| Congratulations! You've finally landed that job interview | | | | Think Benefits. No, IâEUR(TM)m not talking health |
| you've been waiting for. Now the real work begins! | | | | and dental here! I mean, why should the company hire |
| Remember, resumes don't get jobs; they merely get | | | | you? WhatâEUR(TM)s in it for them? Most |
| you in the door. Here's how to make your resume | | | | people sit down and start outlining all their needs: salary, |
| come alive and make a good impression. | | | | hours, driving distance, blah, blah, blah. Fatal mistake. |
| Tell Your Story in 60 Seconds or Less. Believe it or | | | | Companies are not in the business of handing out |
| not, one of the biggest stumbling blocks for job | | | | something for nothing. So what can you offer that |
| candidates is what to say when an interviewer opens | | | | nobody else can? |
| with: tell me something about yourself. This is not the | | | | DonâEUR(TM)t Be Afraid to Ask Questions. A |
| time to share where you were born, your love of cats, | | | | person who is afraid to ask questions in an interview is |
| or how much you hate your last boss! | | | | one who wonâEUR(TM)t ask questions on the |
| ItâEUR(TM)s your golden opportunity to make | | | | job. That leads to costly mistakes. You need to ask |
| your resume come alive. Your story needs to highlight | | | | just as many questions as they do. Start the moment |
| your top three selling points that are most pertinent to | | | | your interview is scheduled. Who will be interviewing |
| the job for which you are applying. Support your points | | | | you? Find out names and titles. Is there anything special |
| with short examples (see below). You may have more | | | | you should prepare? How much time should you |
| selling points, and if the interviewer is interested he or | | | | expect? During the interview, ask questions that will |
| she will ask. Practice telling your story out loud until | | | | help you determine if this is a good match. What would |
| itâEUR(TM)s smooth and concise. | | | | a typical day be like? What personality qualities does |
| Give Specific Examples. For every selling point | | | | the company most value? DO NOT ask about money! |
| youâEUR(TM)ve listed on your resume, you need | | | | Once youâEUR(TM)re offered the job, then |
| at least one strong, specific example to support it. | | | | itâEUR(TM)s time to negotiate. |
| Great at customer service? Wow them with the story | | | | Be Consistent. First impressions begin long before |
| of your best customer turnaround. Marketing whiz? | | | | meeting face-to-face. Starting with your resume, |
| Dazzle them with your best campaign. Brilliant | | | | proofread! A resume with typos broadcasts |
| computer programmer? Give an example of how you | | | | carelessness. Once youâEUR(TM)ve sent your |
| saved someone time, money, or solved a problem. | | | | resume, be prepared for a call. Answer your phone |
| Do Your Research. ThereâEUR(TM)s no excuse | | | | professionally and be aware of your voicemail or |
| for walking in the door unprepared. Check the | | | | answering machine message. What does it say about |
| company website, read magazine and newspaper | | | | you? Be nice to the receptionist. That |
| stories; talk to friends or current employees. Ask the | | | | personâEUR(TM)s opinion can make or break |
| receptionist for old company newsletters, scour local | | | | you. |
| business journals. The more you know, the more | | | | Send a Handwritten Thank You Note. A classy move |
| confidently you can match your skills to the | | | | that few people make. Ask for a business card to get |
| companyâEUR(TM)s needs. | | | | the correct spelling and follow up immediately. |