Interviewing Tips and Strategy

10 Things to Think About Before your Next Interview

1. No overwhelming cologne or perfume - This is true across the board for the jobseeker. You do not want to leave your scent behind for everyone to notice. You want to leave your strong candidacy for the position to resonate in their minds, not your new perfume/cologne.
   
   
2. Ladies, no body glitter - There is no place for it in an interview. Leave it for your night time leisure, not an interview. Be professional.
   
   
3. Poor or weak handshake - Have confidence, shake firm but not over the top and never do the "kiss your hand" handshake. Make eye contact and smile during the interview, not too much. You want to show personality. We all know it is always uncomfortable in an interview when you are dealing with a candidate that is stone- faced and exhibits little personality.
   
   
4. No colored paper or clip art on your resume - The focus of a resume is your professionalism and successes throughout your career, not the cleaver way you printed your resume on a light leopard print. You are getting a new professional job, not applying for a part in Legally Blonde 3.
   
   
5. No tattoos or piercing showing - Earrings is your only exception (subtle at that). Take out the nose ring and cover any tattoos you could display.
   
   
6. Read your audience - Answer the interview questions concisely and be sure you stay on topic. Don't ramble so much you forget the question. This is not the time for you to discuss your life, old bosses or anything in this area. If you know there is a chance you could fall into this trap - practice your answers to some general interview questions ahead of time with a friend. Nobody wants a motor mouth with unending information to convey. Stick to the point.
   
   
7. Make eye contact - Have some self respect. Look at the interviewer with confidence. Engage the interviewer. Make them really get to know you. Answer the questions looking the interviewer directly in the eyes. That is a good way to keep the interviewer's attention and make an impression.
   
   
8. Be sure that your overall appeal is up to par - No rings on each finger, bracelets or dangling earrings. Minimize your make-up. No short skirts. No crazy eye shadow, bright lipstick or overdone eye liner. Look conservative and like you are ready to get to work, not to distract everyone in the office.
   
   
9. Polish your shoes - All of you that have been in the military know this. It is important to look clean and together. Some people judge people by their shoes. They look at someone's shoes to get a good feel for the type of person they are dealing with. Are the shoes new, polished? Is this person together?
   
   
10. Wear a suit, but no suits from 10 years ago - Go invest in a new suit if your suit is over seven years old and you haven't seen any suits like yours in the stores. Nothing too trendy, conservative, but not too old. Stay with the times.

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First Time Tips

Life seems to work in four-year intervals. Just when you got comfortable in high school, it was time to make the move to college. Likewise, just when you began to feel like the big man (or woman) on your college campus, it was time to make your way into the real world because your four years in college were ending. By the end of your college career, you have been in some type of school for over 15 years. How do you make the next step in your life? If you are going into the job market for the first time, the following are a few tips to help you get on track. The initial move is the hardest one to make, but following this advice should help you out!

Give yourself a makeover
Consider what you looked like in high school. Then remember what you looked like in college. When you made the transition from one to the other, didn’t you update your look to fit in a little better? Remember always being able to spot a freshman a mile away? The same goes for newcomers to the job market if they do not prepare themselves for their new place in life. First, get a good, clean haircut. When you are in college, you can get away with messy, unkempt hair. But, just like the days of pulling all nighters and endless multiple-choice tests, the days when shaggy was appealing are over. Next, invest in an interview outfit that can also be worn once you start your job. Purchase something you feel comfortable in, but that also shows your desire to be a professional. A new, crisp look will boost your own confidence, as well as give others confidence in your abilities. When employees see that you are willing to go to the effort to look your best, they know you will go the extra mile once you get the job. When you look good, you feel good. When you feel good, you interview even better!

Get involved in your chosen field
Even though you don’t have a job yet, you can still gain valuable experience in your field by joining a professional or trade organization. Joining organizations like the Society of Professional Journalists or the American Management Association will inform you of the latest trends in your field. Consider your monthly meetings as an opportunity to share ideas and network with others who share your career aspirations. Many professional societies even have job banks. The easiest way for you to find an avenue into a career in your field is to surround yourself with professionals in that field. The fact that you are willing to volunteer your time demonstrates your dedication to the profession. Extracurricular activities also have a dynamite affect on your resume. Strive to be more than just a member of the organization; try to become an officer or committee head. For example, if you are interested in an accounting career, run for treasurer of your organization. Any role that is more active than just a member shows great initiative and leadership ability. Experience puts you on the fast track to the job you have been waiting for.

