Career

Showing posts with label interview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label interview. Show all posts

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Finally I had a manual for myself

Finally I had a manual for myself
"You should go work in a bookstore without customers." This heartfelt advice Jeanette was a few years ago from her friend. Jeanette is highly sensitive and she was there then too cumbersome. She is now a valued residential counselor for mentally handicapped and she has the good sense to her. "That did not matter," says Jeanette, "I have something to do."
Jeanette has taken careful steps to get this far. She is going to find out how they could cope with its high sensitivity. An important first step was to learn and accept its high sensitivity. Jeanette: "When I read about it, I finally knew what was going on, and I had a manual for myself." She understood better why they often become so intense was tired and could feel themselves unstable.
Highly Sensitive People or HSP (highly sensitive person), by their life experiences more intense than average. Environmental influences are stronger within them. This has already filled their bucket, and have a greater chance of being burned out. Therefore take hsp are often satisfied with a simple job, hoping that she can easily maintain. But one can gevoeligerd's a tough job, but he provided well for himself.
Jeanette is in her role as a residential counselor changing services, a considerable burden on its forms. Besides her job she has caring for her daughter. To all this must be sustainable for a party they sometimes cancel or schedule a rest day after a heavy weekend shifts. She also taught her colleagues in a tactful way to tell what they sometimes need, so they can respond. It was not easy for her to accept these limits, because she wanted to be like everyone.Some quiet time provides muchSuccessful highly sensitive people are careful to stay balanced. One of them is Ada, who works full time as an account manager at an IT office. Ada benefits from pilates, tai chi and reiki. She takes them to rest as she is and makes the occasional walk. Ada: "If you feel good, you sell more, why does such a great time to rest." For her work she regularly to conferences to network and customers. Previously she found it very tiring. Since she has learned her aura (the energy field around her) to close to environmental influences, she can perfectly.Favorable working optWhen looking for a new feature, select successful hsp's favorable working conditions. For one, it is important occasionally to a quiet room to work, for others it is freedom in the layout of the work is important. Ada experience the advantage of being based targeting works. She must get a certain amount of assignments, and they can decide how it works. Thus, she one day that she feels less rest, and if necessary cancel an appointment or at home. On days when it feels good, she is way more to customers. This appears to work well, because its success rate is above average.Do something you have passion forSuccessful hsp-taking their interests seriously in the choices for training and jobs. This means that they enjoy their work. This makes them feel stronger and better maintain their energy levels. Jeanette: "I got a job as assistant cook in a form of housing for the mentally handicapped. When it became apparent that I contact with the residents was the most fun. Therefore I am training SPW (social pedagogical work) to do. Passion for doing something you really have to charge you, because you get energy. "He does not really know where his passion lies, may seek the help of a career or a good book in terms of career choices.You have talentsSuccessful hsp's to know what their talents are. Highly Sensitive people are often perceptive, compassionate, conscientious and creative. They provide an early risks and identify market opportunities. They often come very passionate and original solutions. HSP who recognize and appreciate their own talents, this is a great advantage in their career. Jeanette: "I feel the needs of the residents very well, nor can it respond properly. They have been quiet as I enter. "Also see Ada in her job as an account has advantages in its high sensitivity," I feel like the seller of other goods. This gives me very quickly a foundation of trust with customers. So I can easily sell. "An interesting jobAll in all there are prospects for hsp who desperately ask, "Will I ever go further than this boring job?" Many highly sensitive people have gradually found a guide for himself, and if successful steps in their careers can take. Jeanette was a few years ago as desperate: "I struggled with the acceptance of my high-sensitivity, I would prefer to be normal. But now I enjoy my work. "High Sensitivity in the workplace: two sides of the coin:High Sensitivity High Sensitivity and quality as an expenseToo many people feel good moods are influenced by othersMany signals Regularly pick up area in need of restCaring for others too much care for othersQuality of paramount importance have to do it perfectlyTake too much responsibility on your shouldersPleasant Trouble liaising with assertivenessIntuitive Your intuition can not feel much into actionDriven and hard work by overwork burnoutCreate new solutions you bored with repetitive workEarly trends and identify risks no response within the organizationLift the receiver to make a meaningful contribution to meaningless goals

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Tuesday, November 2, 2010

The Ins and Outs of Moving for a Job

Job Vacancy Indonesia, Employee, Vacancy


You've found the perfect job but it's clear across the country. What do you do first?

Make Sure You Really Want to Move:
Many of us romanticize living somewhere else. The houses are cheaper, the taxes are lower, and the people are friendlier. Sure, all that might be true, but make sure you are moving for the right reasons. Is your family behind you and supportive? Moving for work takes a lot of flexibility on the part of other family members and dependents. In order to make the move easier on everyone, you have a lot to consider. Will your spouse be able to find work if they want? Will your children have as good opportunities for education and enrichment?
If you are single, it might be easier for you, but it's still an adjustment to make. You may be farther away from your support system and it might take time to feel a part of your new community if you don't know anyone in the area.

