proof read your letter before submitting it. It needs to be grammatically correct and free from spelling mistakes. Synchronize your letter with your qualifications.
- State the Reason
Whosoever is reading your cover letter will always have a question concerning your shift in career. Make sure you have a smart and reasonable answer stated in your letter in a short and crisp format. This will help in settling all the doubts in the minds. So prepare a satisfactory answer for it. If you have any friend or colleague who has also moved to the education industry, you can always seek his or her opinion in this matter.
These are some of the tips which must be kept in mind while writing a cover letter for changing careers to teaching job. Follow them as they will save you from making blunders and mistakes.
Categories: Letters Tags: Cover Letters, Teacher
Cover Letter Sample for High School Student With No Experience
If you are an early school leaver or a tertiary graduate then use this sample letter format for writing a personalized professional draft to make that much needed first impression which can get you the job that you have always desired. If you have no work experience then don’t worry as you can still get the job by writing an impressive cover letter.
Here is a sample format of cover letter for high school student with no experience along with some useful tips to follow which you can use for reference.
Tips for Writing a Good Cover Letter for High School Student With No Experience
A good cover letter should include the following points:
- Your name, email address and phone number should be mentioned at the top of the page.
- An opening statement that briefly introduces you to the person who is reading the letter
- A main body highlighting important qualities and characteristics you have that are relevant to the job
- A closing paragraph asking to arrange an interview
As you don’t have any formal work experience then you can mention the following things to get the attention of the reader:
- General skills that make a good team worker
- Personal attributes that make you a professional person
- Key strengths that make you special
- School work experience or volunteer work experience
- Any hobbies or interests that are related with the job
Sample of Cover Letter for High School Student With No Experience
Adam Smith
22, Richmond Street,
New York 1234
Phone: 1234-5678
Email: [email protected]
Date: 06.11.14
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am very keen in the position of retail assistant in your company which was advertised on your website www.abc.com on 04.11.14.
Please find my resume attached with the letter which contains complete information about my academic performance. I believe that I have the customer service skills which are needed for the profile. I may not posses any kind of professional experience but I do have enough experience that I have gained through my school training programs which were an important part of my academic learning. Some of my work includes:
- Participation in a leadership course
- Participation in youth camps
- Participation as volunteer in volunteering program
I strongly believe that I would be wonderful for this profile. I would be very happy to promote the offerings in your store with great enthusiasm.
My resume and application form are attached with this letter for your review.
If you find my qualification suitable for this job then please give me a chance to perform. I will look forward to your positive reply.
Yours sincerely,
(Signature)
Adam Smith
Other Related Post to Experience Letters
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Experience or Relieving Letter Format
Sample Experience Certificate Format
Job Experience Certificate Format
Difference Between Experience Letter and Service Certificate
Relieving Cum Experience Letter
Cover Letter for Teaching Position with Experience
Categories: Letters Tags: Cover Letter, Experience Letter, Students
Team Leader Interview Questions and Answers
Team leader serves various roles in an organization. A team leader is someone who provides direction and guidance to a group of people known as a team, for the purpose of achieving a certain goal. The job of a team leader is to get tasks done by using all of the resources available to them. Following are some frequently asked questions in a team leader interview. Also find the answers to the questions for your reference. Be confident while answering and you will achieve success in your interview.
1 Q: What are the important tasks of a team leader?
A: The important tasks of a team leader include developing a strategy for the team to achieve its goals, communicate and provide training to team members, manage the flow of day to day operations, create and distribute reports to update the team’s progress. However, the tasks may vary according to the nature of the organization. It is important to read the job description of a team leader before appearing for the interview.
2 Q: What steps will you take as a team leader to motivate your team?
A: The interviewer wants to find out your management style. You can either take a friendly approach or a more structured approach. The team members will be motivated if you tend to be friendly as well will also be motivated if you appreciate the good work openly in front of the team. Describe any one of the two methods as your style.
3 Q:. What would you do if there was an argument in the team?
A: This is a very common question that you should always expect to be asked. Team leader should have the ability to resolve conflicts. You need to first assess the situation and then come to a decision. Various factors should be taken into account while resolving conflicts. Whatever you say will depict your style of work and your skills. Be careful and positive in your answer.
4 Q: What experience do you have that would help you in this role?
A: The best way to answer is to describe your responsibilities in your previous jobs and relate it to the job you are interviewing for. A team leader needs to have experience in managing a number of people. Describe how you were able to achieve success while working in a team. You have to highlight your success as a team leader in this answer. This question is more geared towards knowing whether you have an experience in handling a team or not.
