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So, what do you know about me | Interview prep

Author: Rocky TarantelloOn: Dec 19Categories: No Comments

So, what do you know about me | Interview prep

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Gonzo chef Anthony Bourdain recounted a story in his popular book “Kitchen Confidential” about a job interview he had early in his career.

The job was for a chef in a steakhouse and the interviewer, the owner, was a fairly well-known restaurateur. As the story goes — or at least as I’m remembering it — Bourdain thought the interview was going well and he was feeling relaxed. The the interviewer asked, “So, what do you know about me?”

Bourdain didn’t want to appear to be part of any rumor milling about the restaurant owner, though he certainly had heard stories. So he simply said, “Practically nothing.” At which point the interview abruptly ended, to Bourdain’s confusion.

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A follow up letter | Interview Tips

Author: Rocky TarantelloOn: Nov 27Categories: No Comments

A follow up letter | Interview Tips

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The interview is over; thank you and goodbye.

Now what?

Just sit around and wait to hear if you got the job or not, right?

No. There are two things you should do after an interview. The first is to immediately send a note to the person you interviewed with thanking him or her for the opportunity. It used to be considered proper that such a note be written on real paper and sent through the post office. I recall a time when the advice was to have the note already written and in a stamped envelope before the interview so it could be dropped in the nearest mailbox right after.

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A Clothes Debate | Interview Tips

Author: Rocky TarantelloOn: Oct 12Categories: No Comments

A Clothes Debate | Interview Tips

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Not long ago a friend was applying for a midlevel executive position with a large Fortune 500 company at its corporate headquarters. Despite its prestige and standing, the company was known for its laid-back work culture, including a policy of casual business attire everyday, not just Fridays. Not even the company’s CEO wore a tie to work, let alone a jacket or suit. Indeed, he often could be seen wandering the executive suite in bib overalls.

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What’s your greatest weakness | Interview tips

Author: Rocky TarantelloOn: Oct 03Categories: No Comments

Have you ever been interviewed for a job and asked, “What’s your greatest weakness?” Of course you have. We all have. It’s one of those furniture-piece questions that interviewers love to throw out there. (It should be thrown out, period.)

the weakest link

Some interview coaches might tell you to turn the question around so that your “weakness” is really a positive. “I work too hard,” or “I care too much about details.” Say that to your interviewer and wait for that expression that says, “Yeah, right.”

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Don’t be negative | Interview Tips

Author: Rocky TarantelloOn: Aug 29Categories: No Comments

Don’t be negative | Interview Tips

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One of the most common interview questions — and one that easily trips up many candidates — is a simple one: “Why did you leave your previous employer?”

People leave jobs or look for another position while still employed for myriad reasons. Some are admirable, such as having a desire to take on new challenges and grow professionally. Some are innocuously unavoidable, such as moving due to a spouse’s relocation or to care for aging relatives.

But many times we look for a new job for the same reasons that some couples seek a divorce: irreconcilable differences. So, when it comes to that question during the interview, the candidate will have an urge to speak the truth: “My old boss was a jerk.”

Never a good idea, even if your previous supervisor was, in fact, Attila the Hun.

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Restaurant Talent Scouts | First Year Anniversary

Author: adminOn: Jul 25Categories: No Comments

Restaurant Talent Scouts, a partnership dedicated to finding qualified candidates for the restaurant and hospitality industry, recently celebrated its first anniversary. It was a great first year.

Founded in 2015 by chef Rocky Tarantello, recruiting professional Lenka Brady, and critic Scott Joseph, Restaurant Talent Scouts provides an affordable solution to businesses faced  [···]

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