Do Your Research:
Investigate the city or town you want to move to. How does the cost of living compare to you current city? Will your money go as far? What is crime like? Are there a lot of things to do for those times when you won't be working? Most cities and towns have web pages where you can find a lot of this information. Do you know anyone in the town you will be relocating to? Ask questions! Only when you are informed can you make sure you are making a decision that's right for you.

Set a Realistic Time Frame:
Do you have to sell your home before you move? Are you waiting for the kids' summer vacation? Before you apply for a job or accept an offer, make sure you're setting a realistic time frame. Be fair to your prospective employer. If you need time to make a decision, make sure you take the time you need. Communicate with your prospective employer so he or she knows the constraints you are working under. As well, be considerate of his or her constraints. Don't apply for a job that needs to be filled ASAP if you can't move until the summer. 

Ask For Help:
Your future employer might be able to help you get settled. As well as potentially providing financial relocation assistance (you may be able to negotiate this as part of your offer) your new employer can likely help you in choosing a real estate agent or even suggest a great neighborhood. Don't be afraid to ask.
With a little preparation and foresight, you can enjoy your new opportunity. Moving brings along a lot of challenges but it can be a rewarding way to make a change to both your career and personal life.

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Monday, August 16, 2010

How to Deal With Interview Stress

by Caroline Levchuck


To many job seekers, "stress" is synonymous with "job interview."

Job seekers stress over landing an interview. Then they stress over preparing for it. And then they stress over what to wear, what to say, if the interviewer will like them and more.

But the worst stress of all often occurs during the interview. This is the stress that can cause you to blow it. It can make you freeze, panic, chatter aimlessly, lose your train of thought or perspire profusely.
So how can job seekers keep cool when it counts? Relax. A few simple

techniques can help calm frayed nerves and sooth interview jitters.

Early Warning

Timing is everything: Don't cause yourself undue stress before a big interview.

Arrive about 10 minutes before the interview is scheduled to begin.

If you arrive too early, you'll sit and wait and worry. And if you arrive too late, you may find yourself racing in the door, your heart already pounding from a last-minute dash.

A ten-minute, pre-interview break will give you an opportunity to catch your breath and acclimate to your surroundings. It's enough time, but not too much time.

Picture This

You can make your dream a reality. Use your imagination to stay calm during a job interview.

Visualization is a relaxation technique in which you create a mental image of a stressful or challenging situation. Then you imagine yourself succeeding in the situation. By doing so, you're mentally preparing to handle the event in real life.

You can practice visualization in the days, hours or even minutes before an interview. Simply close your eyes and breathe deeply. Picture yourself greeting the interviewer confidently and answering tough questions with ease.

Practice succeeding in your imagination, and soon you'll be doing it in reality.

Relax

A relaxed job candidate is a confident job candidate.

Show the interviewer that you're calm, composed and in command during an interview. He's likely to assume that you'll be rock-solid on the job too.

Use these tips to stay relaxed during an interview:

* Breathing deeply and slowly (and quietly, of course).
* Sit up straight and don't cross your legs or arms.
* Speak slowly and pause for breath often.
* Keeps your hands and jaw relaxed; no clenching.

* Smile -- it really is contagious!

Pause, Don't Panic

In every interview, there comes a moment that doesn't go according to plan. There's an awkward silence. You stumble over your words. You flub a tough question.

Don't panic. Now's the time to put your relaxation skills into overdrive.

It's much easier to control fear and panic as it starts to build than to calm yourself down once they've begun to spiral out of control.

When you feel yourself starting to panic and lose focus, pause. Tell yourself silently that you can do this. Take a deep breath. Refocus. And then resume interviewing.
A quick ten-second pause can be all you need to regain your composure and get back in control. And the interviewer likely won't even notice.


Job Info , Jobs Sources , Career Opportunity

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The Second Interview

by Caroline Levchuck


Congratulations! You wowed your prospective employers on your first interview and have been called back for an encore. So, how will the second interview be different from the first?

This time around, expect to spend more time at the company, talk to more people, individually and collectively, and have your skills and personality scrutinized more closely.

The Employer's Point of View

From an employer's perspective, the second interview is a chance to closely evaluate a candidate's abilities and interpersonal skills. Your prospective employer wants to see that you can do the job and work well with colleagues.

Be aware that many employers bring in several candidates on the same day to streamline the second interview process. Your challenge is to distinguish yourself from the other candidates.

To show you're a good fit with the company, focus on explaining how your abilities and experiences would enable you to do the job. Be specific. Offer concrete examples that highlight your competence and compatibility.

Who You'll Meet

On your first interview, you probably met with one or two people. This time, be prepared to meet several more over the course of the day, including potential managers, coworkers and other staff members.

