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Preparing for Your Job Interview

August 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment

 

MIAMI - MARCH 27: Juan Carlos Soto, who lost ... 

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A job interview can be a stressful but exciting time. In order to improve your chances of getting the job that you want, there are a few tips that will help you prepare for your interview and make the best possible impression on the company representative.

1) Prepare your answers.

It is not always easy to anticipate what the interviewer will ask. But there are several common interview questions that you should be prepared to answer. Do some research into the most popular interview questions and how to script your answer for maximum effect. When you are prepared to give the interviewer the information she is looking for, you can make a better impression on the company.

2) Research the company.

The interviewer will ask you questions about the company to see what you know about the company’s history and the position you are applying for. In order to be completely prepared, you should learn as much as you can about the company’s history, recent accomplishments and how the position you are interviewing for ties into the company’s success. You can also go to canada 411 to get some useful information about the company you are applying in.

3) Have all of your paperwork ready.

Arrive at your interview site at least 30 minutes early to fill out paperwork. Have copies of your resume and references on you to give to anyone that may need them.

You can reduce the stress of a job interview by being prepared and having everything you need on you when you arrive at the interview location. Bring your own pen and paper, take a deep breath and be ready to give the best interview you have ever given.

Filed Under: Interviews, Job Search Tagged With: , ,

Interview Tips That May Make a Difference in Getting Hired

February 1, 2011 By Leave a Comment
In this day of millions of people looking for work, it’s more important than ever to make a good impression when on an interview. A person needs to stand apart from the crowd in some way that’s beneficial to the company being applied to.
There are a few ways to make sure the interview gets as much mileage as wanted by the applicant and the interviewer. For instance:
  • Start the interview off right by being early. Five to 15 minutes early is best.
  • While waiting for the interview, don’t update Facebook status, check email or worse; talk on the phone. Make the time’s focus the new job, not personal agendas.
  • Offer the resume before you even take a seat. It shows that the applicant is prepared and focused on the meeting’s reason for being.
  • Start the conversation for the interviewer. Mention something about office décor or the photographs of family sitting around. Be warm and conversational without over-doing it. Don’t compliment the interviewer (I like your shoes) because that’s a personal remark that should be left out of a business meeting.
  • Give a short pause between questions and answers. A quick response may sound glib or cocky. Take the pace from the interviewer; if they’re calm and relaxed, go with that. If they’re seemingly in a hurry, be sure to offer complete answers without going on.
  • Don’t talk too much about yourself or go off topic. They want informed responses but keep it business-like and short.
  • Be prepared to tell the interviewer why their company was chosen; what attracted the applicant to apply there and how they can be an asset to the company.
  • Stick to the subject at hand; you. It might be helpful to write down three main reasons they should hire you and stick with that.
Ask for a business card if they haven’t given one yet. Offer a firm handshake and thank them for their time before leaving.
Filed Under: Interviews, Job Search Tagged With: ,

I Like Me

January 29, 2011 By Leave a Comment

You need confidence to go on a job interview.  You need to be able to convey to a boss that you are the right person for the job.  You also need to be able to do this without nervousness, without making him feel that you are unsure of yourself.  You have confidence in your skills.  You have been trained well.  You did well in school and you are more than comfortable with every aspect of the career you have chosen.  This is important.  If you are knowledgeable and well versed in your career, you will not stumble over your words, and you may have more confidence when discussing the particulars of your job, as you know it like the back of your hand.

Meeting new people, especially a potential new boss, can make you a little nervous.  Before going on the interview take some time to take inventory of yourself.  You know you can sell your skills, but can you sell you?  Do you like yourself?  Do other people like you?  Are you easy to talk to?  Are you a good negotiator?  Are you someone people can come to and you can help with a problem?  These are all important skills in getting a job.  There are a lot of people out there who may be knowledgeable about your career.  The difference could very well be in your ability to let the boss know you are the right person for the job.  Let him know that you work well with others.  Let him know that you take criticism well and learn from it.  Let him know that you can taken on a problem and figure out a solution with very little guidance.  These are extremely important qualities to a boss.  A self motivated, highly trained individual, who works well under pressure and works well with others is a blessing for any company.

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Asking Questions During The Interview

January 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Most interviews are very one sided.  The boss explains the position, and then will ask you questions to hopefully ascertain that you are what he is looking for.  He or she probably has a set of well thought out and prepared questions, designed to give him a glimpse into the employee you will be.  He is evaluating you by your answers.

