Odds are you probably already know the routine. You search all the online postings for your dream job. You complete the online application and upload your resume, as well as any other required documents. Since you are highly qualified with excellent educational credentials, a solid work history, and impressive references, you feel confident about your chances of being invited to interview for this position. And then… nothing. Weeks pass and still nothing. What happened? You may have just applied for a “ghost job.”

Why would an employer do that?

Seems like a waste, right? After all, it takes time and likely costs them money to list these fictitious openings on the various popular job search sites. Although you and I may feel that posting non-existent positions that encourage job seekers to apply is cruel and even unethical, it appears (at least for now) not to be illegal. A company may feel posting these phony jobs is justified for the following reasons: Continue reading →

It is no surprise that “STAR” job interviews is one of my most popular podcasts. During a job interview, when the interviewer asks a question that begins with a phrase something like, “Tell me about a time when…,” that is a “behavioral” question. Whether an interview is in-person or online, interviewees often find behavioral-type questions among the most intimidating and challenging. An effective way to answer such questions is using the STAR method.  

Do you know how to use the STAR method?

In this Q&A article, I will briefly discuss the behavioral interview and the STAR method of responding. Continue reading →