Discrimination – What you need to know.

Discrimination is a serious crime and should not be tolerated. During an interview companies are not allowed to ask personal questions such as; are you married?, how many kids you have?, how old are you?, do you have a disability?.

With the economic situation we are currently in, companies are trying to take advantage and ask illegal questions and even try to pay less than what the position is worth. Research on the internet for ihiresalary.com or even careerbuilder.com/salary to see how much is your experience is worth. Now keep in mind it depends on the state and city you leave in the salary range will change, the same thing will happen with the industry you are in or want to be working in.

If you find a company and the position you like, don’t disregard it because the salary is not to your expectations. You can negotiate with the company your salary, benefits, holidays, vacation time, etc. Now don’t go overboard with it. Do your homework and make sure this is something feasible, be realistic. For example, if the salary is 4-10 thousand dollars less than expected – negotiate. Ask for a contract which salary reviews and salary increase for a specific time frame. Same thing can be done even with school or even certifications. If you need a certification in order to be better paid, make the company commit in writing stating that in lieu of receiving the certification you expect a salary increase of “x” amount of money it has been agreed upon with the company. If the company does not encourage promote within or does not promote for education reimbursement you are working for the wrong company.

Always look for companies who are interested in having their employees grow professionally and personally. Look for companies who do promote a diversity workplace, who promote employee suggestions in order to succeed, a company who treats their employees as family.

For more information on illegal questions, send me an email: elaine@rwphoenix.com

This is Elaine Rodriguez from Resume Writing Services. Have a pleasant day!

What to wear?

Ready! Set! Go! Going to an interview and you want to look like a million bucks, at least you think so. When getting ready for an interview most people memorize their resume, the job description, might even research the internet to know more about the company, but are you wearing the proper attire? Most people don’t really care! In my 20 years in the field I have seen everything when it comes to interview attire.

Back in the 80’s and 90’s people will wear business clothing - the motto “you have to dress like a winner to be a winner” well – that is not entirely true these days. In the 21st century interview clothing has changed to some point. First rule is to check with the company what their dress code is. Depending on the industry as well as the area of the continent you live in dress code will differ.


For example for an entry level to mid level administrative position business casual attire will be your best bet.

If the interview is for a construction, manufacturing or mechanical position, you are better off wearing a nice shirt, clean cut jeans and close toe shoes.

Of course for executive level positions the business attire still is the way to go.

Now never, never, ever; wear visible body piercing, saggy pants showing your underwear, rip clothing, rainbow hair (punk colors), revealing tattoos, too revealing clothing and please no offensive or discriminatory signage.

Ah! One more thing for the ladies, please use light to moderate makeup, remember is an interview and not a date to a club. For the gentlemen, clean cut – not the 5 o’clock shadow. If you’re a mustage or bear kind of a guy, always keep it clean and short. It shows lack of hygiene when men have long bears or sometimes with a braid.

Your appearance is part of the interview. Showing proper dress attire means there will not be any issues in the future and you know how to follow company’s protocol.

Have any questions email me on elaine@rwphoenix.com.

This is Elaine Rodriguez from Resume Writing Services. Until next time!

Put yourself arriving at the company where your interview for the job of your dreams, for the job you always wanted. Park the car; make sure you look just right for the interview and boy you look sharp. While in the waiting area questions scenarios start popping on your head, when finally, the hiring person is ready to see you.

To loose end up the tension, the hiring person asks about the commute to the company – how was it? and after a couple of minutes you feel right at home. Interview starts by asking basic questions and you are right on the money with your answers until behavioral questions arise. You spill your guts out. The conversation went from asking a work related question and the hiring person expecting a work related answer to something it has nothing to do with the discussion. Even worst the information was more than expected.

When interviewing for a position just answer specifically to the question asked. The worst thing a candidate can do is give information for free. It is consider free because the interviewer has not requested the information. One thing turns any interviewer off is candidates who make the interview into a confession session. You are there to sale your abilities and skills not your life story.

So remember at an interview just answer what is being asked and whatever question ask by a hiring person who requires an example always give a strong, concise and powerful answer. That will make your interview results from “candidate no a fit for position” to “recommended to proceed with hiring process”.

Good Luck!