5 Q: What is the difference between a manager and a leader?
A: A leader is someone who influences the behavior and work of others to achieve a goal. A manager is a designated leader responsible for planning, organizing, directing and controlling a team to accomplish the set goal. Another difference is the way in which leaders and managers motivate people who follow or work for them. Managers usually rule while leaders are usually followed.
6 Q: What are the skills required to be a team leader?
A: An effective team leader has a variety of traits and characteristics that encourage team members to follow him. Quality verbal and written communication by a team leader is essential. Other skills that are required in a team leader are organizational skills, confidence, negotiation skills etc. He should also be honest with his team members and confident in his abilities.
7 Q:. How will you define a good team leader?
A: A good team leader is one who uses his past experiences to lead his team. A good team leader should design and support the talent of the individuals to work together in harmony so that the team ends up managing itself. Building trust between team members, consulting frequently with team members, inspiring and motivating teamwork are few characteristics for a good team leader.
8 Q:. What are your strengths?
A: The interviewer wants to know about your personality. Your answer must be relevant to the job you are interviewing for. Describe three of your strengths that also relate to the position of a team leader. Give examples from your previous jobs where you have demonstrated these strengths and in what way they have benefited the company.
9 Q:. How will you motivate your team?
A: When it comes to motivating your team, the basic thing is to keep yourself motivated. Involving all of the members in the ongoing developments and progress of the company is extremely important. Communicating with the team as well as recognizing excellent performance by a team member are some ways to motivate a team. Yu can add other ways also which you follow in order to keep your team motivated.
10 Q: What is your long term career goal?
A: The answer to this question is to focus on your achievable objectives and what you are doing to reach those objectives. Be realistic in your goals. Also mention how you plan to go on achieving these goals. Also, avoid making your answer too lengthy in the process. Keep it short and to the point.
11 Q: Why should we hire you?
A: This is the time where you have to sell yourself. Show yourself with all the skills, abilities and experience required to be a good team leader. You need to bring out the unique qualities which will make you stand apart from other candidates. Also, remember not to repeat what you have already said. Be honest and say in a confident tone while answering this question.
Categories: Job Interview Tags: Interview Questions, Team Leader
Retail Store Manager Interview Questions and Answers
Retail store managers are responsible for many aspects of a retail store’s operation. Retail store managers are responsible for recruiting the best possible sales team. Store managers plan, monitor, and maximize retail budgets and inventory, purchasing and sales. They work in an office environment while performing administrative duties and on the sales floor while addressing staffing, customer and merchandising needs. Following are some retail store manager interview questions and answers. These questions are frequently asked in retail store manager’s interview.
1 Q: Do you have any experience in retail?
A: If you have experience in retail before, you can describe about your experience in detail. In case, you don’t have experience you can mention the skills you have which are essential for a retail store manager. Explain about your job role and responsibilities and how you were successful in achieving your targets.
2 Q: What do you think is the key role of a retail store manager?
A: This question is asked to determine whether you have an understanding of what a retail manager’s position is. Read the job description before appearing for your interview. You need to show that you are aware of the role of a retail store manager. The key role of a retail store manager includes managing the hiring process, employee training and product management.
3 Q:. What do you think about the essential qualities of a retail store manager?
A: The essential qualities of a retail store manager include leadership skills, interpersonal skills, multitasking and ability to work under pressure. Explain with examples how you have these skills and where you have demonstrated them in your previous jobs.
4 Q: Why are you interested in a position at this company?
A: Do proper research about the position and the company before the interview. Describe how you will contribute in terms of managing employees, control costs and losses of the store and meet goals. The interviewer is interested in knowing how you will contribute to the company. Such an answer will convey the real motive of your joining the company as a retail store manager.
5 Q: What did you like and disliked about your previous position?
A: Avoid speaking negative aspects of the previous position. Use specific examples for your likes and dislikes. You need not say much about this. Limit the answer in a few sentences. Start and end the answer in a positive tone.
6 Q: Describe a situation where you had to take tough decisions in your previous job?
A: Retail store managers are often faced with tough decisions in their job. For example, decisions regarding hiring, firing, settling disputes etc. Such types of questions test your decision making skills which is very essential for a retail store manager. Describe the situation in brief and also mention how you resolved the situation.