You may meet individually with several people, who will most likely ask you similar questions. Keep your answers consistent but mix up your delivery so that your answers don't sound stale or staged. If possible, before the interview acquire a list of the people you'll be meeting with and do a little research on each one. Then ask questions that show your knowledge of each person.

If you meet with a panel or group, be sure to make eye contact with both the individual asking the question and the group as a whole.

Steps for Follow Up

It's rare to receive an offer on the spot, but it does happen occasionally. If the feedback is consistently positive over the course of the day, you may get a job offer at the end of the interview. If that happens, don't make a hasty decision. Ask for time to think about it.

If you don't get an offer, be sure to immediately send a brief thank you note to every person you spoke with. Some companies make hiring decisions in a matter of days, but many can take weeks to make their final choice.

Be patient, be flexible and be ready for an offer or an invitation for yet another interview.


Job Info , Jobs Sources , Career Opportunity

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It's Your Turn: What to Ask an Interviewer

by Erin Hovanec


The interviewer asks you, "Do you have any questions for me?"

You say ... "Yes!"

This is the easiest interview question out there. Always say yes.

Asking questions shows that you're interested in the job. It also gives you a chance to show how knowledgeable you are about the position and the industry. Most important, it lets you highlight why you're the perfect candidate.

You have to choose your questions carefully, though, depending on who's doing the interviewing. An excellent question for a recruiter might be inappropriate for an executive. And you don't want to ask your potential boss something that's best suited for a future coworker.

Also, there are certain questions you should never ask early in the interview process -- no matter whom you're meeting. Don't ask about salary, vacation, 401(k) or anything else that might make you seem more interested in the compensation than the company.

This article shares questions appropriate for every type of interviewer.

The Recruiter: The 'Big Picture' Person

It's the recruiter's job to identify strong candidates and guide them through the hiring process. Think of the recruiter as the "big picture" person. They can give you an overview of the company and the department as a whole. (Save very specific questions about the job for the hiring manager.) The recruiter is also the best person to answer questions about the hiring process.

Some questions to ask the recruiter:

* How would you describe the company culture?
* What type of employees tend to excel at this company?
* Can you tell me more about the interview process?

The Hiring Manager: Your Future Boss

The hiring manager will likely supervise you if you get the job. They're the most knowledgeable people about the position and its requirements. You should direct specific questions about the job, its responsibilities and its challenges to them. You may also want to ask what kind of candidate they're seeking.

Some questions to ask the hiring manager:

* What are the most important skills for the job?
* How would you describe your ideal candidate?
* What's a common career path at the company for someone in this role?

The Executive: The Industry Expert

Senior managers and executives are likely to be most knowledgeable about the latest happenings in their industry. If you'll be working closely with an executive, you can ask them some specifics about the job. But you should focus most of your questions on the future of the company and the industry. This is your chance to show off your industry knowledge!

Some questions to ask a senior manager or executive:

* How do you think this industry will change in the next five years?
* What do you think gives this company an edge over its competitors?
* What's the company's biggest challenge? How is it planning to meet that challenge?

The Coworker: The Straight-Talker

Some interviews will also include a meeting with a potential coworker -- the interviewer most likely to "tell it how it is." A potential colleague may be most candid about the job, its challenges and the work environment. However, don't expect inside information -- and certainly don't ask for it.

Some questions to ask a potential coworker:

* What's a typical day like in the department?
* How would you describe the work environment at the company?
* What's the most enjoyable part of your job? What's the most challenging part?

Job Info , Jobs Sources , Career Opportunity

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Minor Matters That Make Your Interview

by Erin Hovanec


Preparing for an interview can be stressful -- and time-consuming. You can spend days researching a company, brainstorming answers to "trick" questions and preparing your portfolio.

With so much to do, it's easy to forget the practical details that can distinguish a successful interview from a tragic one.

This article focuses on the minor matters that job seekers often overlook before they sit down in the interview hot seat.

Getting Your Interview Gear Ready

Lay out your clothing in advance. You don't want to be frantically searching for a missing sock or clean shirt on the day of the interview.

Make sure your outfit is clean and neatly pressed and take care of other time-consuming chores (polishing your shoes, trimming your nails) the day before the interview if possible.

Also, gather all the other important materials you'll need for the interview in one place, where you will be sure not to forget them. You might include copies of your resume, references and directions.

Just Call Me "Dragon Breath"

Your parents were right: You don't do as well on an empty stomach.

Make sure you eat before the interview. You don't need to have a huge meal. In fact, a heavy meal or one loaded with carbs can make you feel sluggish and lethargic. But a light meal or snack will ensure that your stomach doesn't start rumbling loudly just as you're about to discuss your most brilliant accomplishment.

If your interview isn't until later in the day, steer clear of stinky bards, such as onions and garlic.

Whatever you plan to eat before the interview should be followed by some mouthwash and a good brushing.

