| In the midst of technological advancement nowadays, | | | | 4.) Do not sell yourself short. |
| the "back-to-basics" rule still applies when it comes to | | | | In the course of the interview, answer the questions |
| getting hired for a job. It does not matter if you are | | | | briefly and accurately. The key is to be honest. |
| planning to apply for a million-dollar company or a small, | | | | Make sure that as a prospective employee, you impart |
| independent firm. When you face an interviewer, it all | | | | to your future employer what you really are and what |
| boils down to how you present yourself. This is the | | | | you can do for the company, not the other way |
| deciding factor whether you will get hired or not. | | | | around. Stay positive and do not give a bad impression |
| So you have distributed your resume to prospective | | | | about your previous employer. |
| employers and you have determined the correct job | | | | If you are applying for your first job, do not let your |
| to apply for. The next step is to schedule the job | | | | lack of experience hinder you from gaining the |
| interview. | | | | advantage against more experienced applicants. What |
| You can make the acquaintance of the assistant or | | | | you lack in experience, make up for in confidence and |
| the receptionist when you schedule for the interview, | | | | eagerness to learn. |
| either by phone or personally. Be friendly and polite, as | | | | You may also put yourself in the employer's shoes. |
| these people might provide information that can be | | | | Ask yourself, if I were on the other side of this desk, |
| essential to getting that job or, even just give you a | | | | what qualities should I look for in a potential employee? |
| background of the company or your prospective boss. | | | | Would I profit if he works for me and can he |
| Finally, you show up for the interview. | | | | contribute to the development of the company? |
| The basic traits of being prompt, how you speak and | | | | Do not be afraid to sell yourself but do not be |
| carry yourself and even how you dress are all factors | | | | overconfident. Just project an air that you are sure of |
| that contribute in making a lasting impression that will | | | | yourself and your capabilities. |
| eventually get you hired. | | | | 5.) Ask questions. |
| Here are 7 easy steps on how you can improve your | | | | Should you encounter a difficult interviewer, do not be |
| interviewing skills: | | | | intimidated. One who does not let you put in a word |
| 1.) Prepare for the interview. | | | | edgewise should be lightly reminded that you should do |
| First, dress appropriately. Once the interviewer walks | | | | most of the talking since he is the one who needs to |
| into the room, or once you walk into the room to be | | | | learn more about you. |
| interviewed, your appearance will be the first thing to | | | | 6.) Wrap it up. |
| make the impact. Dress appropriately, check your | | | | As you near the end of the interview, make sure that |
| grooming and mind your posture. | | | | all bases are covered. Now is not the time to discuss |
| Second, practice basic courtesy. Know where the | | | | or even ask about the salary and the benefits that you |
| interview will be held and be there with ample time to | | | | will receive once employed. There is ample time for |
| prepare yourself before the scheduled interview. Turn | | | | that once you do get the position and you are |
| your phone off to avoid unnecessary distractions. | | | | discussing the job offer. |
| 2.) Research. | | | | Wrap things up by summarizing your strengths and |
| Use all your resources to make sure that you know | | | | pointing out your positive traits. Finally, as you end the |
| the basics about the company. You would not want to | | | | interview, make sure to thank the interviewer again for |
| be caught unprepared when asked about how you | | | | his or her time, thus leaving a lasting impression. |
| heard or what you know about the company that you | | | | 7.) Follow up. |
| are applying for. | | | | Send that all-important thank you note after the |
| Learn about your potential employer. In your mind, | | | | interview. Thank the interviewer for the time that he |
| develop a clear picture of the company profile. | | | | took with you and for giving you that opportunity. Make |
| Make sure that you prepared answers to a few basic | | | | sure that you know who to contact for follow-up of |
| questions, but do not sound scripted. This happens | | | | the results. |
| when you rehearse what you will be saying word for | | | | A lot of research has been made about the |
| word. It is enough that you have an overview of what | | | | interviewing process. Here is a brief run-through: |
| you will impart to the interviewer, and it is better to be | | | | First, you make a schedule for the interview. |
| spontaneous. | | | | Then, you are there in the office and you are seen by |
| 3.) Be cool. | | | | the interviewee. |
| Step forward so that you are now seated and the | | | | The interview itself then transpires. |
| interview is about to begin. Make a great first | | | | Next is the closing, then you follow-up with a |
| impression by maintaining eye contact, giving the | | | | thank-you-note. |
| interviewer a firm handshake, a friendly smile and a | | | | You eventually get accepted and you discuss, |
| polite greeting. Sit only when you are asked to do so | | | | negotiate for and sign-up the job offer. |
| and do not forget to thank the interviewer for taking | | | | You may notice that the interviewing takes up a great |
| time off of his or her busy schedule to interview you. | | | | deal of the getting-hired process, so you might as well |
| Make sure to start on a positive note and set the | | | | polish up your interviewing skills on your way to getting |
| proper expectations. | | | | that dream job. |