7 Q:. Describe a difficult situation with a customer and how you resolved the conflict?
A: A situation which the employees are not able to handle is often escalated to the retail store manager. So a retail store manager should have the ability to solve the problem using his customer service skills. Use an example from your previous job and briefly address what was the conflict was and its cause. Outline your response and your outcome of the situation.
8 Q:. As a new retail store manager, how would you delegate tasks to your coworkers?
A: The interviewer wants to find out about your management style. Discuss in brief your management style to give the interviewer how you will delegate the tasks to your coworker. The main goal is to achieve productivity from each employee. There are various management styles choose the one that suits you.
9 Q:. How good are you in handling a team?
A: As a retail store manager, it is your responsibility to manage the entire store as well as each employee. The interviewer wants to know that you can not only handle the management aspects but the team aspects as well. Show from your previous job your achievement as a team leader.
10 Q: What is the biggest mistake you have ever made?
A: You should answer this question in a positive way or else you can be viewed as unsuitable for the job. Say that you very well know that you made a mistake and have learnt from the experience. Then try to give an example of something that happened in your previous job. By saying that you will not repeat mistakes you will give a very positive impression to the interviewer.
11 Q: What are your strengths?
A: Mention few of your strengths and be prepared to back up your answer with examples. Show modesty while answering this question. Do not repeat whatever is written in your resume. Modify your answer in a suitable way.
12 Q: What are your weaknesses?
A: Mention that you have a weakness but then also add a suggestion of improving that weakness. You can also demonstrate the actions you are taking to address your weakness. The motive behind this is to show you have learnt from your mistakes and are taking steps to address it.
13 Q: Do you have any questions for me?
A: It is always wise to have some questions prepared for the end of the interview. This way you can impress the interviewer with your interest in the company. However limit your questions to three or four. Do not end the interviewer saying that you don’t have any questions to ask.
Categories: Job Interview Tags: Manager Interview, Retail Store, Stores
Project Manager Interview Questions and Answers
Project managers ensure that the client’s requirements are met; the project is completed on time, and within budget. Typical responsibilities of a project manager include representing the client’s interest, organizing people working on the project, risk assessment, making sure the quality standards are met etc. Depending on the project, responsibilities can cover all aspects from the design stage through to completion and handover to the client. Below are some frequently asked project manager interview questions and answers. However, you should be prepared with other questions as well.
1 Q: What were the projects that you handled before?
A: Describe the projects that you have handled briefly and accurately. Always answer honestly as sometimes you may be asked to produce a certification or they even contact your previous employer. Through this question, the interviewer gets an idea as to what kind of projects you will be able to handle efficiently. Answer in a few sentences and in a confident tone.
2 Q: What did you find the most challenging aspects of the project?
A: This question allows the interviewer to know how good you are in handling challenges and problems. Describe a situation based on your actual work experience. Then say about the solutions that you implemented. You should give a very honest answer to this question.
3 Q:. Describe your way of encouraging your team members?
A: The interviewer wants to determine your leadership skills. Share your key strengths and also mention how you have used them in various projects. For saying about your weakness avoid denying that you don’t have any weakness. Describing about your weakness shows that you accept this fact and also suggest the steps you are taking to overcome it.
4 Q: What are the essential qualities of a project manager?
A: The essential qualities of a project manager are good communication skills, leadership, ability to delegate tasks and problem solving skills. You can describe giving examples where you have shown such skills in your previous job. Answer in brief and to the point. Show your enthusiasm while saying your answer.
5 Q: What project management systems do you use?
A: The interviewer wants to know whether you have the required knowledge of existing management models and systems. Mention all the programs and software that you have used previously. Also, describe about the training you took for acquiring new knowledge. This will show how you are interested in updating your knowledge.
6 Q: How do you perform under stress?
A: A project manager will have to deal with stressful. So the interviewer will want to know whether you are able to deal with such situations. Give example of your work situation from the past. Describe why it was stressful and how you overcame the situation. You can also add your ways of dealing with stress in your answer.
7 Q:. What was your greatest success as a project manager?
A: Describe in detail the project that you consider was the most successful and explain your reasons. You can say this answer in the best way possible as it brings your success as a project manager. You need to prove that you did bring success as a project manager.
8 Q:. What was your biggest failure as a project manager?
A: Say this answer in such a way that it brings a positive impression of you on the interviewer. Describe the cause of the failure but mention what you learnt from it and how it has made you a better manager. Always end in a positive and confident tone.