Have Interview, Will Travel

The day of the big interview is not the time to try out a new shortcut or investigate an unfamiliar area.

Make sure you know how to get to your interview in advance. Make a practice run the day before if necessary.

Also, find out exactly where you'll need to go when you arrive at the company.

If you're lucky, you'll walk through the front door and find the receptionist waiting. If you're not so lucky, you'll need to find your way to Lot 8, Building 9, Floor 10, Suite D, Room 125 -- so be sure you know how to get there.

Eyes and Ears Are Everywhere

When it comes to interviewing, a little paranoia can be a good thing.

Your interview starts in the parking lot, so be conscious of your surroundings. Any onlooker could be one of your interviewers. Act accordingly.

Be courteous and professional to everyone you meet, from the security guard to the receptionist. If you make small talk with strangers, be positive and pleasant. This isn't the time to complain about the "funny smell in the lobby" or a long wait for an elevator.

Lastly, turn off your cell phone.


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Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Top 10 Tips for Entertaining Job Interviews

Top 10 Tips for Entertaining Job Interviews

Written by Craig Travis Jun 07, 2009 www.jobsarticle.com


The entertainment interview may be done in many ways, but the most common is an interview over a meal (generally lunch or breakfast, but sometimes a dinner) and it can include a one-on-one, but more often than not includes several interviewers who have a stake in your hiring. Why would they want to interview over a meal? There is any number of reasons; but always chief among them is the opportunity to observe and seriously scrutinize you.

#1 Be fully prepared.

Do not mistake this sort of interview for a chance to get a free lunch or it is for your enjoyment and pleasure. It is not. In fact, you must look at every type of interview, no matter how casual or informal it may seem, as the most important one of your career and there is no room for error. Treat each and every one with the seriousness of any other one you have ever had.

#2 Be on your best behavior.

If the position you are applying for is a high profile one and requires entertaining clients regularly, then this is a perfect opportunity for the interview team to see how you behave. What sort of table manners do you have? Do you know your table etiquette? Do you possess social etiquette and manners? Do you drink too much? Are you a sloppy eater? Do you have the good sense to know how to act in such a situation? Do you know how to put others at ease? Can you carry a conversation? Are you interesting? Can you sell? At every step of the way do not hesitate to think for a moment that you are not being observed and judged on every word you utter and every move you make. Your behavior is under the spotlight and you had better know how to behave to the highest social and professional standards. That said, you also need to relax and help contribute to a comfortable engagement so the interview will go smoothly and work to your advantage.

#3 Mind your manners.

Remember to be polite; say please and thank you to your fellow diners and serving staff. Do you know what to do when first taking your seat? Immediately place your napkin on your lap when everyone is seated. Sit up straight, keep elbows off the table and avoid resting your arms on the table. Your salad fork is on the far left; your entrée fork will be next to it between the salad fork and your plate while your dessert spoon and fork will be placed on top, above your plate. Liquids are on the right; solids on the left. Thus, your water glass will be on the right and your bread plate will be to the left.

#4 Sharpen your social skills and etiquette.

If you are unsure of your knowledge and practice of social and professional etiquette and manners then ask a close friend, colleague or family member to give you their assessment of you in this regard. Check out a book on the subject as there are many excellent ones out there. Practice your social skills and make sure the right ones become a part of your everyday life. Many firms will remove you from further consideration because you do not have mastery of these skills in your life and these are considered fundamental, essential and critically important to firms that use entertaining as a crucial component to the success of their business.

In fact, the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys organization takes their top cheerleader prospects out to a high end restaurant and orders an array of dishes simply to see how the women behave and eat. How do you eat king crab legs or lobster? What about BBQ ribs and corn on the cob? Can you eat spaghetti without slurping and making a mess? Do you use a spoon, fork, knife or combination thereof to eat your peas? Which is correct? Those who do not know what fork to use for which dish, or do not know when to use their hands rather than choosing a fork or knife, and vice versa, are simply eliminated. Part of organization’s try-out process includes the expectation that every candidate ought to know these fundamental social skills before trying out. After all, management reasons, they are the team’s ambassadors and all of the world’s eyes are watching their every move and listening to every word. It is not their role to teach their employees this proper behavior. You better know it and live it well. Consider your meal interview in the same way. Make sure you know what to do in every situation.

#5 Have a clue; follow the lead of your host.

As a general rule, follow the lead of the interviewer who is your host. Ask what they might recommend to eat. That will give you a clue as to what might be the most appropriate items to order, what they enjoy and can provide the opportunity to discuss a favorite dish to keep the conversation light. Most likely your host will defer to you to place the first order with your waiter. In any case, avoid ordering alcohol, even if your host insists because you want to remain as clear headed as possible throughout the interview process. Instead, order a soft drink or other non-alcoholic beverage as long as it is not a virgin-type non-alcoholic drink (i.e., virgin margarita, virgin bloody mary, etc.).

