| You've been cool and calm up until this | | | | While on the topic of questions, develop a |
| moment and making all the right moves. | | | | mental list of your own to ask the employer. |
| You've sent killer resumes, along with | | | | After all, this could be your future |
| fantastic cover letters, out to dozens of | | | | employer; therefore, you should demonstrate |
| employers. And today a prospective employer | | | | enthusiasm and interest for the job for which |
| has finally contacted you for that first | | | | you are applying. Some suggestions are: |
| all-important interview. You've studied and | | | | |
| planned for this dream position for many | | | | •What are the key responsibilities of |
| days; yet now you are terrified. | | | | this position? •What is a typical work |
| | | | day like? But no matter how tempting, do not |
| What has shaken your confidence? You are | | | | ask about how much money you will be making! |
| suddenly finding yourself obsessing over the | | | | |
| horrifying idea of going blank during the | | | | A fourth bit of advice is to bring extra |
| interview. You can't sleep well at night and | | | | copies of your resume and references with you |
| butterflies appear in your stomach each time | | | | to the interview. This simple little step |
| you think about the big day. Are you alone | | | | shows that you are conscientious; never take |
| in feeling this way? | | | | the chance of an employer not being able to |
| | | | view all of your hard work and |
| Certainly not. Many job seekers experience | | | | accomplishments just because he didn't have a |
| anxiety and apprehension when it comes to | | | | copy of your resume handy. |
| interviewing with a potential employer. | | | | |
| After all, what's not stressful about selling | | | | A fifth step that is frequently overlooked is |
| yourself to a total stranger on why he or she | | | | lining up your list of references before they |
| should hire you for their company? It was | | | | are contacted by a potential employer. Your |
| probably an interviewee who came up with, | | | | list of contacts should be well-versed on |
| "You never get a second chance to make a | | | | your work skills and strengths and have |
| first impression." | | | | direct knowledge of your job performance. |
| | | | Guarantee that you receive glowing |
| That statement holds true for job | | | | recommendations by informing your references |
| interviewing more than any other situation; | | | | in advance that they may be contacted by a |
| but it is possible to prepare yourself for a | | | | potential employer. |
| stellar interview and to literally steal the | | | | |
| job before you've even sat down for the | | | | The following is a list of do's and don'ts to |
| interview. Learn how you can increase your | | | | go over when preparing for the job interview. |
| chances of landing the job of your dreams | | | | |
| with some basic tips and advice. | | | | Do: •Verify directions and parking |
| | | | before the day of interview. •Go alone. |
| Firstly, know thy audience. Do your research | | | | That means no Mom or your best friend. |
| on the company's history and what products or | | | | •Arrive a little early. Ten to fifteen |
| services they offer. Nothing genuinely | | | | minutes early is a good practice. •Be |
| flatters an employer more than to know that | | | | clean and well groomed. Ladies, avoid nail |
| someone has taken the time to understand what | | | | polish, strong perfume, and loud colors and |
| his or her company is all about. | | | | jewelry. Fellows, don't use strong cologne |
| | | | and avoid wearing jewelry. •Smile and |
| Secondly, develop a very short commercial | | | | shake hands firmly. •Make good eye |
| about yourself. Put together a two-minute | | | | contact. •Speak clearly and use proper |
| summary detailing your strengths, skills, and | | | | grammar. •Ask for clarification if you |
| goals; then commit it to memory. This brief | | | | don't understand a question. •Take time |
| infomercial that is all about you serves to | | | | to think about your answers. •Ask when |
| effectively promote and sell you to | | | | a hiring decision will be made. •Thank |
| prospective employers. | | | | the prospective employer for their time. |
| | | | •Write a follow-up letter to the |
| A third tip that can't be emphasized enough | | | | prospective employer within one day following |
| is to practice, practice, practice your | | | | the interview. |
| answers to possible questions. Not only does | | | | |
| practicing ease anxiety and instill | | | | Don't: •Speak too fast. •Smoke or |
| confidence in yourself, but it can also | | | | chew anything. •Ask about salary. |
| prevent you from going blank during the | | | | •Discuss personal or financial |
| interview. Some of the most common interview | | | | problems. •Criticize your former |
| questions are: •Tell me about yourself. | | | | employers or colleagues. Remember that the |
| •What do you know about the services or | | | | prospective employer has already expressed an |
| goods our company provides? •What are | | | | interest in you by contacting you for an |
| your short and long term goals? | | | | interview. Take advantage of this golden |
| •Describe your strengths and | | | | opportunity by thoroughly preparing yourself |
| weaknesses. •What is the greatest | | | | to land that dream job. You may find |
| challenge you've ever faced and how did you | | | | yourself reporting for work on Monday |
| overcome it? | | | | morning. |
| | | | |