| You've searched for job openings, you found a few | | | | someone who is lame or has no personality. Most |
| businesses that you like, and you've filled out a few job | | | | employers want to know "Can I work with this person |
| applications. You may have also sent in a resume and | | | | for the next few years?" I've even seen some |
| cover letter. For all of your efforts, an employer has | | | | interviews take place in a coffee shop, or during a |
| contacted you and would like for you to come in for | | | | lunch break. |
| an interview. This is where most people start sweating | | | | If you find yourself getting edgy, use relaxation |
| or at least get a little scared. However, I would like to | | | | techniques such as visualization, calming breath (not |
| offer a few tips to make your interview successful! | | | | too obvious though), and try to remember that the |
| Successful interview tips Step 1 - Preparation | | | | person sitting across from you is just another human |
| First of all, preparation makes all the difference in the | | | | being. They may have a great opportunity for you, but |
| world. Going into an interview unprepared is like getting | | | | they are human! |
| in a row boat with no oars. So taking a little time to | | | | Successful interview tips Step 3 - Close and Follow Up |
| prepare yourself will boost your confidence and make | | | | Closing the interview. You will know when the |
| you stand out as a more valuable candidate to the | | | | interview is about over. Before you leave, you should |
| employer. | | | | take into consideration a few things. |
| 1. Research.a. Learn about the product.b. Find out a little | | | | 1. It's typically not good to fixate on money during the |
| about their history.c. Research their plans for the future. | | | | interview. Everyone knows you're there to make a |
| Are they opening an office in Hawaii? Maybe you'd like | | | | living, but it's advisable not to bring it up unless the |
| to work there!d. What is the normal salary for this | | | | interviewer has not made any reference to it at all. If |
| position? | | | | you are going to inquire about salary, or if the employer |
| 2. Know the exact time and place for the interview.a. | | | | asks you how much you're looking to make, here are |
| How long will it take you to get there?b. Do a drive-by | | | | a few ways to ask:a. How much is the job currently |
| sometime before if you can (leave the machine gun at | | | | paying?b. What was the previous person in this |
| home!). | | | | position making?c. What is the salary range for this |
| 3. With whom are you interviewing?a. Get the full | | | | position? (if you're experienced at this position, go for |
| name.b. Is this person the owner? The manager? | | | | the larger end of that range or above!) |
| 4. Prepare a few questionsa. Why is there an | | | | 2. What's the next step in the hiring process? Ask! |
| opening?b. Future growth plansc. Do they provide | | | | You don't want to leave there wondering if and when |
| training?d. Room to move upwards? Is there room for | | | | they're going to be calling you. |
| advancement?e. Think of questions that weren't | | | | 3. Thank them for the opportunity with a firm |
| answered through your research. | | | | handshake and look them in the eyes. |
| 5. Be prepared for common interview questions (do | | | | 4. Follow up with an email or phone call. In the old days, |
| some research on these!)a. It is common to also ask | | | | we used to send a thank you note in the mail! You can |
| what you feel your weak points are. | | | | still use this method, but you will have to "read" each |
| 6. Re-examine this successful interview tips guide | | | | person individually to see which method will go over |
| before each interview until you know intuitively what to | | | | best. Is it a spa? Then the may appreciate a |
| do. | | | | hand-written note or "thank you" card. Is it a call |
| Successful interview tips Step 2 - The Interview | | | | center? Then maybe it's best to just send an email |
| Ok, so you've done all your preparation, and now | | | | and follow up with a phone call. The phone call is very |
| you're ready to march in there! Still feeling a little | | | | important! Don't just send an email and believe that |
| anxious? Here are a few more tips for you to make | | | | they received it. Emails are lost very easily. |
| this interview successful: | | | | I hope that these tips will help to make your interview |
| 1. Dress professionally | | | | more successful. However, if you felt that the |
| 2. BE ON TIME!a. Arrive about 15 minutes prior to your | | | | interview did not go well, it's still a good idea to follow |
| appointment.b. If you don't show up without calling first, | | | | up with the employer. You never know if the |
| you're done. | | | | interviewer was just having an off day, or if your |
| 3. Greet the interviewer by their surname | | | | perceptiveness was just off- maybe they actually |
| 4. Handshake should be firm without crushing hands | | | | really liked you! |
| (no dead fish!) | | | | Don't stop! Even if things look very good with this |
| 5. Maintain regular eye contact | | | | employer, don't put all your eggs in one basket. Give |
| 6. Listen closely before responding (too many people | | | | yourself selections. Interview with as many employers |
| just wait for their turn to speak) | | | | as you feel fit with your ambitions. Isn't it better to have |
| 7. Jot down a few notes | | | | a few options than to just leap into one job because |
| 8. Ask questions | | | | you feel you have no other choice? |
| 9. Be candid | | | | Give yourself credit. You are working on a better life |
| 10. Watch your non-verbal communication, smile! Show | | | | for yourself. Keep moving forward! "Even if you're on |
| some personality! Employers usually do not want | | | | the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there. |