As for food, stay with simple foods that you know how to eat properly, are not messy and will not get your hands and face messy. Thus, avoid most foods you generally eat with your hands unless it is a very simple sandwich or hamburger. Best, order something simple you can eat with a knife and fork, and will not be messy or require you to eat it awkwardly. Soups are good choices (do not slurp). Eat your soup pushing the spoon away from you as this will lessen any chance of spilling it in your lap.

#6 Watch what you eat.

Opt for the lower to mid-level priced entrees. Be careful about ordering the special recommended by the server because more often than not, that is among the highest priced items on the menu. Keep in mind you are going to be talking throughout and will likely be talking considerably more than the others so you want to have a meal that is easy to cut into small bite size pieces you can easily and quickly chew and swallow before resuming your conversation. Break your dinner roll into small bite-size pieces.

#7 Mind your P’s and Q’s.

Do not talk with food in your mouth and use your napkin frequently to ensure your face remains clean. Your interviewers are watching you and you do not want sauce dripping down your chin unknowingly. If you leave the table, put your napkin on your chair, not on the table, and promptly place it back on your lap when you return. And when you are done, place your utensils at the three o’clock position on your plate so the server knows you are through. The person who invited you is your host for the meal and is expected to pay for it, so allow that person to pick up the tab. But most importantly, graciously say thank you and express how much you enjoyed your meal together.

#8 Remember this is an interview, not a free lunch.

Accept the notion you may not really eat at all, but instead be busy answering questions. Thus, it does not really matter if you eat, but you know how to eat properly. Save your appetite for an after interview meal if you need to. Keep in mind that the meal interview is designed to ascertain your habits, manners, conduct, protocol, proper social behavior and ability, and your customs.

#9 Be careful what you drink.

Included in the entertainment interview type is the cocktail interview, though this is seldom used and is highly unusual. However, if you are asked to meet for drinks, do not take this invitation lightly because you will be under the spotlight even if you think it is to just have a beer with the guys.

It makes good sense to try and avoid this by politely suggesting a meeting later over coffee or at the office. But, if you must accept such an invitation, follow the advice previously given and consider yourself to be the focus of attention. Again, avoid the alcohol and order a soft drink instead.

If your interview insists that you have a drink, and assuming you are not a teetotaler, it may be wiser to say yes as a diplomatic means of moving the interview forward on the proper note. This is a judgment call you can only make in the light of the moment. If you do have a drink, have no more than one. You must remain clearheaded at all times. Remember, this is really not the time to be socializing with the team because you are being interviewed for a job that affects your future, your life and your career. Save the social hour with the team after you have the job.

#10 Be sociable.

Keep in mind that no matter what sort of entertainment venue is chosen for your interview, it is a formal interview and you must be at the top of your game. You are being evaluated at every turn and you must be sure that you are not giving your interviewer any reason to drop you from further consideration. You are competing for a job you highly covet. Be serious and go after it with all of your highly learned skills and tact. That said, you must also have a relaxing social side to you and therefore, you want to be just as at ease as if you were sitting in the interviewer’s office.


Job Info , Jobs Sources , Career


Monday, July 26, 2010

The Interview – are You Prepared?

The Interview – are You Prepared?

Written by Jennifer Geary Jun 07, 2009 www.jobsarticle.com


You finally made it to the interview. While you are sitting in the waiting room, your hands become cold and clammy, thoughts begin racing through your head of whether you are sweating, does it show, did you drink too much water, and what if you have to pee in the middle of the interview? What will they ask? Do I get right to the point, or do I explain every detail? What if I can’t answer a question? Many other thoughts begin racing through your head when you finally decide you need some type of headache medicine. At that moment, the front desk calls you back to the office for your interview. You stand up, dust yourself from any last-minute lint accumulation, clear the lump in your throat, and begin your walk toward the door.

Your resume was the first impression you made. Your interview will be the deciding factor for the job. Before you head into your interview, there are a few things you should prepare for.
1. How large is the company - this gives you an idea of your chances for advancement, the types of jobs above yours, the number of employees, how fast it's growing, etc.
2. How old is the company - this will give you an idea about its stability and the security of the position you are seeking.
3. What does the company do? Is it a service or product in which you can develop an interest?
4. What do you know about the position and what job responsibilities does it have? Be sure the position is one you want as it should not just be a source of income, but something you enjoy doing.

Once you have completed the research, you need to get ready for the actual interview. Dress for success. Remember, you only have one chance to make a good impression. Your first impression makes a lasting impression. Not to put any pressure on you or anything!!! BE EARLY, but not too early!! This sets the stage for your attendance in the future. Understand the background of the company you are interviewing for. Know what they are about and what they stand for. Research it if you have to.