Arm yourself for the unexpected interview
You never know when you are going to be tapped for an interview, especially when you are an active member of a professional organization. When you get invited to interview, you need to be prepared with a stunning resume and cover letter. Your resume should always be prefaced by a cover letter that states your intentions and briefly highlights your interest in the company. Your resume is essential because it is your personal marketing package. Start working on your resume early. You will find that it is much easier to simply update your resume periodically than it is to have to start from scratch when you try to get that first interview!

You don’t have to do this all alone!
Just like you may want to make a career out of managing other people’s finances or helping others find a home, there are many people who make it their career to manage your career. You would be surprised at the resources available to the job seeker. First, it is a great idea to take vocational tests that help direct you to a career. Based on answers to a few questions, vocational tests can help you decide what field may be best for you. Also, make an appointment to see a career consultant. This allows you to work hands-on with a professional who can help you realize your interests and talents. A career consultant also can help you create or revise your resume. They will also give you interview advice. There is also a wealth of information on the Internet. Surf sites like Monster.com, Headhunter.net and Wetfeet.com to gain valuable advice via the web.

Reserve your right to be picky
It is a common occurrence to get so caught up in the confidence boost of your first job offer that you take the job without heavily weighing whether or not the job might really be the one for you. Hesitate in taking the first job you are offered unless you feel certain that it is exactly what you want. When taking a job, you should be able to envision yourself in the job for about five years. If you cannot, put the company on hold. Tell them that you appreciate the offer, but that you need two weeks to make your final decision, because you are also interviewing with other companies. Chances are, you have made such a good impression that they will give you the opportunity to accept the position later. This gives you the perfect chance to see what else is out there. College graduates` expectations are higher than ever, so do not compromise yours for the first offer you receive. Allow yourself to feel proud, and use your new confidence to wow prospective employers in future interviews.

Everyone knows that starting out in the job market can be a scary thing. Whether you are planning to be a millionaire by age 30, or you want to work for a non-profit organization for minimal pay, but maximum satisfaction, your expectations should remain high. After following these tips, you will have put in maximum effort to impress prospective employers. Now, it is their turn to impress you.

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You've Got an Interview, Now What?

You've been spending hours getting your resumes and cover letters perfect and have sent your resume to everyone under the moon. Now, you've finally been contacted and asked for an interview. You really want this job, but you do not know what to expect in regard to the interview process. You wonder, "What type of interview will be ahead?" The following are examples and ideas that should help you to beat your competition and get the job that you are seeking.

Phone Interview
A phone interview is a typical first step. This is where the recruiter/HR manager/hiring manager further screens candidates after the resume review process. The first thing you want to do is be prepared. Once you make initial contact, they may want to conduct the phone interview at that very moment. So expect it. If you are contacted out of nowhere with no time to prepare, ask the person to allow you to switch to another line. Then regroup, go to a quiet place, get a copy of your resume and go into another room and tackle the interview with confidence.

It is important to have your resume in front of you so you can reference what you said in the resume. That way you are looking at what they are looking at - your resume. Have a pen and paper. Most phone interviews are determined by how you handled the call initially, how you are engaged in the conversation and how you respond to the questions. You must maintain professionalism and be sure you are focused on the call, not your surroundings.

Be sure you write down the recruiter's name (first and last) and ask them to spell it out for you. Also, get his/her e-mail address so you can send any correspondence easily (such as requested references or examples of a project you were involved with). Be positive and focus on what you can offer and what you've accomplished throughout your career. Be a good listener. Talking over a recruiter in an interview is not a good idea, be part of the conversation, but do not take over.

They will almost always ask questions similar to these:

• Are you currently employed? If not, why?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• Why are you looking for a new position?
• What type of work are you looking for?

Typical Interview Situation
After a successful phone interview, prospective employers usually want you to come in for an in-person interview. So this means you've passed the initial screenings, first your resume and second your phone interview. Now you are being called in for an actual sit-down interview. The key to remember: knowledge is power. Be prepared, research the company and identify basic job responsibilities of the title you are seeking so you can reference relevant skills that you have. In addition, ask anyone you know with industry experience about his or her job. That way you know which past responsibilities and accomplishments to emphasize.

When you go into the Interview there are four parts:

1. Introduction
2. They get to know
3. You get to know them
4. Closing the sale

Introduction
Positive, confident, firm handshake. Be sure you are projecting a strong self image. Be confident. Be sure you give NO negative body language - no crossed arms in front of you, no checking your watch or the clock on the wall, instead smile and nod as they talk.

Getting to know you
It is important to be engaged in the conversation. Make eye contact. Listen to the questions and answer everything in the most positive light. No negatives at all about previous employers, no matter how comfortable you feel with the interviewer.