Inevitably during the interview the boss will ask you if you have any questions.  This is your opportunity to let him know exactly how interested you are, and also that you have learned a little about the company before coming in.  If he has been thorough, by this point in the interview you know what will be expected of you, and you are more than aware of how capable you are of doing said job.  Asking a few key questions is a good way to let the boss know that you, as well, are interested enough in his company to learn something about it before hand.  This could make you stand out from the rest of the applicants.

Ask the boss what his goals are for your position.  Where does he see this position being a year from now?  What are the chances for advancement and what should be doing to make that a possibility down the road?  A personal question is okay, as long as it is not over the line.  For example, you might want to know why he or she chose to start this business.  Any boss would be flattered to know you care that much about learning more about the business.  There are questions you may need to know the answers to, such as insurance issues or payroll issues.  If the boss cannot answer these, hopefully he will steer you in the right direction or get the answers for you.  It will always be true that the only stupid question is the one that does not get asked.

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On Your Best Behavior

January 18, 2011 By Leave a Comment

It is time for you to go on an interview.  You have prepared for the interview.  You applied for the job, and the boss feels as though you are someone who he needs to talk to.  This is the first step, the all important getting your foot in the door.  You will need to make a good impression.  Be prepared for your interview.  Take time before you go to practice some answers to questions.  The less nervous you are, the more confidence you will show.  Choose your clothing carefully.  What impression do you want to give?  If this is an executive position, dress the part.  Be a little more conservative, dress for success.  Choose your clothes well in advance.  This way you are not scrambling at the last minute, thus making you more nervous.  The better prepared you are, the more at ease you will be, the answers and conversation will flow easily and confidently.

The interview is not the time to let go of your emotions.  You boss does not need to know every personal thing about you at this stage of the game.  He or she is not interested in stories about your family, your pets, or your past work experiences, except as they pertain to this particular position.  He or she however is interested in your skills, your ability to communicate and your people skills.  Make these areas shine.  Watch your language, choose your words carefully.  Try to not to get too excited, but don’t appear as though you could care less.  A perfect balance is hard to find, but this is where being prepared shines through the best.

Most of all, remember your manners.  Remember to thank the prospective boss for taking the time to talk to you, for taking the time to consider your resume.  Make sure you also give him some idea of how much better his business would be with you as part of the team.

Filed Under: Interviews, Mannerisms Tagged With: , , , , ,

Interview Secrets

January 5, 2011 By Leave a Comment

You have searched for the job that is right for you.  You have found an opening in the field you are interested in.  Sending the resume was the next step and you received that all important call.  They would like you to come in, they want to meet you.  You have gotten the all important interview.  It is very important to be prepared for the interview.

Whether you are looking for a job in corporate America or want to be the fastest checker at a fast food joint, you have to successfully pass the interview.  Fortunately, there are ways to prepare yourself for that interview.  Obviously you want to be dressed nicely.  First impressions are important.  Make sure that the way you are dressed is neat, your hair is not too high or too many different colors.  Make sure your make up is at a minimum.  Of course these tips are more important the higher up the corporate ladder you are reaching, but make no mistake.  The guy who runs the small convenience store is just as interested in hiring someone who cares about themselves as is the conglomerate with the offices on the twentieth floor.  All businesses want to represent themselves in the best light.

Okay, you look terrific, you are ready to go.  Prepare what you are going to say ahead of time.  Stumbling over your words a little can be chalked up to nerves, however if you cannot put a sentence together, you will not be running a company.  Stand in front of a mirror if that helps.  Learn some facts about the company to which you are applying and throw them into the conversation, of course connecting them to exactly how you are just what this company needs.   No need for overkill, just a show of confidence.  If you are comfortable, your prospective boss will see that, and you will have your foot in that door.

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Get Ready For The Interview

January 4, 2011 By Leave a Comment

You have been searching for the perfect job.  You have done your research and found that great job that seems to be just the right fit for you.  Unfortunately you can’t just show up and expect to be given the job.  You now have to convince management that you are the right person, that all important team member they have been seeking.

This is your area of expertise.  You know exactly what the company is looking for and you know exactly how to get it for them.  You presentation is perfection, right down to the last bullet point.  You are not nervous.  You are more than confident that you have prepared the best presentation they will see.  Your work will speak for itself.  It will show just how much you care, and how knowledgeable you are in the field for which you are applying.  While being prepared is the most important part of the interview, showing you have the confidence, knowledge and fortitude it will take to hold this position, there is another very important part of the interview process.

How you present yourself, that all important first impression, is almost as important as your skill and knowledge of the position.  If you are applying for a management position and you show up with your hair uncombed, your shirt untucked, popping your gum, you may as well stay on the elevator.  For your first interview, choose something to wear that shows that you do not need your clothes to define you, but you absolutely know how to represent the company.  Soft colors, well pressed pants, crisp collars are all excellent choices.  Not too much jewelry, definitely not too much make up,  sensible but fashionable shoes will show your boss that you are someone who cares about they way they present themselves.  This will put the boss at ease, so he is ready for the fabulous presentation of your skill.

