Personal Interests and Experience
(You can talk about these in an interview)
1. Investing. Have you put away money since your tenth birthday and watched your savings grow significantly? Are you active in trading and investing through your E*TRADE account? Do you currently manage your finances beyond balancing your checkbook? Since many high school and college students don’t manage their own money, your experience and knowledge could stand out.
2. Family business. If you’ve been part of your parents’ business development process or worked in a family-owned restaurant or store, your dinner table conversations may have involved hiring practices and workplace challenges. Even if you didn’t start the company, your experience is a source of knowledge and brings value to your job search.
3. Travel. Any trip that has broadened your perspective of the United States or the world adds value to your relevant work experience. Did you hike the Grand Canyon or backpack through Europe? Did you visit a country where you couldn’t even read the street signs? Be sure to tell potential employers how you overcame these challenges and broadened your life experience.
4. Passions or hobbies. What do you care about and what do you do in your free time? Whether it’s running marathons, building model airplanes or teaching yourself to cook, anything that demonstrates your dedication and drive has value in the workplace. If you’ve committed yourself to a goal and achieved it (or are working on achieving it), you’ve spent a lot of time and energy in this area of interest. Be sure to mention these experiences in an interview or professional networking situation.
5. Social media. Have you made a (positive) name for yourself in the social media word? If you’ve become highly involved in an online community like Twitter, YouTube, Ning or LinkedIn, be sure to mention this experience in a job interview. Many companies are focused on enhancing their presence online and may appreciate your experience and knowledge in this still-new arena. If your talent includes more than Facebook-stalking your peers, and you’re proud of what you’ve done, don’t hesitate to share.
6. Technology. If you have computer knowledge beyond Microsoft Word, take it into consideration as a marketable skills. If you have significant experience with Quickbooks, Photoshop or are really advanced with Excel or PowerPoint, definitely play up these skills. If you can write HTML code (even basic), that can be very valuable too.
7. Moving. Did you attend more than one high school because your parents decided to move? Did you transfer colleges after your freshman year? If you successfully made friends and acclimated to a new environment, you might mention this experience in an interview. If you didn’t love your first pick of colleges, your desire to change and improve your situation shows strength and courage. Play up your ability to make the most of change when speaking to potential employers.
8. Overcoming a life challenge. Were you injured and completed physical therapy? Have you dealt with a learning disability or taken care of a sick parent? Though these are very personal experiences, you might mention these personal trials in an essay, cover letter or interview. Some of life’s greatest challenges have nothing to do with work or professional experiences. Give yourself credit and consider talking about these difficult life experiences from an attitude of strength. They’re part of who you are today and potential employers will appreciate your honesty and courage.
In addition to brainstorming all of the above types of experience, I poked around the Web to find even more. Freelance work, certification that requires training or courses, awards of all kinds and any involvement with a nonprofit are also worthy of mention. If I’ve left anything off this list, please share additional types of experience in the comments below.
As your post-summer assignment, go back through this list and put together a master list of your own. If you’re stuck, talk to five people who know you best. Ask your parents, siblings, mentors, best friends and favorite professors to help you come up with a list of valuable experiences you’ve had and specific qualities you bring to the table.
When it comes to selling ourselves, we often don’t see what’s right in front of us. Yes, it’s important to be humble, but in a competitive job market it’s also necessary to articulate exactly what knowledge, skills and experiences you bring to the marketplace. Happy listing!
Lindsay Pollak
Showing posts with label interviewing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label interviewing. Show all posts
The Elevator Speech or the Me in 30 Seconds
It’s called an elevator speech, but your personal commercial that describes your career assets can happen on an escalator, at a ballgame or in a place of worship. The idea is that when someone asks you what you do, you often have less than a minute to answer (before the elevator door opens).
According to Karin Combs, career coach and owner of Source One Career Coaching (www.sourceonehr.com/), the elevator speech has four basic components:
* Your name and title (a title everyone will understand)
* Who you serve (e.g. internal customers)
* What you do (the skills you have to help a company make money, save money and/or solve problems)
* Your target market (i.e., target companies, geographic areas, company size, area of interest)
“As you begin to say your elevator speech out loud, it will sound like a script,” says Combs. “Practice your elevator speech with everyone! Begin to own it and believe it and it will start to sound more natural. Make it your own words and practice, practice, practice!” (Combs has an elevator-speech template on her website at www.sourceonehr.com/images/Perfecting_Your_Elevator_Speech_Exercise.doc.)
In role-playing with networking colleagues, Interactive Marketing Leader Ray Smith (raysmithweb@gmail.com) would pretend to be the hiring manager. Before hearing an elevator speech, Smith would say “I have 10 people out in the hallway who say they do what you do. I'll give you 30 seconds. If you convince me that you're the one I should hire, I'll tell the rest to go home right now. But if you sound just like the rest, I'm going to yell ‘next!’ Go ahead and tell me what makes you different."
