FAQs - Networking Women of the Triangle

Are there any training programs that are geared towards non-student adults?

http://www.inovorks.com/
Offers Manual Testing and Auromation testing like Selenium/UFTW classes. Classes will be conducted using gotomeeting 5 days a week for an hour and half. We are official HP partner for UFT and offer HP certified course for software testing.
http://online-learning.harvard.edu/courses
Online courses through Harvard, must scroll through to find free courses.
http://www.thebestcolleges.org/free-online-classes-and-course-lectures/
Free online courses and lectures from top universities in the country.
http://www.waketech.edu/programs-courses/non-credit/build-your-business/small-business-center
Wake Tech has a small business center that offers free counseling and assistance.
We have a learning management system accessible by NWOTT website members for personal and professional development courses.

How do you successfully transition into a new field?

We have found that consulting a life coach or career coach can greatly increase your chance of success since they are able to help you uncover what it is you want to do and how to go about accomplishing your new goals. From there, you should research the companies in your new field of choice so that you can gain additional knowledge about who you want to work for and the experience you need to fulfill the requirements for hire.

I was a stay at home mom for several years. How do I transition back into the workforce?

Anyone who is reentering the workforce after several years of being unemployed should do their research on the position they want and the companies they are interested in working for. The Triangle has a very competitive job market, and walking in blindly will extend the job search process. Invest in yourself in order to prepare for your future. Seek out resources that can assist with networking, coaching, and resume development. By investing in yourself first, you increase your chances of landing your dream job. Contact Silver Key Career Solutions and receive 20% off services for NWOTT website members.

What are good ways to fill gaps in employment?

If at all possible, we recommend that you avoid employment gaps by filling your time with volunteer opportunities. If you find yourself in a position where a break is needed from employment for any length of time, try to find something part-time, get involved with volunteer/outreach programs, and continue networking. Filling this gap shows employers that you are still involved, and that you aren’t ‘out-of-touch’ with what is going on in the workforce today. Check out NWOTT's Career & Opportunities listings, volunteer opportunities will be listed as they come available.

What companies offer work from home opportunities?

How do I find volunteer opportunities?

Activate Good - Remote volunteer opportunities available!
“Works as a “force multiplier” for local causes with volunteer needs. Through their outreach efforts and online volunteer community, they help recruit and connect individuals, groups, and companies to fulfill volunteer needs with partnering nonprofits in Raleigh and the Greater Triangle.”
Volunteermatch.org is another great resource for finding volunteer opportunities.

Where do you shop for interview clothing?

What type of clothing should I get for an interview?

When shopping for interview attire, be sure to stick with neutral colors and avoid bold colors. Black, navy blue, and tan are good colors to turn to that will leave you looking professional. Also be sure to keep jewelry simple and classic. Anything over the top or too bold during an interview can be distracting, and take away from the professional image you are trying to display. Pant suits, skirt suits, and even some dresses would be appropriate, as long as they leave you looking professional.

How do you follow up with an interview, and how soon should you do it?

A thank-you letter to follow up on an interview should be done immediately. A handwritten note is always appreciated, but an email is also appropriate. Be sure to include something from the interview discussion in order to leave a lasting impression on the hiring manager. As always, remember to proofread your letter to avoid any errors, as this can leave a bad impression on some hiring managers.

What kind of networking events are in the area, and how do I get involved?

Join MeetUp to find out about connecting with locals for networking or social events. NWOTT has monthly networking events that take place on the 15th of every month. Additional events and networking opportunities are being planned throughout the year, so stay tuned for announcements of different meet-ups we’ll be having. If you are interested in being a volunteer or sponsor for one of our events, please reach out to one of the admins or our events coordinator for additional information.

Who do you address a cover letter to?

‘To Whom it May Concern’ has become a dated way to address an individual when composing a cover letter. It is recommended that you do your research or reach out to the company in order to find out the name of the individual that will be doing the hiring. This personalizes your cover letter, and shows that you put in the work to ensure it is addressed appropriately. If you are unable to locate the name of the individual during the hiring, the next best option would be to address it as ‘Dear Hiring Manager’. Remember to customize your resume and cover letter for each position you apply. See a great example here: Silver Key Career Solutions - Cover Letter Guide.

What websites do you use to research salaries?

What are some common interview questions and responses I should prepare for?

What is one of your weaknesses?
When stating a weakness, explain what you’re doing/plan to do to improve those areas. Also make sure to choose a weakness that isn’t expected to be a strength for the position. Discuss one that you’ve already began to improve so that it shows you’re aware and already taking initiative. Develop a response that can be viewed as a weakness, but also a strength. ie: I am a perfectionist, which at times can slow me down.
Recall a time when you had to deal with a difficult person and describe how you handled it.
Why do you want this job?
How does your experience fit with the open position?
How did you hear about this position?
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
What do you know about our company?
What makes you want to work here?
What are your expectations of this type of work?
What are your salary requirements?
What questions do you have for me/us?
Why did you leave your last job?

What advice do you have for individuals during a job search?

Know your competition and prepare yourself, or YOU will get lost in the masses.
Network.
Make sure your application materials are well-written and totally error-free. If you don’t make the effort to proofread and polish your cover letter and resume, the message you send is you won’t care enough to make the effort to be professional in your new job.
Always ask questions during the interview, follow up with thank-you letters
Customize your resume and cover letter for each position you apply to so that it matches the job description.
Understand the applicant tracking system.

Is LinkedIn an important resource to take advantage of when looking for a new job?

Absolutely! LinkedIn is a social platform for business professionals looking to network. Whether you are in the market for a new job, or are just looking to connect with other professionals, it is a great place to make connections. Many people have reported that they have been contacted via LinkedIn for job offers, whether or not they were actually looking for a new position. So it is important to be sure that it is up to date, and that you stay active as a member in order to improve your networking.

Why is networking important?

Networking is important because many jobs are not posted publicly. Instead, these jobs are posted internally or are filled based on a referral basis. By networking, you increase the chances of receiving a job (or at least an interview) for a position you may have not even known existed! Companies want to hire great employees and often the best way to do that is to have a referral system with their current employees. Join NWOTT at our monthly Meetup.

Frequently Asked Questions