The Interview

Always greet the employees you meet before, during, and after the interview with an aggressive handshake, except the receptionist. What I mean by aggressive, is, don't be afraid to squeeze their hand a little, and initiate the shake. Don't give a puny handshake by laying your hand inside theirs with no squeeze and no shake. Let them know you are there for a purpose and SMILE!! Comment on their clothes, office, facilities, or something, but don't overdue it. For example: Mary (yes, please remember your interviewer's first name and USE IT!), I love those earrings, where did you get them?

Your appearance makes a lasting impression. Before you even open your mouth at an interview, you have already made an impression by your manner of dress. It is vital you dress at a level appropriate for the job and not be a distraction. You should look fashionable, but not over dressed. For example, no large fancy earrings, only mild perfume or cologne, hair neatly combed, neatly trimmed facial hair (for the guys of course), and remove your hat and/or coat during the interview.

Your attitude is the next most important piece of the interview. You have already grabbed their attention with your resume and they are talking to you because they believe you meet the qualifications of the job. Now, it's your time to convince them you are right for the position.
1. Smile and be friendly - try to demonstrate a genuine enthusiasm and sincere interest in the position. Don't be overly happy or bubbly and on the other hand, don't be depressed and passive, either.
2. Give the interviewer the respect and attention that the position requires - don't try to be a know-it-all; you should display a willingness to take direction, to learn and to grow within the position. Highlight what you do know, but don't play it up. If you don't know about a subject, ask. At least let the interviewer know the truth about your knowledge. Often times, they will not have an exact fit for the position, but if you are willing to go the extra mile to learn one subject you’re not very familiar with, the interviewer understands you can grow into the position.
3. Exhibit a desire to do more than the job requires - going one step beyond what is requested.
4. Keep your personal problems out of the interview - if you don't, you may cast doubts on your ability to focus your full attention on the job. Problems with spouse, parents, or family are not an appropriate subject during the interview. Neither is the fact that your financial situation may be growing serious and you really need a job; no interviewer is going to respond favorably to being pressured should you try to "guilt" them into hiring you.
5. Thank the interviewer for their time - if you enjoyed talking with them, say so.
6. Be on time - many employers are on a tight schedule. Arriving more than 10 or 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment may interfere with other tasks they need to do; arriving late never makes a favorable impression.
7. Do not smoke
8. Do not chew gum - doing so gives the impression you don't know how to behave in a business setting.
9. Avoid heavy perfumes and aftershaves - they are distracting and prevent an interviewer from focusing on your qualifications to do the job.
10. Sit across from the interviewer - there may be several chairs when you enter the interview room; choose one facing the interviewer. In the case of multiple interviewers, choose the best seat where you can see all interviewers.
11. Maintain good body posture - sit erect. Do not cross your arms. Be aware of nervous mannerisms; swinging your leg, clicking a pen, cracking your knuckles, etc.
12. Maintain eye contact - when there is more than one interviewer, divide your attention equally among those present, even if most of the questions are asked by just one person.
13. Do not use slang - words such as "yeah," "you know," "okay," or "nah" should be avoided.
14. Do not ramble - give brief answers, yet provide all the necessary information; most answers should take no more than 30-40 seconds. Make sure your answers apply directly to the questions asked; when possible, emphasize your strong points within your answers.
15. Answer all questions fully - avoid replying with "I don't know" since you DO know all about you and your feelings, likes and dislikes. If you don't know the answer to a question, simply state the reason you don't know the answer.
16. Do not bring friends or children to the interview - your social/home life belongs outside the employment setting.
17. Be honest - don't mislead the interviewer by overstating your qualifications or understating your abilities.

The entire purpose of an interview is to determine whether your personality will blend with those of the other employees and the general atmosphere of the employment setting. Your qualifications have only gotten you to the interview; it is your attitude, personality, and your ability to describe your skills which will get you the job.

Sell yourself

You need to impress an employer with the fact that you possess many of the qualities that make a good employee. Giving concrete examples of these qualities makes you a much stronger candidate:
1. Creativity - Ability to listen to others
2. Initiative - Ability to learn from instructions
3. Maturity - Ability to take supervision
4. Self-starting ability - patience
5. Working with details - ability to accept criticism
6. Ability to work with others - sincerity
7. Innovation - neatness
8. Sensitivity - confidence
9. Problem solving ability - cooperativeness/teamwork
10. Punctuality - assertiveness
11. Striving for advancement - motivation
12. Sense of humor - dependability