9 Q:. Why should we hire you?
A: This question basically aims at selling yourself. You have to align your answer to the company and focus on the benefits you can bring. Describe your way of contributing to the company and what skills and abilities you bring with you. Limit your answer in a few sentences.
10 Q: What do you think are the main causes of project failure?
A: There are various reasons why projects fail. Describe some of them in brief. Some of the reasons can be poor governance of project, poor implementation and loss of focus on project benefits. However keep your answer short and also explain how these reasons can be resolved so that a project does not result in a failure.
11 Q: What are your long term goals?
A: This question is asked to see how goal oriented you are. This is a good chance to tell the interviewer how you progressed through your career, and what you did to achieve your goals. Be specific and to the point. You need to show the interviewer that you have a goal in life and you know where you are going.
12 Q: Why do you want to leave your job?
A: Avoid making negative remarks about your previous boss or employees or the company even if they are true. You will be viewed as a person with a negative attitude. Say something short and positive. You can very well say that you are looking for a change in environment or a more challenging job etc. Whatever you say, you should not sound negative.
13 Q: Have you ever faced any disagreements in your previous job?
A: A project manager has to face many disappointments. They can be between employees, between the boss and employees or between client and employee. Avoid saying that you never ever faced disagreements as it is difficult to believe this. Come up with one incident where you had to face disagreements and how you resolved the situation using your skills and experience. Talk in a few sentences and end in a positive tone.
Categories: Job Interview Tags: Manager Interview, Project Interview Questions
Production Engineer Interview Questions and Answers
Production Engineers manage the operation of one or more manufacturing workshops in a manufacturing company. Their role is to organize, set up and optimize production, while observing specifications. Their responsibilities vary based on the size and structure of the company. They can be in charge of all the products, one line in particular, or a step in the manufacturing process. Following are some frequently asked Production Engineer interview questions and answers. Make you preparation with these questions and answers for your reference.
1 Q: Tell me about yourself.
A: This is the most asked interview question. The answer to this question tells the interviewer a lot about you and what you are all about. Answer this question briefly and confidently. Talk about your experience and achievements in short. You need not mention your personality traits here in this answer.
2 Q: What do you know about this manufacturing company?
A: Before appearing for the interview, you should do some research about the company. The more in depth detail you give, the more are your chances of being selected for the job. You can also add some new information about the company which will show that you have an interest in working in the company.
3 Q: Why do you want to work for us?
A: You need to be really specific as to why you want to work for the company. Mention your qualifications and skills which relate to the job requirement of a production engineer. You have to give a convincing answer to the interviewer. Talk in a few sentences your reason for working in the company.
4 Q: What has been your biggest accomplishment so far?
A: Talk about your career related accomplishments which are closely related to the job you are applying for. You can say about things which are appreciated by your supervisor or say about what you have contributed to your previous company as your accomplishments. Accomplishments are simply milestones and the interviewer wants to learn what you have achieved in your career.
5 Q: What is your greatest weakness?
A: Be honest about your weaknesses but also talk about what steps you have taken to improve upon those weaknesses. It is best to choose a weakness that doesn’t particularly affect the job you are doing. You need not talk much about it as you can be viewed as unsuitable for the job.
6 Q: What is your greatest strength?
A: Answer with a positive strength of yours and also give specific examples of how that strength was used in your previous jobs. Whatever you say you need to also relate to the job of production engineer. The interviewer should find your strength as beneficial for the work.
7 Q:. What is your work style?
A: Show the interviewer that you believe in bringing out a quality finished product as your priority and not the speed in which you are finishing the project. You need to show the qualities that are required for a production engineer. However, you should also mention that you have no problems meeting the production deadlines.
8 Q:. How long do you expect to work for us?
A: You need not mention the specific number of years you would be working with the company. You can give examples of your previous jobs where you have shown stability by being with them for a number of years. You can also add that as long as there is an opportunity to grow you would like to be associated with the company.
9 Q:. How do you handle failure?
A: The interviewer wants to judge the way you handle failure. As a production engineer, you may be faced with failures. You can give an example where you failed for the first time but how you handled the situation and completed the task. Try to give an impressive answer to this question.
10 Q: Do you have questions for me?
A: All interviewers generally ask this question in the end. Show your enthusiasm to work for the company. You should always be prepared with some good questions before appearing for your interviewer.
