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Practice
Practice answering interview questions and practice
your responses to the typical job interview questions and answers
most employers ask. Think of actual examples you can use to
describe your skills. Providing evidence of your successes is a
great way to promote your candidacy.
Prepare
Prepare a response so you are ready for the
question "What do you know about our company. Know the
interviewer's name and use it during the job interview. If you're
not sure of the name, call and ask prior to the interview. Try to
relate what you know about the company when answering questions.
Watch
Take a look at my Job Interview Tips Videos, so
you'll be sure to dazzle a potential employer and leave the right
impression.
Get Ready
Make sure your interview attire is neat, tidy and
appropriate for the type of firm you are interviewing with. Bring
a nice portfolio with copies of your resume. Include a pen and
paper for note taking.
Be On Time
Be on time for the interview. On time means five to
ten minutes early. If need be, take some time to drive to the
office ahead of time so you know exactly where you are going and
how long it will take to get there.
Stay Calm
During the job interview try to relax and stay as
calm possible. Take a moment to regroup. Maintain eye contact with
the interviewer. Listen to the entire question before you answer
and pay attention - you will be embarrassed if you forget the
question!
Show What You Know
Try to relate what you know about the company when
answering questions. When discussing your career accomplishments
match them to what the company is looking for.
Follow Up
Always follow-up with a thank you note reiterating
your interest in the position. If you interview with multiple
people send each one a thank you note.
Be Early
Make a winning impression by showing you are
reliable and organized. Get directions in advance and take a test
drive if you are unfamiliar with the area. Also, check out the
parking situation or public transportation schedules. Allow enough
time for traffic and unexpected delays.
It’s All About You
Review your resume thoroughly, but don’t memorize
it word for word. When talking, focus on your skills and
accomplishments and how they correlate to the position you want.
Hone in on how your experience has prepared you for this job and
what you can bring to the table.
Dress to Impress
Follow this simple rule of thumb: “It’s better to
be over-dressed than under-dressed.” Even if the work environment
is casual, your appearance still must be neat, clean and
professional. Unless the interviewer specifically tells you to
dress casually, a classic suit is always your best bet. Also,
limit your use of jewelry, makeup and cologne or perfume.
The Name Game
Make sure you know the correct name and
pronunciation of the interviewer. Listen carefully when the
interviewer states his or her name and repeat it back when you say
hello. Before you leave, ask for a business card from each person
you met. This gives you the necessary information to write
thank-you letters.
Hand It Over
A firm handshake is a sign of confidence, but avoid
the bone crushing vice grip. Weak and clammy handshakes typically
make a bad impression. Don’t forget to look the interviewer
directly in the eye when initiating contact.
Body Language
Appear confident by sitting up straight and
maintaining good eye contact throughout the interview. Poor
posture may translate to low self-esteem. Refrain from fidgeting
or chewing gum or candy.
Be Nice
You never know who you’ll meet in the parking lot,
elevator or lobby, so be polite to everyone from the receptionist
to the CEO. After all, they could have an influence in the hiring
process.
Short and Sweet
Avoid long-winded answers. Practice in advance and
you will sound more focused and polished.
The Sounds of Silence
While it may be golden, silence can be
uncomfortable. However, jumping in with irrelevant comments just
to fill up airtime will only make you look nervous. If you are
experiencing trouble forming an answer to a question, wait a few
seconds before responding. The use of “um, uh, like, well, err …”
sounds well, um … stupid. Take your time and think before you
speak.
Cold Hard Cash
Although salary is an important factor in your job
search, don’t let it be the driving force behind your choice. In
interviews, it’s more important to talk about why you’re the right
person for the job. Do not bring up salary unless the interviewer
asks.
Practice Makes Perfect
Rehearsing is not just for actors. Take time to
review what you want to say by asking a friend to play “the
interviewer.” By practicing your responses to typical interviewing
questions, you will significantly reduce your stress level and
improve your chances of making a winning impression on the
interviewer.
An interview gives you the opportunity to showcase
your qualifications to an employer, so it pays to be well
prepared. The following information provides some helpful hints.
Preparation:
• Learn about the organization.
• Have a specific job or jobs in mind.
• Review your qualifications for the job.
• Be ready to briefly describe your experience,
showing how it relates it the job.
• Be ready to answer broad questions, such as "Why
should I hire you?" "
Why do you want this job?" "What
are your strengths and weaknesses?"
• Practice an interview with a friend or relative.
• Personal appearance:
Be well groomed.
Dress appropriately.
Do not chew gum or smoke.
The interview:
Be early.
• Learn the name of your interviewer and greet him
or her with a firm handshake.
• Use good manners with everyone you meet.
• Relax and answer each question concisely.
• Use proper English—avoid slang.
• Be cooperative and enthusiastic.
• Use body language to show interest—use eye
contact and don’t slouch.
• Ask questions about the position and the
organization, but avoid questions whose answers can easily be
found on the company Web site.
• Also avoid asking questions about salary and
benefits unless a job offer is made.
• Thank the interviewer when you leave and shake
hands.
• Send a short thank you note.
• Information to bring to an interview:
Social Security card.
• Government-issued identification (driver’s
license).
• Resume or application. Although not all employers
require a resume, you should be able to furnish the interviewer
information about your education, training, and previous
employment.
• References. Employers typically require three
references. Get permission before using anyone as a reference.
Make sure that they will give you a good reference. Try to avoid
using relatives as references.
• Transcripts. Employers may require an official
copy of transcripts to verify grades, coursework, dates of
attendance, and highest grade completed or degree awarded
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