Common questions:

• What was your biggest challenge in XYZ role and how did you overcome it?
• What are your weaknesses?
• What are your strengths?
• What would your previous employer say about you?
• Do you like to work as part of a team or alone?
• How do you get the best out of people?
• What questions do you have of us?

You getting to know them
Maybe even take notes. This will allow you to gain enough information about the job and the thank you letter.

Common questions:
What are some of the skills and abilities necessary for someone to succeed in this job?
Could you describe the company's management style and the type of employee who fits well with it?
How much opportunity is there to see the end result of my efforts?
Who will review my performance? How often?
Can you describe an ideal employee?

Closing the sale
This is where you leave a great impression. Reiterate your interest in the position and how the corporate culture is just what you are seeking. Re-shake their hand and genuinely thank them for allowing you to better learn about the company and position. You feel it would be a great fit.

If they don't tell you, ask: What is the process from here in terms of the interview process?

Get their business card.
Now you've completed the first few steps of your interview process, you can expect a few more interviews with all layers of management - the same thing basically each time with different levels of management. The more interviews you are granted shows that you are moving in a positive direction in the interviewing process. Don't feel like you need to change your methodology. Keep moving up until you are the last one left, you've surpassed your competition and are offered the new job.

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Interview Strategy

You've landed two interviews, what can you expect? If you review the information listed below you should be armed with all the information you need to make the interview more comfortable and land your dream job.

Be prepared
Obviously, you will need to bring your resume. Even if you already know the company has your resume because you e-mailed it directly to the person you'll be interviewing with, bring copies anyway. Other people within the organization may sit in on the interview, so don't assume that all interviewers will have your resume. Not having additional copies can be an awkward and negative start to any interview. With this in mind always take at least three to five formatted copies of your resume along with a list of references.

Know challenges you've overcome
Throughout your career in each role, know your greatest challenges and how you overcame them. This or a similar question is almost ALWAYS asked. Be sure you have one example for each position you've held. You never know which job will catch the interviewer's attention.

Create your own story so you are ready for anything
An excellent idea is to create your own story. This way when the interviewer asks questions of you, then you are prepared. You just mentally reference "your story". That will make it easier for you to answer questions of the interviewer. They may ask questions in many varieties. You cannot prepare for the exact question, but if you have developed your own story, it will make the task of answering the questions a breeze.

Your mental personal story would be similar to: My name is Bob Jones. For the last 15 years I've worked for Coca-Cola in sales, business development and management. I have held three different progressive positions. I started in sales. My role in sales was to meet with Franchisees and ensure that they were satisfied with their relationship with Coca-Cola and ensure they renewed their contracts with Coca-Cola. My goal was to build strong relations with clients and really get to know their business to create marketing promotions/ signage to increase beverage sales for the location. I successfully obtained my goals and objectives and each year increased by at least 10%. Before this position, I worked with … (and the story continues)

Research the company
At the end of every interview, there will be a question from the interviewer - "Do you have any questions?" You think to yourself, "Not really, pretty self explanatory. I just want the job." Obviously, that is not the answer to give. Not asking questions can be a fatal move. This is your time to demonstrate your knowledge of the industry, the company and get additional information about the position. You should ask questions. Here are a few examples:

Good questions to ask (just pick 3 or so):

• What attracted you (the interviewer) to this organization?
• What kind of turnover rate does the company have?
• What happened to the person that held this position before? Was he promoted?
• What projects and assignments will I be working on?
• What are the current problems facing the company (or my department)?
• Describe the work environment.
• Why do you enjoy working for this company?
• Describe the typical responsibilities of the position.
• What are the most challenging aspects of the position?
• Will I receive any formal training?
• Are there opportunities for advancement within the organization?
• ALWAYS CLOSE WITH: When can I expect to hear from you?

Close the sale
Any salesperson will tell you, "You know that you cannot make a sale if you don't ask for the sale." If you're interested in the position that you are interviewing for, let the interviewer know this by stating, "I am very interested in this position. Is there anything that prevents you from offering me this position right now?"

Follow Up Letter
Be sure to send a thank you letter. It should mainly reiterate your interest in the position and mention specific things that were brought up in the interview and how you'd be a perfect match for the position. For example, if the interviewer kept mentioning the company's commitment to customer service then you may want to add in your thank you letter: "Throughout my career I have worked in many environments where customer service was key. I have been able to work with numerous clients and have had many referrals due to your professionalism and ability to connect with the customer. I am confident that I can bring your ability to build customer relationships and utilize this ability to the benefit of the XYZ Company team."

Now you have an outline of things to prepare and review for the interview. With preparation it should be difficult for the interviewer to throw you off track. You should be confident and ready to tackle any challenging questions that may come up and get hired!

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