Questions you should be prepared to answer:
1. Tell me about yourself - give a brief autobiography. This should include your schooling, education, interests inside and outside work, skills, etc.
2. How does your background fit this position - this is your chance to bring out those points which demonstrate your ability to do the job.
3. What did you like the most about your last job/What did you like the least - give a brief statement. This is a chance for the interviewer to find out what most concerns you about a job.
4. Tell me about your last supervisor - they are really asking, "How well did you get along with your supervisor?" BE HONEST! If you got along, provide some evidence of that good relationship. If things didn't work out, explain why and what you've learned. Don't be overly negative as you will only present yourself as a complainer.
5. Tell me about the people you worked with - the interviewer is really asking, "How well did you get along with your peers?" Answer the same as the previous question.
6. Why are you leaving the job you have now/Why did you leave your previous job - again, be honest. Don't blame others for past difficulties. If you quit, state your reason, if you were fired, give an honest estimation of why.
7. Tell me about your most significant work accomplishment/What has made you the most proud of the work you have done - this is your chance to expand on your resume. Give details of the accomplishments for each job function and/or position you have held.
8. What has made you the most proud of yourself outside of work - this gives the interviewer an indication of how your initiative, motivation, and self-confidence have translated into actual achievements.
9. What do you know about the job/What do you know about this company - this is your opportunity to impress the potential employer with how well you have researched the company.
10. Why do you want this job - don't answer "I don't know" or "I need the money". Tell them what makes THIS the job YOU want.
11. Did your job responsibilities change at any time in your last job Simply a “yes” or “no” will do.
12. Have you taken any additional courses since graduating or leaving school - this lets the interviewer know if you are willing to learn.
13. How did you do in school - make a general statement concerning your grades, attendance, and extracurricular activities. The interviewer is looking to see if you are teachable.
14. What do you do outside work - make a general statement concerning your community involvement and leisure activities.
15. What are your future plans - give short-term and long-term goals. Make a simple statement, don't drag it out.

These are general questions which would be asked in a normal interview, however; I have found that in answering some of these questions, they spark other, more complicated questions like:
1. How do you deal with stress or conflict
2. Describe your personality
3. Who do you turn to for help when making decisions/If no-one is available, are you comfortable making difficult decisions
4. Describe a difficult obstacle you had to overcome and how you handled it
5. Is there a question I haven't asked you that I should
6. Why should we NOT hire you - this was difficult and I answered the question without answering it, if that makes any sense.
7. How would you describe your organizational abilities
8. When have you failed and how did you deal with it

Remember, during the interview process, answer all questions and try to ask a few for yourself. If you don't get the opportunity to ask during the interviewer's questions, they will give you the opportunity to ask questions at the end. Some interviewer's don't give the opportunity for you to ask questions for the simple reason that they want to see if you will initiate the questions if you aren't asked. Here is a short list of questions you can ask if they are not answered in your discussions:
1. Is the position permanent
2. Why is the job open
3. How soon does it begin
4. What are the work hours
5. Who would be my supervisor/What does the supervisor look for in an employee
6. What qualities do you look for when considering people for promotion
7. When will the decision be made as to who is hired
8. What are the company's business objectives/Where is the company going/Based on what I've read, it seems to me the company wants to _______; is that accurate
9. Do you encourage employees to further their education
10. What is the company's policy and/or expectations regarding overtime where this job is concerned
11. ALWAYS ask about items you didn't understand during the interview. If the interviewer is discussing a type of item you aren't familiar with, ask them to elaborate on how their company uses it.
Asking one question is better than not asking any. This shows you have interest in the company and are genuinely interested in the position.

Avoid these questions:
1. How many sick days do you provide
2. How much vacation time do I get
3. Do you give an hour for lunch
4. When will I get a raise
5. How soon can I expect to be promoted
6. What does the position pay

These are all questions asking, "What's in it for me?" This is definitely not an attitude that is going to get you hired. You must always keep in the front of your mind that you are asking someone to give you THEIR money. Would you be willing or eager to give your money to someone you felt was not going to give you what you paid for? Once the interview is over, don't hesitate to call them with questions if they extended that option to you, but don't bug them every hour with questions about getting hired. Your questions should be directly related to the functions of the position. Only during the second interview or the job offer should you discuss salary and benefits. At that point, you know they are interested in you and you should get into deeper subjects within your previous positions and what you can do for their company. The same rules apply to the second interview.

Being personable and approachable is the key. I know this is a wealth of information, but this is my experience and what I found worked well and what didn't. I have been to several interviews where the interviewer was overwhelmed by my qualifications and explained that I was over qualified for their position, but offered me advice on my resume and interviewing skills. Simply because you are not offered the position, does not mean you should simply walk away. Ask the interviewer why they are not interested in you and what tips could they offer you in future interviews. Always walk away with something.


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Five Great Tips for the Interview Appointment

Five Great Tips for the Interview Appointment

Written by Craig Travis Jun 07, 2009 www.jobsarticle.com



The whole purpose of an interview is for the employer to meet you, to get acquainted with your professional background and experience, learn about your special skill sets and qualifications, and of course, to see how you match up with their organizational needs. You obviously have piqued their interest with your resume, so now is not the time to disappoint them by not paying proper, close attention to the important details related to your interview appointment. Plus, this is the opportunity for you to do your homework, learn everything possible about their interview plans and process, learn all about their firm and key people, and plan how you will knock them over with your winning interview.



