Jobs tips

"What Are Your Strengths?

Importance: [⭐] The employer isn’t looking to see how much you can bench, but rather what skills you bring to the company’s table. Focus on your best skills and achievements, and make sure that they are relevant to the company. Show and prove that you'll be a good fit. Read some great responses to this question here: "What Are Your Strengths?” Interview Question

Respectfully Avoid Illegal Inquiries

Importance: [⭐⭐⭐] Once in a while, you may get a question that may be insensitive in one way or another, like about your origin or age. Most of the time, the interviewer doesn’t mean to offend and their interest is genuine and for small talk. Try to keep your composure as you steer the question back on track. If you don’t want to answer their question, simply answer with something like: “I’m confident that I’ll be able to meet the demands required of me and excel in my role.” But what questions should not be answered? Here is everything you need to know: Illegal Interview Questions an Employer Cannot Ask [So Don't Answer!] Want specific advice? Well, as career coaches, we know very well what interviewers are likely to ask you, so use this chapter of mock interview questions as a cheat sheet to make sure you reply with what they want to hear.

Control Your Body Language

Importance: [⭐⭐⭐⭐] Sure, you’re talking with your mouth during your interview, but your gestures, posture, and body language speak inaudible volumes. Maintain a good posture, with your back straight and your head held high. Avoid putting your nervousness on display too apparently by keeping your legs and arms still. Try not to fidget and play with something in your hands, and don’t chew on your lips. Communication skills mean being able to speak with both verbal and non-verbal signs! Feel like you could improve the way you communicate? See: Communication Skills and How to Improve Them for Your Job Search

Use Examples

Importance: [⭐⭐⭐⭐] Similar to showing quantifiable achievements when starting your resume, you’ll want to give examples with results that can be measured and which are relevant. When given the opportunity, explain to them how their current requirements would be handled expertly should you be given the role: “From the job description, I understand you are looking for someone who can take your outreach team to the next level. During my time with ABC, I performed a similar task, with excellent results…”

Don’t Let Them Dwell on the Past

Importance: [⭐⭐⭐] If you feel that the interviewer is spending too much time concerned with some old position, explain to them how it helped get you to where you are today, and how it would help you in the future. Frame these as learning experiences that remain useful to you.

Don’t Trash Talk

Importance: [⭐⭐⭐] Savvy interviewers may ask you, “what was the worst part about your last job?” This is because the reply you give here will answer a slew of other unasked questions about your personality, behavior, loyalty, and more. Don’t speak ill about your former company or coworkers, at least not in a direct way. Interviewers get turned off when you opt for the low road. Keep your wits about you as you answer this loaded question, and tiptoe around saying the very worst: Or, wrap a criticism in a blanket of compliment:

Be a Backseat Driver

Importance: [⭐⭐⭐] Just because you’re in the hot seat doesn’t mean you can’t guide the course of the interview. Steer the conversation from your end, especially when confronted with a question or course of discussion that could paint you in a less-than-perfect light. For example: Interviewer: “Can you tell me how your ABC project turned out?” Interviewee: Crap. That one didn’t end well. Attempting to divert. “I more-recently completed project XYZ, completely similar to ABC and with results I’m proud of. May I tell you about that?” See that? You know your project XYZ had great results, so you are trying to chat about that one, instead. Also, leaving the ball in their court at the end with the question keeps them feeling like they remain in control of the interview.

"What Is Your Greatest Weakness?"

Importance: [⭐⭐] Unlike the strengths question, the employer here wants to see how you answer more than what you answer. Use answers that show that you’re self-aware and open to improvement. Read some great responses to this question here: "What Is Your Greatest Weakness?" Best Answers

Sit Up and Dress Professionally

Even though you’re not meeting your interviewer in person, make sure to dress for success and sit up straight. First impressions matter and your appearance can really make or break yours. Pro Tip: Don’t forget to smile! Whether you are talking to an actual person or recording your answers, smile the way you would during an in-person interview. Wear clothes that are flattering and fit the job you are interviewing for. When in doubt, dress up rather than dress down (especially for virtual interviews!). Not only will sitting up and smiling make you look more professional and engaged—they will actually help you feel more powerful and energetic! Good posture makes you feel more confident, puts you in a better mood and communicates openness.

Pick up and deliver multiple orders

Another tip on how to make the most money with Postmates is to stack deliveries. Most of the time you will have to wait for some orders to get ready. Sometimes maybe half an hour or so. In the meantime, you could complete another delivery somewhere close by. Accepting multiple delivery requests enables you to reduce the number of minutes wasted in parking lots. Postmates promises one-hour deliveries, so if you drop off the items within the given time period, you have nothing to worry about.