| Getting a job these days is a job in itself. Every job | | | | network. Phone interviews should be no longer than 5 |
| opening is a hot spot where as many as several | | | | minutes and in-person ones from 15 to 30 minutes. |
| hundred applicants may gather since so many people | | | | 3. Practice answering questions in mock interviews |
| are downsized or out-of-work for some other reason. | | | | After you have sent in your resume and you are |
| How can you stand out in an interview situation like | | | | asked to come for the actual interview, you still have |
| that? | | | | much preparation to make. Most employers ask the |
| Here are 5 job interview tips: | | | | same basic questions with very definite reasons |
| 1. Do your homework | | | | behind them. You need to practice answering the |
| To be fully prepared for the job interview you will need | | | | questions in mock interviews until you are able to leave |
| to do your homework. During this recession you need | | | | the impression of self-assuredness. |
| to do more interview preparation. To start you off you | | | | 4. Be prepared to ask your own questions |
| might show interest in a company that is hiring by | | | | The person who is being interviewed is entitled to ask |
| researching the company. Some job interview tips | | | | a question for every question he or she is asked. For |
| suggest you do this after you have been asked to the | | | | example, after telling why you think your skills would be |
| interview. I disagree. I think it is important to look at the | | | | of use to the company, you can ask something like, |
| company before you even send them your resume. | | | | "do you see how my skill set would benefit your |
| Why? Because as you study the company, you might | | | | company?" |
| find that your skills wouldn't be a good fit or you might | | | | 5. Write a thank you note and do your follow-up via a |
| discover that several of your skills would make you an | | | | phone call |
| excellent candidate. Then when you modify your | | | | At the end of the job interview ask if you can contact |
| resume for that individual company, you will know | | | | the interviewer in one week to see how the job |
| exactly which of your skills to showcase. | | | | search is going. Be sure you get business cards from |
| 2. Request an informational interview | | | | everyone who might be at the interview and write |
| The next step might be to request an informational | | | | thank you notes within 24 hours of the interview. |
| interview with someone working at the job or area | | | | These job interview tips will help you stand out from |
| you are interested in. Decide what information you | | | | the crowd. For information on interview questions and |
| want that was not on the company's website. Identify | | | | why the interviewer asks them, you might want to |
| who you want to interview and how to contact that | | | | look at some resources available on the internet, such |
| person. You can request an interview over the phone, | | | | as self help books. |
| in person, by letter or by a social contact in your | | | | |