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Job Interview Tip Series

December 10, 2010 By Leave a Comment
MCLEAN, VA - FEBRUARY 06: Job applicants stan...
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Job Interview Tip Series

Your resume and cover letter are designed to get you an interview, which is an entirely new ball park when it come to proving your abilities to an employer. If you want to ace your interview, there are some specific tips that are going to steer you in the right direction. Consider the following two tips when preparing and planning for your upcoming job interview so that you can make sure to do a good job and impress your prospective employers and your interviewer.

Tip #3: Prepare your attire ahead of time.

Make sure that the attire you plan to wear to your interview is tidy, neat and completely appropriate for the job that you are interviewing for and the company that you are interviewing with. Make sure that you have everything you need prepared for your interview, such as a portfolio along with a fresh coy of your resume and cover letter. Make sure that you also have a notepad and a pen so that you can take notes during your interview. You should also have a list of questions that you want to ask the interviewer.

Tip #4: Arrive to your interview on time.

Make sure that you arrive to each and every interview on time. Being on time does not mean arriving at the moment that the interview is supposed to begin. Instead you should arrive between five and ten minutes before the interview is supposed to begin. You should drive to the office long before the interview so that you know not only exactly where the interview is going to be held, but also so you know exactly how long it is going to take for you to get there.

A little bit of planning, preparation and consideration beforehand can go a long way in making sure that you have the best possible interview experience imaginable.

Filed Under: Business, Interviews, Job Search Tagged With: , ,

Job Interview Tips: Preparation and Personal Appearance

December 9, 2010 By Leave a Comment

A job interview is going to give you the opportunity to truly showcase all of your talents, qualifications, experience and education to a prospective employer. Because of this, it truly pays to be prepared. Preparation and personal appearance play an important role in having the perfect job interview, so consider the following tips when you are preparing for your job interview for the best results.

Preparation Tips

Tip #1: Learn about the organization beforehand so that you have something to talk about during your interview. If the interviewer asks you what you know about the company, or why you want to work for the company, then you are really going to want to have an answer prepared.

Tip #2: Make sure that you have a specific job or several different specific jobs in mind.

Tip #3: Review all of your qualifications for the job that you are applying for so that you will be able to talk about them when asked during your job interview.

Tip #4: Be prepared to describe your experiences prior to this job during your job interview. You are going to want to be able to describe how your past experiences can relate to the job that you are applying for.

Tip #5: You should also be prepared to answer questions about yourself, such as why you want the job, why you are the best candidate for the job, what your strengths are, what your weaknesses are and so on.

Tip #6: Practice your interview questions and answers beforehand with a friend or a family member to make sure that you are comfortable and confident about your interview technique prior to walking in to the real thing.

A little bit of planning and preparing can go far in making sure that you have a killer interview.

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Job Interview Tips: Preparation and Personal Appearance pt 2

December 8, 2010 By Leave a Comment
MIAMI - MARCH 27: Gregory Tai, who lost his j...
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A job interview is going to give you the opportunity to truly showcase all of your talents, qualifications, experience and education to a prospective employer. Because of this, it truly pays to be prepared. A little bit of planning and preparation can go far in making sure that you have a killer job interview, so consider these top tips on preparation and personal appearance for your job interview.

Personal Appearance Tips

Tip #1: Make sure that you are well groomed from head to toe.

Tip #2: Make sure that you are appropriately dressed for the interview and the company and job that you are interviewing for.

Tip #3: Do not smoke, chew gum or participate in other actions or activities that may take away from your professional appearance before, during or just after the interview.

Interview Tips

Tip #1: Make sure that you arrive early for the interview.

Tip #2: Learn your interviewer’s name before the job interview so that you can greet him or her by name with a firm and professional handshake.

Tip #3: Make sure that you exercise good manners with every single person that you meet.

Tip #4: Make sure that you are relaxed, and ensure that you answer each of the questions posed of you concisely and clearly.

Tip #5: Make sure that you utilize proper English, and avoid using any slang.

Tip #6: Be enthusiastic and cooperative from the moment you walk in the door until the moment you leave.

Tip #7: Make sure to ask questions about the organization and the specific position in question. Make sure to avoid asking any questions that you could have answered yourself using company literature or the company website.

Tip #8: Use interested body language like good eye contact, and avoid slouching so that the interviewer knows what you are interested.

Filed Under: Business, Interviews, Job Search Tagged With: , ,
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