The MicroTrain Blog

Hump Day Hunting Help: June 22, 2011

by Kassandra McGhee on June 22nd, 2011

Tip of the Week: It’s Time to TAP

It’s time to get into the game.  And TAP can help you do just that! 

Yes, I know job hunting can be frustrating, disappointing and at times plain painful.  But no hunt, no prize.  Therefore, surrendering your job search is not an option.  But TAP truly is. 

TAP is part of a strategic job hunt that uses a targeted approach.  It’s about using the proper ammunition, aiming your weapon in the right direction, and at the right time, to get the right result.

And with that said, target companies are a must!  It’s beyond looking for the right position; it’s also about looking for the right company.  Know what you want to do, who you want to work for and why.  It’s about TAP:

  • TARGET

Know your bullseye.  Create a list of career titles aligned with your knowledge, skills, experience, training/education, etc.  Create your target company list which includes organizations that need your talent and expertise.  Develop relationships with individuals that work for the company, know company employees, etc.  Create opportunities both online and offline to discuss your experience and interest in joining the organization.

  • AMMUNITION

Always be the problem-solver.  Develop your arsenal by identifying what specific investment you can make to the company and what problems you are skilled to fix.  Learn who the company is, their industry/market and how you are an ideal fit for key positions, company culture/goals, etc.   Make a list of key contributions you’ve made in other positions that align with the organization’s job openings, industry, goals and/or needs. 

  • PRIZE

Create the win-win situation.  The goal is to obtain the career that is a win-win for you and the company.  You get a paid position and advancement opportunities to help the company continue to develop and move forward.  

So, ladies and gentlemen, it’s time to TAP! 

Hump Day Hunting Help: June 15, 2011

by Kassandra McGhee on June 15th, 2011

Tip of the Week: Learn How to Read Your Interviewer’s Mind

Interviews can be stressful.  So wouldn’t it be helpful if you could read the interviewer’s mind and know exactly what s/he was looking for? 

Well, the simple answer is this, the interviewer is thinking: “Is this candidate the right person for this job?”  Furthermore, “Will s/he excel in the position? Be reliable in the position? Get along with others in the company? Is this the best overall fit for the organization?”  Your job interview is just a strategic conversation to help a company answer these questions.  Yes, strategic because there is a process and purpose behind the questions being asked. 

So how do you read your interviewer’s mind?  It’s actually quite easy—it’s about knowing the “what” behind the “why.”  Specifically, “what” skill set, experience, or quality are they looking for in the “why” or the question being asked.  It’s also determining what else they are seeking: your professionalism, your positive attitude, your passion, your honesty, your integrity.  So in essence, the company wants to know who you are, what unique overall value you bring to the table and what really makes you desire to become a part of their team.

Sounds too easy? Well, it’s really that uncomplicated.  The company desires you to “fit” and will ask questions to identify if you do.  All you have to do is know the “what” behind the “why” and what makes you the ideal, valuable, problem-solving team member. 

So there is really no need to fear an interview ever again.  You can learn to read the interviewer’s mind and then acing the interview can be a cinch! 

Below are a few articles written for interviewers.  It’s a quick way to learn to read their minds and take a peek inside interviewers through their eyes.

Raves & Praise

Christopher Fowler

MCSA

Very thorough, good mix of lecture and lab work. Al is great! Keeps classes interesting and supplements required test material with need-to-know items from real world experience.

Kaycee Ekufu

MCSA

The instructor [Al Khalfan] was very knowledgeable in the field. He presented the materials and concepts with a professional touch. He also frequently adds humor to his teachings, which made it easier for me to understand. The support staff was all nice, gentle, caring, and very helpful. The materials, rooms and amenities were excellent and exceeded expected standards.

Jean S.

PMP Certification Training, Lombard, 2008

I was laid off for many months and not really getting many callbacks for my resume and no job offers. After I put the letters PMP on it, not only did I see an increase in quantity, but also quality of interviews. I had been spinning my wheels for 5 months, and after the PMP went on, I had 2 job offers in 6 weeks. It really was the "golden ticket"

David

A Cisco Success Story

I attended a resume writing seminar & conducted mock phone interviews with a Microtrain career counselor. These two activities gave me a leg up on distinguishing myself from all the other people looking for work. Since the career counselor's at Microtrain had a track record of getting people hired, their insight and positive past experiences helped me tremendously in getting hired with a Cisco Voice Systems Integrator in the Chicago area. I was hired as a Cisco Voice Tech Engineer with a starting salary of $65,000 / year with a Cisco voice systems reseller located in the Chicagoland area. Microtrain was very instramental in making this a reality. From expediting my WIA grant, to providing excellent hands-on training from knowledgable instructors I was able to achieve becoming certified with my CCNP. Microtrain's career services was the final catalyst in connecting me with this company by communicating with them on my behalf and with me in setting up the interview. One week later and I was hired. No joke. Thanks Microtrain!

Scott Wilson - Team Bradley

Employer Partner Feedback

Dawn has been a pleasure to work with. She is diligent in her efforts to give MicroTrain’s students the best opportunities to connect and network with various companies and players in the job market. The curriculums and certification programs are in line with today’s current IT needs. It’s good to see that they evolve with what employers are most seeking out there. I would recommend to any employer that hires skilled IT workers that they look into MicroTrain’s career services department as a potential source of candidates. The business of hiring can be quite costly, and Dawn and her staff provide a free service to outside companies. This value-add for MicroTrain’s students aligns with their mission in both training and job assistance to set up a win/win scenario for all involved.

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