Question: What if you have concerns, but don’t want to come across as not being a viable candidate? –Sarah C., Silver Spring, MD

Answer: Concerns are always difficult to bring up to your hiring manager or recruiter when applying for a job. On one hand, you have these concerns for a reason and need the answers to some questions in order to assess whether or not you’d be willing to accept an offer (if extended). On the other

Question: How many questions should I ask after the interview? Is there a possibility that too many questions (even though they’re reasonable) are excessive? –Anonymous

Answer: There’s a fine line here. On one hand, I understand why you’d want to ask more than one or two. You want to seem engaged and interested in the opportunity. Maybe you only had a single question in mind before the interview but came up with more that you realized you wanted to ask

Question: Even when a job description only asks for a resume, is it important to also include a cover letter and references?”—Stacey B., Chicago

Answer: Absolutely! It’s worth it to take the time to send a complete application—resume and cover letter, with references if applicable. Many times, sending just a resume or a template cover letter with stock phrases indicates that you’re applying for several different jobs at one time, which can make the hiring manager take you less

Question: In salary negotiations, how do you determine the best place to start? I’m not sure how to find an acceptable price point or good salary to start from. What’s my worth? –A. Chatman, Chicago

Answer: More often than not, salary negotiations are an unpleasant affair. They’re wrought with anxiety that you’re potentially lowballing yourself or setting the number too high, in turn knocking you out of the running for the position. When determining the best place to start, it’s important to first realize that the conversation doesn’t have to

Question: How do you successfully use LinkedIn? – J. Washington, Chicago

Answer: Ah, LinkedIn! To some, a godsend. To others, a necessary evil. No matter where you fall in the spectrum, it’s undeniable that the platform has proven to be an invaluable asset to the job search. From endorsements, to headlines, to finding the perfect symphony of words to make your summary shine, LinkedIn can prove

Question: What is the protocol for following up after interviews? What does it mean to be too pushy or too lax? –A. Brookover, Arlington, VA

Answer: Consider the time after your interview as an unofficial extension of the conversation you had with the hiring manager. You’ll want to reach out promptly—time is of the essence here and can make or break your candidacy for the position. That being said, following up is simpler than you would think! There really is

Question: How do I find a professional mentor? – K.Robinson, Washington, DC

Answer: A mentor is an invaluable asset for any individual looking to learn the ropes and excel in a particular field, or break into another one. Having a professional mentor is a great way to get an “inside look” into the market, employment trends and more. Some tips on how to find your mentor match: Identify

Question: When completing an application, what organization do I list on the application as my last employer? Do I put the staffing agency or the organization I worked at? I’ve been writing the agency on the application and the recruiter’s name, but how can the recruiter at the agency answer the questions the hiring manager needs answered of my experience with the organization I worked at? – Melvina C., Chicago

Answer: Many applicants turn to temporary work to avoid gaps in employment and build experience as they look for more permanent roles. This sometimes means taking on multiple temp positions over the course of a short period of time. This is a great thing, as you have valuable experiences to draw from and highlight! It

Question: Is it true that nonprofits are not inclined to choose previous for-profit career switchers? If so, what can we career-switchers do to change that impression from resume submission to meeting? – D. Dunford, Bristow, VA.

Answer: Making a career change is difficult enough, and taking the leap from the for-profit world to the nonprofit one often feels like a leap across the Grand Canyon. With dedication, passion and a strong work ethic, however, the leap is possible! According to a recent survey, 44% of nonprofits plan to create positions in

Question: What are the best approaches to negotiating salary after you get a job offer? I’m afraid of giving a figure I’ll later come to regret, but I also don’t want to ask for too much and jeopardize my chances. How can I find the middle-ground? –J. McClain, Naperville, IL

Answer: A job offer sometimes feels like you’ve reached the end of a long (and tiresome!) journey. You’ve been reaching out to people for weeks, possibly months, and sending out numerous resumes and cover letters in addition to interviewing. Once an offer is presented, it can be tempting to take the salary and benefits package

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Author: Nurys Harrigan-Pedersen