Smith says that to test the effectiveness of your elevator speech, ask your networking contact to repeat what you do. “If what they're repeating isn't what you want communicated, keep shortening the elevator speech and revising it until they do.”
To make his elevator speech memorable, Scott Wittich begins with “My name is Scott Wittich, and I’m out of control,” using a slightly depressed voice and pausing for effect. With a more upbeat and enthusiastic tone, Wittich continues with “Actually, I'm a Financial Controller who is out of a job…”
“If you are going to use humor in an elevator speech, it has to feel and sound natural,” says Wittich. “The bigger point to be made is that no matter what the content of your elevator speech or how you say it, it has to sound natural and be true to who you are or you will sound phony.”
In its entirety, Scott’s elevator speech is:
My name is Scott Wittich, and I'm out of control... Actually, I'm a Financial Controller who is out of a job. But I am looking for a Controller or Accounting Management position that will allow me to get back in control to help a company control its costs and assets.
Many people think accounting is boring, but when I worked with operating departments to develop a $125 million annual budget, and worked with those same departments to reduce budgeted costs by $16 million in 5 years, which enabled our operation to be the lowest cost producer of 12 branches, I found that very exciting, especially when it provided job security for the plant's employees. I am looking for the opportunity to again work with managers to develop and achieve similar goals.
(In this section, Wittich tailors his target market according to his audience, including industry type, company size and geographic location.)
Again, my name is Scott Wittich, and I would appreciate it if you would let me know about any companies searching for a Controller or Accounting Manager.
“I think it is important to emphasize each point of your speech and change the tone of your voice so you don't speak in a monotone,” says Wittich. “If you forget to say something or say it in the wrong order, no one will know, as long as your body language doesn't indicate you made a mistake. Just recover and keep on going.”
An elevator speech does not tell your entire life story, says Combs. "The goal for the elevator speech is for people to want to know more! Then you can arrange for a phone discussion or meeting later.”
James Sanford
It’s called an elevator speech, but your personal commercial that describes your career assets can happen on an escalator, at a ballgame or in a place of worship. The idea is that when someone asks you what you do, you often have less than a minute to answer (before the elevator door opens).
According to Karin Combs, career coach and owner of Source One Career Coaching (www.sourceonehr.com/), the elevator speech has four basic components:
* Your name and title (a title everyone will understand)
* Who you serve (e.g. internal customers)
* What you do (the skills you have to help a company make money, save money and/or solve problems)
* Your target market (i.e., target companies, geographic areas, company size, area of interest)
“As you begin to say your elevator speech out loud, it will sound like a script,” says Combs. “Practice your elevator speech with everyone! Begin to own it and believe it and it will start to sound more natural. Make it your own words and practice, practice, practice!” (Combs has an elevator-speech template on her website at www.sourceonehr.com/images/Perfecting_Your_Elevator_Speech_Exercise.doc.)
In role-playing with networking colleagues, Interactive Marketing Leader Ray Smith (raysmithweb@gmail.com) would pretend to be the hiring manager. Before hearing an elevator speech, Smith would say “I have 10 people out in the hallway who say they do what you do. I'll give you 30 seconds. If you convince me that you're the one I should hire, I'll tell the rest to go home right now. But if you sound just like the rest, I'm going to yell ‘next!’ Go ahead and tell me what makes you different."
Smith says that to test the effectiveness of your elevator speech, ask your networking contact to repeat what you do. “If what they're repeating isn't what you want communicated, keep shortening the elevator speech and revising it until they do.”
To make his elevator speech memorable, Scott Wittich begins with “My name is Scott Wittich, and I’m out of control,” using a slightly depressed voice and pausing for effect. With a more upbeat and enthusiastic tone, Wittich continues with “Actually, I'm a Financial Controller who is out of a job…”
“If you are going to use humor in an elevator speech, it has to feel and sound natural,” says Wittich. “The bigger point to be made is that no matter what the content of your elevator speech or how you say it, it has to sound natural and be true to who you are or you will sound phony.”
In its entirety, Scott’s elevator speech is:
My name is Scott Wittich, and I'm out of control... Actually, I'm a Financial Controller who is out of a job. But I am looking for a Controller or Accounting Management position that will allow me to get back in control to help a company control its costs and assets.
Many people think accounting is boring, but when I worked with operating departments to develop a $125 million annual budget, and worked with those same departments to reduce budgeted costs by $16 million in 5 years, which enabled our operation to be the lowest cost producer of 12 branches, I found that very exciting, especially when it provided job security for the plant's employees. I am looking for the opportunity to again work with managers to develop and achieve similar goals.
(In this section, Wittich tailors his target market according to his audience, including industry type, company size and geographic location.)
