| Whether for a new job or a new position in a | | | | questions in a more relaxed, confident manner. |
| company you are already with, an interview is an | | | | 4) Present yourself in a professional and confident |
| important event and an opportunity for you to really | | | | manner.a. Have a notepad and pen handy.b. Sit up |
| shine! Remember that you have been invited for this | | | | straight and be attentive. A slouched position conveys |
| opportunity. That invitation itself means you've | | | | a lack of seriousness to your interviewer.c. Make eye |
| demonstrated qualities that set you apart from other | | | | contact. Show your interest in the position.d. Pay |
| individuals seeking the same position and that you've | | | | attention to the surroundings. It will help you tailor your |
| caught the attention of upper management. | | | | presentation to the company environment.e. Be |
| Here are a few helpful tips that you may or may not | | | | positive. Try to avoid negative comments about your |
| already be aware of. It's good to refresh yourself with | | | | former employers. |
| them. | | | | 5) Some common questions asked in interviews:a. Tell |
| 1) This is one of those "first impression" instances. | | | | me about yourself.b. What do you look for in a job?c. |
| How you appear as you walk through the door sets | | | | What do you know about this position?d. Why do you |
| an instant tone for the interaction to follow. Remember | | | | believe you are qualified for this position?e. Why did |
| seeing fellow co-workers who were usually dressed | | | | you leave your last job?f. Give an example of a |
| casually but one day showed up dressed carefully in a | | | | stressful situation and what you did to resolve it.g. Give |
| subdued but professional outfit before they went to | | | | an example of a time you disagreed with your |
| for an interview? They know it makes a difference | | | | supervisor and what you did about the situation.h. Give |
| and that management appreciates the respect shown | | | | an example of how you've worked with team |
| when an interviewee dresses "business professional". | | | | members.i. What do you feel are your most important |
| Presenting yourself in this manner with a confident air | | | | accomplishments?j. What are your strong points?k. |
| along with a direct, open smile and handshake helps | | | | What are your weak points?l. Do you have any |
| put everyone at ease and tells your interviewer that | | | | questions? |
| you are seriously interested and prepared to step up | | | | 6) Be sharp and pertinent in your questions: |
| to the challenges of the new position. | | | | Tailor your questions to the interview and the comfort |
| 2) Prepare yourself | | | | level you have achieved with the interviewer.a. Why is |
| Research the company and/or the position you are | | | | this position open?b. What are you looking for to be |
| striving for. It is important to know the goals and core | | | | done differently in this position?c. What type of support |
| values so that you are better able to tailor your | | | | does this position receive?d. How are evaluations done |
| responses for the specific position with examples of | | | | in this position?e. Remember: Asking what the pay rate |
| relevant experience you have. If possible, find out what | | | | salary is in the initial interview is generally frowned |
| you can about the person you will be interviewing with. | | | | upon. If the interviewer opens that door, then it is fine. |
| Knowing about what their position entails will go a long | | | | Usually the appropriate time to discuss your |
| way in helping you understand the climate of the | | | | prospective pay is when you are asked to come back |
| interview. | | | | for a second interview. |
| 3) Role-play a bit before the interview. | | | | An interview is your opportunity to show yourself and |
| This can be a valuable tool in increasing your comfort | | | | others your qualifications. Be prepared, confident, and |
| level with possible questions and your responses. Write | | | | relaxed and you'll find it much easier to go with the |
| down what you believe are relevant points and what | | | | flow and boost your level of competence. You can do |
| your responses will be. By practicing in this way, you | | | | it! |
| will be more prepared and will be able to answer | | | | |