MBA Jungle Archives - Career Turn

What to Ask for and How

To find out if it makes sense to try to bump up the salary offer, determine the mean for your position, industry, and region of the country. “If you have any information about the terms and perks competitors offer, mention those to the person with whom you’re negotiating,” says Pri Shah, an associate professor of strategic management at the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School, who … [ Read more ]

Author: Paul Scott | Source: “The Art of Negotiation” | Original Publication: MBA Jungle | Subject: Benefits Negotiation

Obey the Rule of Three

Have three points to drive home and an anecdote to support each one. If you’re applying for a sales position, maybe the points are: “I’ve sold before,” “I have great contacts,” and “I understand this business.” “This may seem obvious,” says the former McKinsey recruiter, “but you’d be surprised how many people come in with zero structure to what they’re saying. If you’ve thought ahead … [ Read more ]

Source: “Jungle Jobs email” | Original Publication: MBA Jungle | Subjects: Miscellaneous, Quick Tips

Three signs you’re losing control …

… and three ways to get it back

If a recruiter asks more than once whether you have any questions, chances are she’s already formed an opinion about you and is trying to wrap it up. “Ask for a glass of water,” says Jackie Johnson, manager of MBA recruiting for the investment bank Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein. Dramatic? Perhaps. “But it’ll help you collect

… [ Read more ]

Author: David Blend | Source: “How to Impress Recruiters: Anatomy of an Interview” | Original Publication: MBA Jungle | Subjects: How to Impress Recruiters: Anatomy of an Interview, Interviewing

Deal breakers

Seven things recruiters hate and why they hate them

Taking notes during an interview is fine, but keep your pen holstered unless absolutely necessary. Excessive scribbling indicates an inability to think on your feet. “When I hire somebody, I’m looking for them to be able to represent me at meetings,” says Wasserman, “not take dictation.”
Shoes that aren’t shined. Details matter.
Interviewer: We’re opening a new

… [ Read more ]

Tactics for the last 30 seconds

How to leave them begging for more

When the interviewer utters these five words, “Do you have any questions?” (and he will), don’t make one up on the spot just to ask something. Prepare two good questions about the position or the firm–the answers to which cannot be found on the Web site. A great final question leaves a great final impression.
If you don’t,

… [ Read more ]

How to Impress Recruiters: Anatomy of an Interview

Author: David Blend | Source: “How to Impress Recruiters: Anatomy of an Interview” | Original Publication: MBA Jungle | Subject: Interviewing

Six tips for the first two minutes

Because nothing matters more than a first impression

Everyone knows not to be late to an interview. But recruiters say arriving early is just as bad–in fact, showing up even 10 minutes ahead of time may irritate them. Why? You will interrupt whatever they’re doing (“Ms. Jenkins, your next appointment is here”), which can sow a seed of resentment. It also sends a message:

… [ Read more ]

Three rules for breaking the ice

The wrong small talk can hurt you

Family photos can be great conversation starters–if you choose your comments wisely. (You: “Your mother has a great smile.” Him: “That’s my wife.”) “Making assumptions about the people in the pictures is dangerous,” says Debra Fine, founder of the Fine Art of SmallTalk, a Denver firm that teaches conversation skills to executives at companies like IBM and

… [ Read more ]

Five moves that show you’re a pro

This is no time for subtlety

Have an agenda. “One of the biggest mistakes people make is thinking the goal is simply to answer the questions that are asked,” says J. Daniel Plants, a VP of mergers and acquisitions at J.P. Morgan Chase. “Sure, you have to answer their questions, but the best candidates know how to steer the conversation where they want it

… [ Read more ]