| Many years ago, when I was a young job-searching | | | | because the interview preparation tips they gave me |
| greenhorn, I ventured to New York City to take a bite | | | | have served me well over countless interviews these |
| out of the big apple of opportunity. | | | | many years. I've condensed their pointers into five |
| When it came to finding a job in a crowded city of | | | | simple rules that anyone can follow for better success |
| millions, I quickly learned that it's much easier on one's | | | | at a job interview. |
| sanity to sign up with one of the many employment | | | | |
| agencies which helps job seekers looking for work. | | | | 1. Eye Contact - Look directly at your interviewer. Don't |
| I scoured the newspaper and found a large ad for one | | | | cast your eyes down. |
| such well-known employment agency. True to their | | | | 2. Sit up Straight - Don't slouch in your chair - it makes |
| word, they promptly sent me off on several interviews | | | | you look lazy and uninterested. Good posture makes |
| - none of which I felt particularly comfortable at. | | | | you look like a confident person. |
| Needless to say, I didn't get any job offers. | | | | 3. Don't Fidget - Keep your hands in your lap when |
| While nursing a cold, I decided I needed a change. So, I | | | | you're not making a point in the conversation. Fidgeting |
| contacted a much smaller agency and decided to see | | | | looks unprofessional. |
| if my luck would be different. | | | | 4. Speak Up - Don't mumble your words. Speak |
| These people rocked! They were down-to-earth | | | | directly at your interviewer with a clear, strong voice. |
| friendly and genuinely concerned about helping me find | | | | 5. Smile and Show Some Personality - It's ok to be a |
| a job. Before they sent me out on any interviews, they | | | | little nervous, but remember to stay loose and be |
| put me through a mock interview session and | | | | yourself. Personality counts for a lot. |
| evaluated my performance (something the larger | | | | Of course, there's a lot more to think about when |
| fancy-pants agency didn't do). Afterwards, an advisor | | | | preparing for an interview. But even if you only |
| sat me down and we chatted about the results of my | | | | remember these five simple interviewing rules, you'll be |
| mock interview. | | | | able to make a good impression on the one person |
| I am forever grateful for the feedback I got that day, | | | | standing between you and a job - your interviewer. |