| Ever been told to just relax, this is an informal | | | | and your professional background, accept in terms that |
| interview? At Sequence Staffing we have learned | | | | you are being formally interviewed. That way you will |
| that there is no such thing. If you consider every type | | | | be in the frame of mind to give strong answers; |
| of interview as a formal, serious affair then you will | | | | answers that promote follow up questions and incite |
| always be at your best, will give your best | | | | the interviewer to dig deeper into your experience. |
| performance and will most likely land the job. | | | | #4 Take advantage of social settings. |
| Likewise, if you drop your guard and approach the | | | | Not only do recruiters take advantage of social |
| interview in an overly relaxed, informal way you may | | | | settings, but so do smart owners and managers of |
| well have handed your interviewer the reason to drop | | | | successful enterprises. It is a great way to scout out |
| you from contention. Why? Because you can come | | | | future employees. So it is good to join professional |
| across as too laid back, or say something out of turn | | | | associations, attend the social gatherings, and treat |
| or out of character. If you are called by a recruiter or | | | | every one as if they are your next boss because |
| employer, then consider the conversation to be a | | | | maybe one day they will be. Or at least they might be |
| serious interview and they are trying to obtain key | | | | the one helping you climb up the next rung of your |
| facts and information about you, and they are seriously | | | | career ladder. Always be on your best behavior; |
| sizing you up on every response. | | | | people do notice. You especially want to always put |
| #1 Be on guard. | | | | your best foot forward around professional associates |
| The manner in which an informal interview might be | | | | with whom you want to be associated with or wish to |
| employed can be deceptive and purposely done. You | | | | work for in the future. |
| might be at a social function, perhaps a trade | | | | #5 Mind your manners. |
| association luncheon and a professional associate may | | | | That said, watch what you say, eat and drink. Stay |
| begin asking you all sorts of questions related to your | | | | away from controversial subjects like religion or politics. |
| professional background and experience. You might | | | | Do not tell off color jokes or stories. Likewise, avoid |
| interpret this as someone who has a keen interest in | | | | gossip and hearsay. Always speak well of others. Find |
| you, and that might be the case, but chances are that | | | | safe, common ground and keep your conversation |
| person is beginning to conduct an informal screening | | | | along those tracks. Keep an eye on your table |
| interview and you do not even know it. | | | | manners and watch your alcohol intake at social |
| #2 Give thoughtful answers. | | | | gatherings. If you believe getting drunk and acting silly |
| If you keep this in mind and recognize it as an | | | | makes you popular and gains you friends, you are |
| opportunity to respond with thoughtful answers that | | | | sorely deluded in the business world. Remember, |
| are provoking as they are interesting then you will be | | | | people are always watching you, taking mental notes |
| well on your way to the next step in your career. This | | | | and making judgments about you, your actions and |
| is an excellent manner that many recruiters use and | | | | your character. |
| candidates have no clue they are under the spotlight. | | | | #6 Good impressions count. |
| But a recruiter can quickly size you up and if you | | | | When you make a good impression on professional |
| provide the sort of response they are looking for then | | | | colleagues, it does not go unnoticed or is easily |
| you have a better chance to land that next job you | | | | forgotten. You want to put yourself in the situation that |
| covet. | | | | the next time you are looking for a job you can call the |
| #3 Stay focused. | | | | president of a competitive firm and your call will be |
| As flattered as you might be when someone begins | | | | gladly accepted because they are eager to learn you |
| asking you many inquisitive questions about yourself | | | | are available to join their firm. |