| 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:oWhat |
| employers. And today a prospective employer has | | | | are the key responsibilities of this position?oWhat is a |
| finally contacted you for that first all-important | | | | 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:oVerify directions and parking before the day of |
| the job of your dreams with some basic tips and | | | | interview.oGo alone. That means no Mom or your best |
| advice. | | | | friend.oArrive a little early. Ten to fifteen minutes early |
| Firstly, know thy audience. Do your research on the | | | | is a good practice.oBe clean and well groomed. Ladies, |
| company's history and what products or services they | | | | avoid nail polish, strong perfume, and loud colors and |
| offer. Nothing genuinely flatters an employer more than | | | | jewelry. Fellows, don't use strong cologne and avoid |
| to know that someone has taken the time to | | | | wearing jewelry.oSmile and shake hands firmly.oMake |
| understand what his or her company is all about. | | | | good eye contact.oSpeak clearly and use proper |
| Secondly, develop a very short commercial about | | | | grammar.oAsk for clarification if you don't understand |
| yourself. Put together a two-minute summary detailing | | | | a question.oTake time to think about your |
| your strengths, skills, and goals; then commit it to | | | | answers.oAsk when a hiring decision will be |
| memory. This brief infomercial that is all about you | | | | made.oThank the prospective employer for their |
| serves to effectively promote and sell you to | | | | time.oWrite a follow-up letter to the prospective |
| prospective employers. | | | | employer within one day following the interview. |
| A third tip that can't be emphasized enough is to | | | | Don't:oSpeak too fast.oSmoke or chew anything.oAsk |
| practice, practice, practice your answers to possible | | | | about salary.oDiscuss personal or financial |
| questions. Not only does practicing ease anxiety and | | | | problems.oCriticize your former employers or |
| instill confidence in yourself, but it can also prevent you | | | | colleagues. |
| from going blank during the interview. Some of the | | | | Remember that the prospective employer has already |
| most common interview questions are:oTell me about | | | | expressed an interest in you by contacting you for an |
| yourself.oWhat do you know about the services or | | | | interview. Take advantage of this golden opportunity |
| goods our company provides?oWhat are your short | | | | by thoroughly preparing yourself to land that dream |
| and long term goals?oDescribe your strengths and | | | | job. You may find yourself reporting for work on |
| weaknesses.oWhat is the greatest challenge you've | | | | Monday morning. |
| ever faced and how did you overcome it? | | | | Copyright 2005 by Warschaw Learning Institute |
| While on the topic of questions, develop a mental list of | | | | You may copy and use this article as long as you print |
| your own to ask the employer. After all, this could be | | | | the complete article including the contact details. |