Job Interviews: How to Answer Authentically to the Toughest Questions

“Strong waves make strong sailors.” – English proverb Why do so many hiring managers ask open-ended questions in job interviews? What possibilities – and perils – do these questions present? How can job-seekers prepare for ten tough, yet common, interview questions? When answering seemingly broad interview questions, it’s often difficult to know where to...

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Job Interviews: Why Authentic Conversation is Key to Success

“Hiring is a manager’s most important job.” – Peter F. Drucker (1909-2005), American management consultant and author How do many job seekers self-sabotage during interviews? What qualities often make a successful job interview? Liz Ryan, founder and CEO of Human Workplace, has conducted many an interview. In ‘The Startling Truth About Hiring Decisions’, she...

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Job Interviews: Asking Better Questions – from the Hiring Seat

“Hiring is a manager’s most important job.” –Peter F. Drucker (1909-2005), American management consultant Can you put yourself in the shoes of a manager looking to hire two new staff members? What qualities are employers looking for in a new hire? What kinds of interview questions encourage real reflection and promote compelling workplace conversations? How can a manager...

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Job Interviews: Asking Questions Matters for Applicants Too!

“A wise man’s questions contain half the answer.”  —Solomon ibn Gabriol (1022-1070),  Jewish philosopher Ask more. Know more. Share more. Create Compelling Conversations. That’s our slogan. Asking questions – in class, at dinner, and on campus –  collects information and builds rel… The post Job Interviews: Asking Questions Matters...

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Making Introductions, Part 2: Small Talk

“A conversation can be easy. Just ask a question and then listen.” -Robert Bly (1926-), American poet and author Previously on the blog, we discussed the importance of first impressions. A firm handshake goes a long way, but what happens afterward? How do we teach English language learners to keep a conversation going post-introduction? When speaking with someone new, many Americans...

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Making Introductions, Part 1: Shaking Hands

“From small beginnings come great things.” – American proverb First impressions matter.  The gateway to many compelling conversations remains the greeting. As the proverb says, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. However, breaking the ice can often be an awkward, even  difficult task. For shy international students, greeting and meeting strangers...

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