11 Q: What is the difference between manufacturing and production?
A: Production is the process of converting inputs into outputs through various operations. In production, the raw material is not procured from outside, the company owns it and after processing and make the final product. But in Manufacturing, the company procures the raw material from outside, and then makes the final product. Manufacturing is a process of converting raw material in to finished product by using various processes, machines and energy. Production is a process of converting inputs in to outputs.
12 Q: What is process planning?
A: Process planning consists of selection of means of production, establishing the efficient sequence of operation, determination of changes in form, dimension or finish of the machine tools in addition to the specification of the actions of the operator. It includes the calculation of the machining time, as well as the required skill of the operator.
13 Q: What is Production process?
A: It is the process followed in a plant for converting semi finished products or raw materials into finished products. The art of converting raw material into finished goods with application of different types of tools, equipments, machine tools, manufacturing setups and manufacturing processes is known as production.
Categories: Job Interview Tags: Engineer Interview, Interview Questions, Production
IT Fresher Interview Questions and Answers
For an IT Fresher interview it is necessary to take the time to know about the company and about the job you are interviewing for. In order to be successful, you need to mention the skills and abilities that are required for an IT Fresher. Preparing yourself with some frequently asked questions is very necessary so as to be successful in your interview. Below are some frequently asked IT Fresher interview questions and answers for your preparation. During your interview you need to be confident while answering questions so as to impress the interviewer. You should also be prepared with some technical questions which are also asked by interviewers.
1 Q: Say something about yourself.
A: While answering this question you need not repeat the information that is already written in your resume. Say only relevant and important details. As a fresher, you don’t have anything to talk about your previous job, so you can very well describe about your qualities and achievements. Do not make it very long. You should know where you need to stop.
2 Q: What do you know about our company?
A: Do a good research about the company like its history, profile, achievement and activities. You need to give only the main points and also add some information which is useful for the company. For this you have to spend time on websites, press release, journals etc. The interviewer is interested in finding out whether you are interested in the company or not.
3 Q:. Are you able to handle pressure?
A: As a fresher, it is important for the interviewer to find out whether you will be able to work effectively under pressure. You should answer in an optimistic and positive way. You should say that you take pressure as a challenge and would like to work under pressure. You can give examples of your projects which you have done in the past and where you had to work under pressure to meet the deadlines.
4 Q: What has been the greatest disappointment in your life?
A: You can mention about your personal disappointment also. It is not necessary that everyone will have a career related disappointment. Whatever you say it should not reflect your weakness. Say about how you moved on after facing the disappointment.
5 Q: Do you prefer to work independently or in a team?
A: As an IT Fresher, it is very important that you have within yourself great team spirit. Be ready to give examples. You need to give good evidence of your team spirit and say that you can work in both ways. Do not talk too much about yourself. You should be aware of what you have to say.
6 Q: What is your greatest strength?
A: You should mention your strengths which are related to the job of an IT Fresher. The interviewer is looking for work related strengths. Whichever strength you say, you should be prepared with your answers. You can say about your technical skills, positive attitude etc. You should be able to impress the interviewer with your answer.
7 Q:. What is your biggest weakness?
A: Do not deny that you have no weakness. Mention a small work related weakness. You can also say your weakness which can be treated as your strength also. However, if you are mentioning your weakness, also give what measures you are taking to overcome and improve it. It is all about how you evaluate yourself and answering in a positive way to the interviewer,
8 Q:. Why we should hire you?
A: You need to answer this question very carefully. You need to bring out your skills to show why you are a suitable fit for the organization. You need not make comparisons with other candidates. Just mention how you are suitable for this position. Describe how you will contribute to the company using your skills and abilities. Also highlight some of your achievements in relation to the job position.
9 Q:. Why do you want this job?
A: Be specific in your answer. You cannot say that because the salary the company is offering is good as your reason. Describe about the company’s values and good working environment as reasons for your working in this company. You need to be prepared for this answer beforehand. Be positive and realistic in your answer.
10 Q: Who are our main competitors?
A: The interviewer wants to know whether you are aware about the company and its competitors. Highlight some similarities and differences between the company and its competitors. For this you need to do an analysis before appearing for the interview. You need to show the strengths of the company.
11 Q:. What are you looking for in a job?
A: Give a generic answer to this question. A good working environment as well as a place to learn and contribute can be your answer. You need not mention about a specific job or say about other companies. A generic answer is what the interviewer required for this question.
