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Successful Interviews

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Successful Interviews14 Aug 2008 07:01 pm

The Best Ways to Prepare for a Job Interview

By: Kristin Marquet

To prepare for a job interview you’ve been waiting for, consider answering these questions. Come up with clear and concise answers. Try to avoid close ended answers such as “yes” and “no.” Prospective employers want to see you are articulate. They want to know the type of personality, decision making skills, and communication skills you have. You don’t want to get stumped on questions you could have easily answered if you were prepared for the job interview in the first place. Take some time to review the following questions to prepare for a job interview.

Always remember, the hiring manager is not just interviewing you, you are also interviewing with them to see if there is a good fit for the both of you.

1. Tell me about yourself. How would you contribute to the company?
What are your five and ten year goals? Are you looking to stay with
the company long-term?
2. What do you know about the company? What do you know about our
industry? What interests you about the company? Why do you want to
work in the specified position?
3. Tell me about your previous position. What did you like? What
didn’t you like? How well did you get along with your last boss and
coworkers? If I were to ask your previous bosses and coworkers the
type of personality you have, what would they say?
4. Tell me about a challenge you had with a client or coworker? How
did you approach the challenge? How did you resolve the issue? Was
it resolved amicably or with animosity?
5. Do you stress easily? Can you deal with difficult people? How
would you deal with a difficult boss?
6. What has been your great accomplishment and your greatest failure?
How did you deal with the praise and honor? How did you deal with the
failure and/or rejection?

Typically, these questions are asked in interviews for most entry level, mid-level, or professional level job.

Successful Interviews25 Jun 2008 03:26 pm

How to Dress for Success

Wear a solid color conservative suit with a coordinated shirt or blouse
Wear moderate shoes
Make sure your hair is well groomed and neat
Don’t overdo the perfume, makeup, cologne or after shave
Limit your jewelry
Make sure to try on your outfit BEFORE the day of the interview
Tips:
Your clothes are your image, check the mirror and see what others see
It is better to be overdressed than underdressed

Successful Interviews25 Jun 2008 03:21 pm

Acing the Interview

You have just landed an interview for a seemingly wonderful job! Now what? Successful interviewing will be essential in order for you to lock in an offer. Here are some tips and strategies for effective interviewing from preparation through follow up.
Company Research

Research should always be your first step. Gathering background information on employers is a crucial element in successful interview preparation. You will need to be prepared to answer the questions “What do your know about our company”? and “Why do you want to work here?” Knowing as much as possible about the company’s past performance and future plans can make your interview more interactive and could be just the leg up you need in a competitive job market. Before the interview review the company’s web site and don’t be afraid to contact your prospective employer to request details on the position you are interviewing for or to ask for company literature. Google the company to see what other information is available online.

Practice Makes Perfect

Practice makes perfect (or at least leads to improvement). Practice with a friend and record or videotape your responses so you can replay the interview and see how well you did. Prepare answers to commonly asked interview questions. Doing so will help you analyze your background and qualifications for the position.

Behavioral Interviews

Behavior based interviewing is becoming more common. It is based on the premise that a candidates past performance is the best predictor of future performance. Rather than the typical interview questions on your background and experience, you will you need to be prepared to provide detailed responses including specific examples of your work experiences.

The best way to prepare is to think of examples where you have successfully used the skills you’ve acquired. Take the time to compile a list of responses to both types of questions and to itemize your skills, values, and interests as well as your strengths and weaknesses. Emphasize what you can do to benefit the company rather than just what you are interested in. Also prepare a list of questions you want to ask the interviewer. Remember, you aren’t simply trying to get the job - you are also interviewing the employer to assess whether this company and the position are a good fit for you.

Prepare For the Interview

It is very important to be on time for the interview. On time means ten to fifteen minutes early. If need be, take some time to drive to the office ahead of time so you know exactly where you are going. Know the interviewer’s name and use it during the interview. If your not sure of the name, call and ask prior to the interview. Remember to bring an extra copy of your resume and a list of references.

Stay Calm

During the interview try to remain as calm as possible. Ask for clarification if you’re not sure what’s been asked and remember that it is perfectly acceptable to take a moment or two to frame your responses so you can be sure too fully answer the question.

End the interview with a thank you to the interviewer and reiterate your interest in the position. Then follow-up with a personal Thank You note restating your interest.

Successful Interviews25 Jun 2008 02:10 pm

Successful interviewing

Successful interviewing is essential to getting a job offer. Here are tips and strategies for effective interviewing from preparation through follow up.

Job interviewing never seems to get any easier - even when you have gone on more interviews than you can count. You are meeting new people, selling yourself and your skills, and often getting the third degree about what you know or don’t know. Here are job interview tips to help prepare you to interview effectively. Proper preparation which help alleviate some of the stress involved in job interviews.

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.

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 Your 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.

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