Today’s Poll Questions

State unemployment rate at record high 11.2 pct

Written by JULIET WILLIAMS
Friday, 17 April 2009
(AP) — State officials say California’s unemployment rate hit a record 11.2 percent in March.
The figures released Friday by the Employment Development Department show California lost 62,000 jobs in March.
The unemployment rate grew from 10.6 percent in February, and is nearly 5 points higher than in March 2008.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics figures show it is a historic high. Only two states — Michigan and Oregon — had higher rates in March.

This article was also seen on The Business Journal

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Question: What is the worst mistake made in an interview?

Answer: Not researching the company your interviewing with. This is by far the biggest mistake made by most prospective candidates. Remember that that company inviting you to the interview has done their homework. They’ve reviewed, sometimes, hundred of prospects and have chosen you as one of the few to pursue.

Researching a company is more than just checking out their website. With social networks like MySpace, Facebook and Twitter the tools available are endless. Some of the key elements to look for when researching are:

1) When was the company established

2) What is the history of its evolution

3) What are the products in which they specialize

4) Have they been covered by local news/media

5) Find the names of key figureheads within the company

6) If the company is publicly traded, review the 10yr reports

Understand that the information gathered my never be used or discussed while in the interview. Knowing the information will automatically provide you with a sense of confidence that will be felt during the interview.

Review the companies core product lines and try to find out some of the companied they supply to. Review these companies as well. This will provide you with a sense of credibility for the organization. Would you want to work for an organization that sells poor quality goods or supplies product to companies with bad reviews or numerous complaints?

Locating the names of key figureheads within the company will allow you to cross-reference them on several of the online social networks. Knowing how the leaders of the company are portrayed outside the workplace will provide you a peephole into the professionalism and management of the company. Company leaders who blog provocative or inappropriate material on their social website might lessen your interest in the position when tending an offer.

Make sure to search local news website with the company name. Most news websites have archive content that is searchable by keyword. This will allow you to see how the organization brands itself positively or negatively within the local community.

It’s important to remember that knowledge means power. Knowing everything possible about the company or organization before you meet can only help. Every candidate that has done extensive research has said that they’ve always used something from their research in their interview.

You decide, and blog me your thoughts…

Let’s get it started!

Hello and welcome to my employment blog. My goal is to provide detailed “hint’s and tips” that will help you get your next position. Your thoughts and questions are always welcome. Please feel free to join and be part of the discussion.