12 Q: Are you applying for other jobs?
A: If you are serious about joining a company, it is likely that you will be applying to other jobs as well. Be honest in your answer but do not give too much detail as to which companies you are applying. If asked about the names of the companies, you can always deny as it is not essential to name companies.
13 Q: Do you have any questions for me?
A: Always be prepared with some questions. Come up with some good questions. You will also be judged on this as to what type of questions you ask. Do some research and ask questions on that basis. Don’t ask more than three or four questions. It is better to ask limited and generic questions.
Categories: Job Interview Tags: Interview Question Answers, IT Job Interview
Assistant Manager Interview Questions and Answers
The assistant manager’s position is mostly in sales, food, and hotel businesses. The assistant manager’s interview is not an easy one. Before appearing for the interview, it is advisable to be prepared with answers of some common questions. Even if you are experienced you will need a little preparation before facing your interview. Given below are some assistant manager interview questions along with answers. These questions are most frequently asked by interviewers for interviewing for the post of assistant manager. However, you should be prepared for some unexpected questions as well.
1 Q: What according to you is the importance of an assistant manager in a company?
A: Assistant manager’s role is a very challenging role. Assistant managers are required to apply management skills for managing the company. They are responsible for communicating with employees, senior managers and customers also. Assistant managers are mainly responsible for assisting the senior managers. Thus, assistant managers are important in a company.
2 Q: Do you find the job of an assistant manager as interesting?
A: An assistant manager is a management job and hence interaction with people is necessary. In such a role one can improve their interpersonal skill, adaptability, problem solving and ability to multitask. Since there are many opportunities to learn in this role , the job of an assistant manager is an interesting one.
3 Q:. Are you aware of the work pressure in an assistant manager’s position?
A: There are definitely work pressures involved in an assistant manager’s job. You should always answer this positively adding that working under pressure makes you work more efficiently. Work pressure will not be a difficulty for you but help you work in a better way.
4 Q: Do you know about the responsibilities of an assistant manager?
A: If you already have work experience, you can easily answer because you will very well know the responsibilities. If you are facing such an interview for the first time, it is better to read about the job description before appearing for the interview. The main responsibility of assistant manager is to assist the senior manager in daily works of the company. Assistant manager also has to acts as a medium to communicate between the staff and the senior manager. Employee training and client servicing are other responsibilities.
5 Q:. In your previous job, did you face any kind of challenges?
A: Here the interviewer wants to know how you handled problems or challenges in the past as you will be getting challenges in future also. Provide an example to the interviewer when you faced a challenge and how with your skills you were able to overcome the same.
6 Q:. You will be responsible for assigning works to your juniors. What will be your way of assigning work?
A: The interviewer wants to find out through this question how you delegate tasks to your juniors. You need to remember about the deadlines and use ways for improving the performance of the employees.
7 Q:. In what way have you demonstrated your decision making skill in your previous job?
A: You need to answer this question in a very simple and brief manner. Decision making is always done after taking into consideration all the possible alternatives and then choosing the appropriate one. Also, include in your answer, that your decision will be based taking into account available resources and limitations.
8 Q:. Have you ever been criticized for your work in your previous job?
A: The answer here should be given in a very intelligent manner. As the answer will bring out negative qualities, you have to say it in a way that does not make you unfit for the job. Bring out something positive like you gave your best and you took the criticism in a positive way and how it helped you in future. You have to give an impressive answer to such a difficult question.
9 Q:. What was your reason for leaving your previous job?
A: Whatever may be the reason, you should include only positive reasons in your answer. You should always acknowledge whatever you learnt from your previous employer. Your skills improved and plus you gained experience from your previous job. Never ever criticize about your previous job.
10 Q: How will your co workers describe you?
A: The answer you give should be in line with the job you have applied for. You can say few words abut how people talk about you like hard worker or reliable. Whatever you say must be positive and it is better to keep the answer short and to the point.
11 Q:. What is your greatest achievement till date?
A: Your greatest achievement should be something from your previous job and it should relate to the job you are applying. Do not make your answer lengthy but include all necessary details so as to give an impressive answer to the interviewer.
12 Q. Did you have any issues with your previous boss?
A: This is a very difficult question. You should always avoid saying that you had issues because if you say this, you will not be considered for the job. Just answer in a straight manner that you never had any issues.
13 Q. Are you comfortable working in a team?
A: In an Assistant Manager’s position, you have to work with your senior manager and your juniors. So working in a team is essential. You cannot work independently in any company. You should always be able to work in a team. So your answer will be a yes.
