Ellen Goldhar on interviewing

Ellen Goldhar, manager of people development at Sun Media Corporation, will be on hand to answer all your questions about interviewing.
Discover innovative and effective interview strategies that will impress any potential employer, and get you on your desired career path.

Date: Wednesday July 24
Time: 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

You may submit advance questions below.

Moderator: Sharon Aschaiek: Welcome to the second Career Connection Job Talk online chat. Ellen Goldhar, manager of people development for Sun Media, is here today to talk about how to become a skilled and successful interviewee. We're ready for your questions.

BOB: What's better, contract work and salaried work? What are the pros and cons of each?

Ellen Goldhar: Hi Bob. Contract vs. salary? It really depends on many factors as to what's best for you. It's a real individual decision. Contract gives you the freedom to try more things: if you don't like a particular job or company it's easier to move around until you find something you like, and you can have more flexibility to negotiate salary. On the other hand, you don't have the security of where your next paycheque will be coming from in the long term (for people with family responsibilities this can be a real issue), you are likely not to get benefits, you may have to jump around from company to company which makes it more difficult to develop lasting workplace relationships.

Susan: Is it OK to ask about the compensation package at a first interview?

Ellen Goldhar: Hello Susan. It's OK at the right time. The first interview is NOT the right time, unless they bring it up. The potential employer is more concerned about fit and match to the position. You don't want them to get the impression that you are only in it for the money. The conversation about salary will eventually come up, but it's best to let them start it. However, if things are progressing to the advanced stages and nothing has been mentioned then it is OK to ask about it.

Anonymous: If you didn't get the job is it ok to call the person who interviewed you to ask them why?

Ellen Goldhar: Yes, and it's a good way to get feedback to improve things for your next interview. However, realize that some people may feel uncomfortable giving you honest feedback so they may not give you the real honest facts.

Mark: Honestly. In todays economy, do you recommend a universoty education or a college education? Theoretical or practical? Which do you think would give me the best chances at getting a job after.

Ellen Goldhar: Thanks for tuning in Mark. To answer your question on universtiy vs. college...it depends. A university degree may not be as practical per se, but that, along with some work experience, can be attractive to a potential employer. Also, if you can get a university degree from a co-op program you'll get the best of both worlds. You can also look into one-year post diploma programs from colleges to supplement your more "theorectical" university education. It also really depends on what type of career you are looking for. College is great for certain professions, i.e. human resources, nursing, business administration, public relations, etc. If you want your MBA, certain sciences, or to go onto get a master's degree or PHd. then look into university.

Kathy: How should you dress for an interview - professionally, like you would if you were in that job or somewhere in between?

Ellen Goldhar: Glad you asked that question Kathy. Improper dress is an all too common mistake. Always dress professionally for an interview. Even if it's a casually dressed working environment, you should still go to the interview dressed in business professional garb. Nothing too flashy, revealing or sloppy. Hair groomed, easy on the makeup and not too much perfume/cologne.

Susan: What do you do if a potential employer asks a question they shouldn't (ie: are you planning to have kids)?

Ellen Goldhar: Excellent question Susan. The potential employer is not allowed to ask a question like that, or any other questions pertaining to your personal life, i.e. religion, marital status, age, etc. If they do ask, don't answer, but rather ask back "Why do you ask?" and let them know that you know that a question like that isn't appropriate to ask. If they ask too many of these inappropriate questions, this should be a red flag to you...this might not be the company you want to work for. If they don't have much respect for you in the interview, they probably won't have it in the workplace either!

James Peterson: I am over 50 and don't want my age to be held against me in the interview, what can I do to get them to see that I can be of just as much value as someone who is younger?

Ellen Goldhar: Dear Mr. Peterson. Age shouldn't be an issue. However, I realize that the world we live in isn't perfect. I recently interviewed Dianne Hunnam-Jones, the regional manager for Accountemps (a leading staffing firm in North America), and we talked about this very topic. It seems that the perception with age is that older people in the workforce may not be as energetic, they might be jaded or set in their ways and their technical skills not as up-to-date. So it's important in the interview to show them otherwise. Make sure you are dressed professionally, walk in fast, upbeat and bright-eyed. Demonstrate your enthusiasm, flexibility and passion. Make sure they are aware of all efforts to keep your skills updated. Most importantly though, is that you believe your age isn't a barrier, and that you are clear on how you can add value to the organization. Because if you don't believe it, why would they? Also, do not ask them age-related questions, e.g. What is the average age of employees working here?

Amy Czuczman: What are the different types of interviews I should be prepared for?

Ellen Goldhar: Hi Amy. There are many different types of interviews. It really depends on the position you are applying for, which interview it is in the process, i.e., first, second, third interview, and the company's practices and philosophies on hiring. Generally speaking though these are the different types of interview processes: The behavioural interview - questions are centre around how you have handled situations in the past; the “getting to know you” interview - a more laid back and chit-chatty interview aimed at trying to get a general feel of who you are; the working interview - here they might have you spend time working in their environment to see how you handle the work and fit in; the panel interview - a group of people interviewing you at the same time, and the telephone interview, and now companies are starting to use video conferencing for interviews as well.

Emma Hancock: What are some good questions to ask in an interview?

Ellen Goldhar: Emma, comming to the interview with some intelligent questions to ask is key. Here are some examples of questions you can ask: How does this role fit in with the department? Who would I be interacting with? What are the reasons a person succeeds in this job? What are the specific skills and attributes need to do the job? If people haven't worked out in this position, what were the general reasons why? Where does the company hope to be in a few years? How does the job (you are applying for) fit in the with the company plan? What are the competitive challenges facing the organization?

Moderator: Sharon Aschaiek: Thanks, Ellen, for lending your expertise about interviewing. See you all at the next Job Talk chat.

Ellen Goldhar: I am sorry but our time is up. For more information on interview practices you can read today's Job Talk column in the Toronto Sun's Career Connection section. Thank you for taking the time to participate. I will be back online to chat about workplace relationships Aug. 21 from 1 p.m to 2 p.m. Meanwhile, I hope your job interviews go well... .be calm, be yourself and learn from the process. Cheers, Ellen.