Question: Q: “What advice/tips do you have for finding a potential mentor and asking them to be your mentor?” – Melor S. in Silver Spring, MD

Answer: Mentors give valuable advice, introduce you to life-changing contacts and opportunities, and guide by example. It’s to your advantage to have a mentor, and some even say you can’t get ahead at all without one. First, examine your career so far and where you want to go—next quarter, next year, in five years. Identify

Question: “If you are on temporary assignment, how do you determine whether or not the employer is interested in hiring you permanently? If you want to make your temporary role a permanent one, what are the steps you should take?” – Toccarra W., Chicago, IL

Answer: Before you pursue converting your temporary assignment to a permanent position, you should make sure that your interest in a permanent role is truly based on your commitment and dedication to the organization and your work, not simply your desire to end your job search. Are you achieving your assignment goals and exceeding them

Question: “What would be the best questions to ask while being interviewed by an employer?” –Kiele M., Hyattsville, MD

Answer: A faux pas you can commit after your interview is staring blankly at the hiring manager when he or she asks: “do you have any questions for me?” Not only is having no questions telling of your lack of true interest or passion in the organization, it also signifies a basic lack of preparation.

Question: What is the best way to prepare for an interview? Are there general questions one should practice before the interview? — Sammy M., Washington, DC

Answer: Arriving unprepared ranks close to the top of the list of “Things Not to Do” when faced with an interview. Below, some things to keep in mind to best prepare for the big day: – Determine what you love about the role and the organization – Assess the skills you can bring to the

Question: What is the best way to show how experience in one field can translate to success in another; for example, going from teaching to project management? – Joe O., Arlington, VA

Answer: Years of experience in one field don’t have to prevent you from moving into another. Even if you only worked for six months or two years, there are likely transferrable skills you have that can move seamlessly into the next role. Whether this is your spot-on strategy knowhow or your writing wherewithal, identifying your

Question: What is the best way to address gaps in your resume? – Katherine K., Washington, DC

Answer: As is the case with all things regarding resumes and job seeking in general, my first point of advice is to avoid lying about why you have gaps in your work history. Even if it’s just a white lie, the consequences are far greater than a nervous slip of the tongue and should be

Question: How do you go about discussing salary or handling salary negotiations? –Josephina C., Chicago

Answer: In salary negotiations, both the employer and the prospective employee want to reach the same end point: a salary that the two of you are happy with. Of course, it’s never quite that simple to reach this goal, is it? Some tips to find the sweet spot during the course of the conversation: Assess

Question: How effective are non-traditional resumes (e.g. resumes with borders, headings or color)? –Mariyam H., Chicago

Answer: A non-traditional resume (e.g. one utilizing infographics, creative font or even a material different from paper) is certainly an eye-catching trick to pull out of the jobseeker’s hat. There are a few things to consider, as an unconventional resume may not be eye-catching in the ideal way. Think of the Industry before Submitting Typically,

Question: How do you explain that you want to transition from one field to a different one entirely (e.g. from finance to marketing)? –Mariyam H., Chicago

Answer: Making the leap across divisions doesn’t have to be difficult. With some finesse, you’ll find that persuading the hiring manager you’re not only willing but also qualified to move across divisional lines isn’t as challenging as it initially appears. Some things to consider before having the conversation: Make a Pro and Con List Determine

Question: What advice do you have to help your cover letter stand out? –Paige W., Chicago

Answer: With all the articles and guides floating around the internet, it can be difficult to know where to begin when it comes to the cover letter. One thing that’s for certain is to include one when applying to positions. I don’t believe that hiring managers don’t read cover letters—they may skim, sure, but the

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