14 Q. Why do you want to work as an assistant manager?
A: You should mention that this role suits you at this point of your career. Also, talk about the benefits the company is offering for this position. You can also add about the company’s good reputation. Whatever you say should sound convincing.
Categories: Job Interview Tags: Interview Question Answers, Manager Interview
Criteria for Best Employee of the Year Award
How to create Criteria for Employee of the Year Award ?
What happens in successful company is they hire heavily weigh personality that will come handy and quite useful in the long run. They go for the most apt employees during the hiring process. There are a few common qualities employers look for that makes them most dependable and reliable in the company. Traits like being disciplined, proactive, punctual, and passionate about work and so one being the most common ones. These attributes come a long way while deciding on the ‘best employee award’ to motivate people in an organization.
Below we have discussed a few of the parameters that help while deciding on the best employee award:
1. Consider the ones with dissenting voice
Look out for employees who do not always nod at every single decision by their seniors. They must be daring enough to be able to challenge and question the authority if they have something better in mind in lieu of a certain decision. However, understand the thin line, they should be challenging and not trouble making.
2. Consider the ones who are dedicated and never fail to take initiative
They are enthusiast and motivated employees and if required even hang on beyond official working hours to complete the work at hand and meet deadline. They are not rebellious but work against company’s norms from time to time on to bring profit and recognition.
3. Consider the ones with the most excellent communication skills
Come out of the notion that only PRs need to have good speaking skills. You cannot expect an employee who interact less to bring better work benefits. Then again, employees need support and assistance from time to time which is where this skill comes quite handy. Teamwork is substantial in every organization.
4. Consider the ones who are keen on listening and abiding to instructions
Misunderstandings and miscommunications are normal. You being an HR must be considerate to the circumstances before judging on any issue. They do more than expected and surprise the company from time to time with their ouput.
5. Consider the ones who do not run away from responsibilities
There will be certain employees who will always try to justify the wage received with better outputs every time. However, results are visible in the mass-produced products and not as individual craftsmanship. They are enthusiast and are every ready to provide a helping hand whenever asked for. They are responsive and always come up with new vibrant ideas.
These are the few points you should keep in mind while considering ‘best employee award’ in an organization.
Categories: HR Tags: Award, Best Employee
Top 4 Steps of Robust Recruitment Process
Top 4 Steps of Robust Recruitment Process
The process of recruitment forms one of the crucial parts of HR Operations. They need to hire people required to execute various tasks and responsibility in an organization at various levels. Requirement on the kind of people differs from organization to organization. Therefore it in very important for HR personnel to understand the function of the business he/she is in.
Hiring process is a combined effort of the HR and Hiring manager. Hence both the personnel should spend ample amount of time to discuss the qualities and capabilities they are looking for in the candidate.
To make the process a bit easier and simpler I have come up with four implementable steps that can be followed in any organization. This plan is full proved as I have got effective results as well. However, you can change the requirements as per your organization need.
Following are the four steps I am talking about. Read it carefully.
Step 1: Get details of the position to hire from the hiring manager
The hiring manager and the HR personnel should discuss well in advance the kind of person they want for a specific position. If a good coordination is not maintained, the HR would surely hire wrong kind of person and the process of recruitment would take longer time. However, it is understandable if both the personnel do not get ample time to get along and discuss because of their busy schedule. If such is the case, the HR can create a format Manpower Requisition Form to collect information required for a certain position.
The MR Form should cover all the important information required in the recruitment process to find the correct match. Some of the requirements will include:
- Job Tile
- Grade
- Number of Positions
- Location
- Replacement/ New Hire
- Replacement of (In case of Replacement)
- Reporting Manager
- Hiring Manager
- Contact details of Hiring Manager
- Salary Range
- Employment Type (Permanent, Contractual, Trainee, Consultant)
- Contractual Duration (If applicable)
- Mandatory Educational Qualification
- Desirable Educational Qualification
- Certification (If Any)
- Minimum years of experience
- Maximum years of experience
- Any Specific Industry to look for
- Any specific companies to look for
- Job Description (Attach separate document if required)
- Gender Specific (if any)
- Age Criteria (if any)
- Expected on board date
- English Communication Scale Required (Excellent, Very Good, Good, Average, Below Average)
- Knowledge of any other language
- Interviewer Level 1
- Interviewer Level 2
- Interviewer Level 3
- Any other specific criteria to keep in mind
You may also add a few of points as per your company’s requirement.
