Tips on How to Build Your Online Reputation

 

The Internet and social networking play a bigger part in our everyday lives than you think. CareerBuilder found that more than half of hiring managers research applicants using search engines, and 52 percent said they used social networking sites.

It goes to show that you need to be careful of what you put out there on the world wide web. However, you can use these online profiles to help you stand out and distinguish yourself from others in the talent pool.

Here are a few ways you can create a better online reputation and impress your employer:

#1. Exhibit skills and experience.

You can provide your work history in a generic format, but that's just boring. Enhance your profile with graphics or other stimulating visuals to highlight your progression and career growth. You can create an infographic or timeline for greater support. On Harri, you can tag your profile with specialty keywords of your skills and experience, including "POS Systems", "Advanced Knowledge of Cash Registers/Money Handling", amongst many more.

#2. Display your craft.

Share files or links to your personal website and portfolio. This helps break up the amount of reading that your employer may have to do, and increases your memorability factor. Examples of popular types of imagery that are uploaded on Harri include coffee/latte art and beautifully presented/plated dishes.

#3. Show your personality through videos.

Show off your character with videos. Film yourself in your working environment, may it be working in the kitchen or behind the counter. If you like to get more personal, you can also share a short clip of you enjoying your favorite activity or hobby. You can easily import videos in the Gallery portion of your Harri profile.

#4. Provide professional references.

Include professional recommendations and references to boost your online reputation. It acts as written proof to employers of your capabilities.

With these few additions, you can raise your online presence to a greater level. Just make sure that you maintain a professional mindset when you manage all your channels, so that it doesn't hurt your chances of getting a job.

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How to Answer "What Is Your Biggest Weakness?"

 

"What is your biggest weakness?" is one of the most commonly asked job interview questions, and probably one of the most difficult to answer. Surely, you do not want to talk down about yourself, since it gives off a bad vibe. However, you can't just say you don't have one; nobody is perfect. So here are some helpful tips in approaching this stressful question:

#1: Be prepared.

Again, like mentioned before, everybody has flaws. Hiring managers want candidates to acknowledge that they have weaknesses or things they can work on and potentially overcome. If you have a hard time thinking up of a weakness, create a list–things you are great at, and others that you may need more help with.

#2: Keep it relative to work.

Stay on topic and keep it work-related. You want to remain professional, so avoid irrelevant answers and make sure the weakness you mention is applicable to the role you are applying for.

#3: Don't mention essential skills.

Although you want to mention a weakness that is closely related to you work, do not state skills that are crucial to the job. For example, you definitely do not want to say that you are bad at juggling multiple tasks when you are interviewing for a restaurant server or hosting job.

#4: Remember the S.T.A.R. method.

The S.T.A.R. method stands for: Situation or Task, Actions and Results. First, think of a situation or task where you faced a problem. Then, point out what actions you took to deal with it. Lastly, discuss what the end result was, and analyze whether or not you made an improvement or came to a resolution.

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Avoid These Job Interview Mistakes

 

Going into a job interview is always nerve-wracking. Even before you enter and meet the hiring manager, you have to physically and mentally prepare. Previously, we have given you some tips for the question and answering portion of interview, but here are some other common practices you must steer clear of:

#1: Do not state how nervous you are.

No matter how much your nerves get to you, do not let your interviewer know. They know that everybody gets nervous, so admitting to it makes you look unprofessional and unqualified. In addition, it gives off an impression that you will not be able to handle the work environment and stressful situations.

#2: Do not go into your interview without doing research.

Make sure you do your homework prior to going into any interview. Find out everything you can about the business, its leaders and even who you will be interviewing with. Knowing such information will be only advantageous for you when being asked questions. It also proves that you are invested in working for the company.

#3: Avoid replying with one-word answers.

Hiring managers want to hear stories about your experiences and skills. You need to elaborate and expand on your responses. For example, when asked about your past position as a server, describe your role and what you learned on the job.

