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