How to maintain the Master file of Manpower requirement and capturing progress
You must also maintain a master file where you can dump in all the record of the manpower requisition and progress generated. Simply create a spreadsheet to do so. Let me refer to Manpower Requisition as MR from now on.
Guideline to help you maintain the spreadsheet:
- MR Code: Assign this unique code to each requisition raised. Mention more than one position in MR format in case of hiring manager and then issue separate MR code for each position.
- Date of MR Raised
- Information like Designation, Grade, Replacement/ New Hire, Replacement of (In case of Replacement), Reporting To etc. should be mentioned.
- Hiring Manager Name, Educational Qualification (Essential), Educational Qualification (Desirable) should be mentioned as well.
- TAT (Turn Around Time): Pre define a time frame to close any position. You can have one TAT for all positions to close or different TAT depending upon level / grade of position you plan on hiring.
For instance, you can keep the following TAT depending upon position:
ü Below Assistant Manager : 30 Days
ü Assistant Manager to Manager : 45 Days
ü Above Manager to below General Manager : 60 Days
ü General Manager : 75 Days
ü Above General Manager : 90 Days
- Status: Keep this field to maintain the status of each MR Requisition. For example it may include Open (No action taken yet), WIP (Work in Progress), Offer Made, Closed (Means candidate has joined), Withdraw (Position withdrawn by Hiring Manager), Hold (Position put on Hold by Hiring Manager), Un Hold (Position reopen by Hiring Manager) etc.
- Date of position on Hold and Un Hold
- Closure Date
- Name of Candidate Selected
- Mobile number of selected candidate
- Expected Date of Joining
- Cost to Cmpany Offered
- Source of Hiring column will include Job Portal, Newspaper, Employee Reference, Campus Selection, Consultant, and Other Sources.
- Source Description
- Candidate Joined (Yes / No)
- Actual Date of Joining
- Remarks (If any)
Maintaining the above information for each position will thus help you generate effective reports like:
ü How many positions are opened, WIP, Closed and held?
ü How many hiring are under TAT or exceeded TAT?
ü Grade wise positions along with closure status etc
Step 2: Find suitable candidate and send details to the hiring manager
When the hiring related information is obtained by the recruiter, he/she can start the sourcing process.
When the recruiter find a suitable candidate, he/she must forward the details of candidate to hiring manager. Before lining up the candidates for interview, the recruiter should match their suitability against each parameter. This way you can save time of the HR, hiring manager and candidate. Also if possible, telephonic round should be arranged to ensure hiring manager can judge further suitability on technical aspects before the Face to Face round
Make sure to send the following information while sending resume to the manager:
- The resume of candidate
- Try to provide information systematically against each parameter as per the MR Format. This will ensure that the right person is hired. Since a recruiter work on various positions at one time, this format will help them to check all the parameters required for the position so that the candidate has less chances of rejection.
Step 3: Mid Recruitment Process
Below are certain tricks to make the recruitment / hiring process faster.
- After sending the candidate details to the hiring manager, a link must be maintained with the hiring personnel to get feedback. This is crucial because if you do not get the feedback on time, your TAT to close the position will increase and the sourced candidate may seem no longer interested in your company. You can also ask your seniors for the feedback.
- Communication is a crucial aspect of recruitment. Try to communicate about each and every update to all the party involved. Include the candidate in the list as well. For instance, when the telephonic round is confirmed, update both the hiring manager and candidate about it.
- Quick communication is very much important. Call up candidates lined up for interview and share the current status with hiring manager like if the candidate is on way, refused, want to postpone or not reachable.
Step 4: Finalize the candidate
When a candidate is finally finalized after the rigorous process, follow the following process:
- Ask for salary proof from the candidates. This is important because most candidates forge their current salary or lie about their current package. Ask for Salary slip and Bank Statement where entry of the salary transfer is recorded.
- Mention the candidate that once offer is made to him and accepted, he will have to resignate from his current post. A copy of the resignation letter with the date of relieving should be produced too. This minimizes the risk of candidates not joining. Also, work on back up arrangement, if required.
- Get approval from the hiring manager on the salary offered to the candidate. It is always better to get verbal things documented to avoid confusion later.
- Mention in detail about the complete offer to the candidate. This will include the salary structure, other benefits, documents to submit while joining and any other important information.
Categories: HR Tags: Recruitment Process