#4: Do not go in question-less.

At the end of the interview, you will most likely be asked 'So, do you have any questions for me?' You definitely do not want to end the interview with just a 'No'. Prepare at least three meaningful questions in advance to ask. Do not ask obvious or overused questions. Instead, try 'What do you most enjoy about your job?' or 'What makes the company different from its competitor?' to create a personable conversation.

It's relatively easy to fix these bad habits, as long as you prepare beforehand. Take these pieces of advice with you when go on your next job interview, and good luck.

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Effective Body Language for Job Interviews

Body language is a very powerful tool. We had body language before we had speech, and apparently, 80% of what you understand in a conversation is read through the body, not the words. - Deborah Bull

Job interviews are comprised of two parts—the verbal and the non-verbal. Not only do you have to speak well, you also have to present yourself in a proper manner.

Oftentimes, interviewers pay more attention to the way you are expressing yourself through body language than to your actual words.

So here are some tips to effectively use body language for your next job interview:

#1: Make a strong first impression.

It has been said that hiring managers already have a hiring decision in their minds within the first 10 seconds of meeting you, so project confidence from the start. When entering the interview room, walk in with a steady stride, with a straightened out neck and back.

#2: Greet your interviewer with a firm, handshake.

Handshakes are extremely crucial. They can neither be weak, nor overly aggressive. Try and practice with a partner to get a sense of what is an ideal grip.

#3: Monitor your gestures and eye contact.

Limit yourself to a small amount of gesturing. Nodding in approval and quick hand gestures to demonstrate are fine, but don't over do it. Eye contact is also important to maintain an on-going conversation, but you do not want to stare down your interviewer.

#4: Avoid excessive movements.

Similar to gesturing and eye contact, keep movements to a minimum. Fidgeting and swaying in your seat are definitely not professional-looking.

#5: React to your interviewer’s body language.

If you notice that your interviewer shows a reaction, try to respond to it. For example, if you see that he/she has a puzzled look or facial expression, may be that signifies that you should repeat or explain further to clearly convey your message.

Take these tips into consideration for your next job interview, and you'll be sure to impress your interviewer.

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How to Answer the Most Common Restaurant Job Interview Questions

 

As with any other interview, there is always an uncertainty in the types of questions you may be asked by the hiring manager. However, the best approach in tackling interviews is preparing in advance. So to start, here are some common questions that you may face:

Tell me about yourself.

Typically, this will be the very first question you will be asked. Provide a brief, one to two minute introduction about yourself. Summarize main points, such as, the specific position you are applying for, past positions/roles that you held and general experience. Also, inform the interviewer of your times of availability.

What is your greatest strength?

This is the chance for you to highlight yourself. Focus on your key strengths and speak with positivity. In addition, make sure your strength is relative to the position you are applying for. For example, if you are applying to be a prep cook, it is best to not state that you are a good writer. Instead, mention how you are hard working or that you are comfortable in fast-paced environments.

What is your greatest weakness?

Following most strength questions, the interviewer may ask you about a weakness. The best way to respond to this daunting question is with the 'two-part answer' method. First, make the confession, then recover. Describe in short what you are weak at, then spin that response to how you would be to able to overcome or resolve the issue. Managers like to hear about the positives, rather than the negatives. 

Tell me what you know about our restaurant.

Before the interview, do some research. Find out what you can about the restaurant and the person you will be interviewed by. Has the restaurant been in the news? Is it particularly known for something? Who is the person who is in charge of hiring and what is their professional background? From your answers, recruiters will try to find out whether you have genuine interest in the business, and see if you will be motivated to work there, as opposed to another restaurant.

What qualities make you a good addition to the team?

Here, explain why you are an excellent candidate for the position. Recount an experience where you performed exceptionally. If you are seeking a job as a server, tell about a time you provided great customer service. Discuss how you were a team player and were able to bring satisfaction to the patrons.

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