CONFIRM THE DETAILS: DAY, DATE, TIME, LOCATION AND PEOPLE
It should go without saying you must always confirm the details of your interview appointment, but we have seen too many times candidates missing their interviews because they did not think to confirm the details. When called about your interview appointment, before getting off the phone, confirm the exact day, date, time and location of the interview. This includes the address and room where the interview will take place. Just as important, confirm all of the names and titles of the person(s) you will be meeting and a contact phone number should you require additional information prior to your appointment. This is the ideal time to learn who will be conducting your interview, the type of interview they are planning and the expected duration of the interview process so you can plan accordingly. Will you be expected to meet other personnel? Who are they? Will there be multiple interviews that day conducted separately by other key personnel? Who? Where? How long? How many resumes should you bring along? Should you take along sample materials so you can leave it with them? How many copies should you make? These are all important questions you need to have answered so you can take away any surprises that might crop up. In the likelihood your first interview will be by telephone, make absolutely sure they have the correct phone number to call you and you have theirs in the event you should become disconnected during the interview. Just as important, ensure you will be in a location that is completely private and that you will not have any disturbances or interruptions of any kind while you are on the phone. You do want any unbecoming or unprofessional background noise (children playing, dog barking, colleagues walking in and out of your office, etc.). It also goes without saying that should you have a telephone interview, you should never be driving in your car. Find a quiet remote location to park with no distractions.



RESEARCH THE ORGANIZATION
Now is the best time to conduct your research on the organization and after confirming your interview plans, you now know the names and titles of the key people you will be meeting the very ones whom you need to impress and win over to land the job. Get to know everything you possibly can about the firm, its key personnel, management and the interviewers. It seems overly simplistic, but ask your self what kind of business is this firm? What do they do and what are they most noted for? You would be surprised how many candidates have no clue about the organization with whom they are interviewing with, and it places them at a distinct disadvantage in the competition. What is the stock price? Where is the headquarters? Are there any regional offices? Where? Who are their clients? What is their reputation in the marketplace? How many employees? What is their annual revenue? Read the annual report from the past three years to familiarize your self about the core nature of their business, earnings and revenues, and future plans. This will help you prepare to answer questions related to how you see yourself fitting into their organization. In fact, why are you applying for this position? What do you envision you will do for this firm and where do you want to fit in? What do you have to offer and contribute? Who will you be working for and where? Is the interviewer your prospective boss? What are the future plans of the company/division where you will be working? Finally, read the posted job description if you have not already. If you have not, ask for a copy of it when you confirm your interview appointment. Knowing the details of the job description will prepare you to intelligently address the qualifications and requirements of the position.



TRAVEL PLANS: GET A MAP AND PLAN YOUR TRAVEL ROUTE
If you are meeting at the prospective employer’s office, which is generally the case, take time beforehand to confirm the location on a map, obtain driving directions and the best route to use for the time and day you are traveling to the appointment. If possible, drive the route days before so you are familiar with it and the traffic congestion at that time of day. This will help you to know for certain how much time you need to allow yourself to travel and arrive with time to spare. Ask yourself where you will park; is parking free or paid? Covered or uncovered? This might be important on a stormy day. How far will you need to walk from the parking lot to the office and how long will it take you? If possible, doing some reconnaissance days beforehand so you will not be surprised about how long it may take. After all, you do not want to be late for your job interview, ever. It will not only make a bad first impression, it may take you out of contention before you ever have the chance to sell your qualifications.



OUT OF TOWN TRAVEL
Likewise, if you are traveling from out of town for the interview put in the same effort as you would at home by doing your reconnaissance beforehand. If possible, arrive into town the day before a morning interview (it allows you to be rested and better prepared) so you will have time to get your bearings. Always check and double-check your travel arrangements, including air, hotel and rental car reservations. Get a map and ask for driving directions if necessary. Be absolutely sure you know where you are going and how long it will take you to get there from your hotel. If you are traveling into town, it is advisable to arrive the day before to acclimate yourself to the surroundings, region, climate (higher elevation in some cases) and to help you feel rested and ready to go the following day. You certainly want to be your freshest, sharpest self so it only stands to reason you need to prepare yourself in every way possible, including getting into town early. After traveling far distances and over a long time, you will not be at your best, so avoid such an interview appointment at all costs.



CHECK THE WEATHER FORECAST
Also, it is advisable you check the weather forecast regularly. If it rains or is exceptionally windy (any foul weather) you want to be properly prepared to weather the elements. Carry an umbrella, overcoat, hat, gloves and scarf if necessary. You want to be sure that when you arrive at your interview you are still well dressed and properly groomed, so it is worth taking every ounce of precaution against inclement weather. Should you encounter foul weather, then make sure you have extra time upon your arrival to use the restroom to freshen up and take a good look in the mirror so you will look sharp. Reconnaissance can prepare you for this situation as well.


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