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