Ace Your Next Interview

You’re finally in the door. The hard part is over. All you have to do now is make a good impression at your interview, show them you have what it takes to handle the position and woo them with your charm. Piece of cake, right?

Not so fast.

Succeeding during an interview requires preparation and technique. The last thing you want to do is show up and act like you own the place. Confidence is key, but cockiness could turn your potential employer off completely.

By following the steps below, you could put yourself in good position to succeed during your interview and make a lasting impression.

Step 1: Prepare, Prepare, Prepare

You’ve already applied for the position, so odds are you know a little bit about the company and what they do. If you don’t, you should. Start by doing some research. Find out exactly what they do and what your job responsibilities might entail. Read reviews about the company online, talk to people who work there and gain some background knowledge. The more you know, the better prepared you’ll be to answer any questions they might have. Participating in mock interviews and practicing your answers to certain questions could also be beneficial.

Step 2: Get Your Game Face On

Ok, so you’re prepared. Now you have to get in the right mind set to make an impact. As we mentioned before, confidence is key. You don’t want to look scared or intimidated. You also don’t want to be overly confident. Settle somewhere in the middle. You’re going to a serious interview, but don’t be afraid to be yourself. Just be confident in who you are, what you’re there to do and what you can add to the company.

Step 3: Stay Calm

No matter how confident you are, negative thoughts are probably going to creep into your head. When they do, don’t pay attention. They wouldn’t have called you in if they didn’t think you could be a good fit for the position. Take a deep breath. If they ask you a question you don’t know the answer to, be honest. Don’t make something up. You’re not there to show them you know everything. Reasonable employers won’t expect that. They want to hire someone who is able to learn, adapt and think on their feet.

If you’ve got a big interview coming up, consider following the steps above. Who knows, maybe you’ll be celebrating a few day later.  

Top Reasons to Continue Your Education

Top Reasons to Continue Your Education

You’ve hit a road block. You’re stuck in limbo at that point when you’ve advanced as far as you can in your current career without going back to school. What do you do?

The way we see it, you have three options. You can keep doing what you’re doing, content in your current, immobile position; you can give up your position and start a new career; or you can go back to school.

If you like what you’re doing now, but you’re ready for more responsibility, the choice should be simple – you go back to school.

Read on to see how continuing education can help you in your career.

1) You Could Have More Control Over Your Career

Don’t let your boss be the only one who decides if you’re ready to move up to the next level. The right education can help you qualify for better opportunities. Choose your own path and pursue a program that appeals to your interests and career goals. That way you’ll be in the driver’s seat as you head toward your future.

2) You Could Earn More Respect From Your Peers

You might have great ideas, but be in a poor position to share them. Going back to school to move ahead in your career could help you finally acquire the position and platform you need to make sure your ideas and opinions are heard.

3) You Could Make More Money

Perhaps the biggest reason people go back to school is so they can make more money when they get out. It’s important to choose the right program and school if you do decide to go back. Certain schools are respected more for certain programs or in certain fields of study. Find a school with good reputation in the career field you want to pursue and ask them how they can help you. Advanced education may help you see more dollar signs down the road.

If you’re ready to get take the next step in your career by going back to school, it’s never too early to start. Take a look at some of our programs and don’t be afraid to ask for more information. At Career Quest Learning Centers, we strive to help students reach their career goals, whatever they may be.

The 3 Best Benefits Of A “Staycation”

So you’ve got a little time off and you want to use it. You want to forget about work, forget about all the little things that have been bugging you and use the time to reset. But your question now is how to do it.

Your natural inclination is to get away – to spend your hard-earned money on some hard-earned fun. You could go to another country or state. You could go anywhere as long as it’s not where you are right now.

But wait, before you get too carried away planning your next vacation, consider the benefits of a “staycation.” Read on to see how you can make a “staycation” work for you.

1) You Can Save Money

This is a no-brainer. When you’re not spending money on airfare, rental cars and other travel expenses, you can spend it on something else … or save it. Go to show or concert you’ve wanted to see. Head to that pricey restaurant you’ve wanted to try. There are plenty of fun things you can do just outside your door.

2) You Can Unwind

How many times have you gone on vacation only to be stressed by trying to see and do too much? Vacations are also about relaxation. During a “staycation” you can do absolutely nothing and not feel bad about “missing out” on all the stuff you’re not able to see. Just don’t trick yourself into starting a new project or fixing up the house. This is your time to sit back, relax and take a load off.

3) Catch Up With Friends and Family

You know all those people you don’t get to see when you’re busy with work? A “staycation” offers the perfect excuse to make plans with them and enjoy their company. Schedule a lunch or dinner, or have them all over for a party. When you’re spending time with the people you love, you can’t go wrong.