Again, my name is Scott Wittich, and I would appreciate it if you would let me know about any companies searching for a Controller or Accounting Manager.
“I think it is important to emphasize each point of your speech and change the tone of your voice so you don't speak in a monotone,” says Wittich. “If you forget to say something or say it in the wrong order, no one will know, as long as your body language doesn't indicate you made a mistake. Just recover and keep on going.”
An elevator speech does not tell your entire life story, says Combs. "The goal for the elevator speech is for people to want to know more! Then you can arrange for a phone discussion or meeting later.”
James Sanford
10 Ways to Be Liked in Your Job Interview
No matter your resume and talents, if you mess up a job interview you won't get that position. In today's tough economy you need every possible edge. As authors of the new book, "I Hate People! Kick Loose from the Overbearing and Underhanded Jerks at Work and Get What you Want Out of Your Job," we see it as a simple equation: You want to be liked -- not hated.
Here are 10 simple things to do that will dramatically increase your chances: from wearing the right expression, to knowing what not to say, to never ever breaking a sweat.
1. Don't be a "smiley face."
Excessive smiling in a job interview is seen for what it is -- nervousness and a lack of confidence. A smiley-face person exudes phoniness, which will quickly be picked up by the interviewer. Instead be thoughtful and pleasant. Smile when there's something to smile about. Do a practice run in front of a mirror or friend.
2. Don't be a small-talker.
Your job is to be knowledgeable about the company for which you're interviewing. Random facts about last night's episode of "Dancing with the Stars" or your favorite blog will not get you the job. Never feel you have to fill an interview with small talk. Find ways to talk about serious subjects related to the industry or company. Pockets of silence are better than padding an interview with random babble.
3. Don't sweat.
You can lose a job by wearing an undershirt or simply a little too much clothing. Sweaty palms or beads on your forehead will not impress. You are not applying to be a personal trainer. Sweat will be seen as a sign of weakness and nervousness. Do a practice run with your job interview outfit in front of friends. The job interview is one place you definitely don't want to be hot.
4. Don't be a road block.
Interviewers are seeking candidates eager to take on challenging projects and jobs. Hesitance and a nay-saying mentality will be as visible as a red tie -- and seen as a negative. Practice saying "yes" to questions about your interest in tasks and work that might normally give you pause.
5. Don't be petty.
Asking the location of the lunchroom or meeting room will clue the interviewer into your lack of preparation and initiative. Prepare. Don't ask questions about routine elements or functions of a company: where stuff is, the size of your cube, and company policy on coffee breaks.
6. Don't be a liar.
Studies show that employees lie frequently in the workplace. Lying won't get you a job. In a job interview even a slight exaggeration is lying. Don't. Never stretch your resume or embellish accomplishments. There's a difference between speaking with a measured confidence and engaging in BS. One lie can ruin your entire interview, and the skilled interviewer will spot the lie and show you the door.
7. Don't be a bad comedian.
Humor tends to be very subjective, and while it may be tempting to lead your interview with a joke you've got to be careful about your material. You probably will know nothing about the sensibilities of your interviewer, let alone what makes them laugh. On the other hand, nothing disarms the tension of a job interview like a little laughter, so you can probably score at least a courtesy chuckle mentioning that it's "perfect weather for a job interview!"
8. Don't be high-maintenance.
If you start talking about the ideal office temperature, the perfect chair for your tricky back, and how the water cooler needs to be filled with imported mineral water, chances are you'll be shown a polite smile and the door, regardless of your qualifications. Nobody hiring today is going to be looking for someone who's going to be finicky about their workspace.
9. Don't be a time-waster.
At every job interview, the prospective hire is given the chance to ask questions. Make yours intelligent, to the point, and watch the person across the desk for visual cues whether you've asked enough. Ask too many questions about off-target matters and you'll be thought of as someone destined to waste the company's resources with insignificant and time-wasting matters.
10. Don't be a switchblade.
Normally the switchblade is thought of a backstabber, often taking credit for someone else's work. In an interview setting, the switchblade can't help but "trash talk" his former employer. If you make it seem like your former workplace was hell on Earth, the person interviewing you might be tempted to call them to find out who was the real devil.
Jonathan Littman and Marc Hershon
No matter your resume and talents, if you mess up a job interview you won't get that position. In today's tough economy you need every possible edge. As authors of the new book, "I Hate People! Kick Loose from the Overbearing and Underhanded Jerks at Work and Get What you Want Out of Your Job," we see it as a simple equation: You want to be liked -- not hated.
Here are 10 simple things to do that will dramatically increase your chances: from wearing the right expression, to knowing what not to say, to never ever breaking a sweat.
1. Don't be a "smiley face."
Excessive smiling in a job interview is seen for what it is -- nervousness and a lack of confidence. A smiley-face person exudes phoniness, which will quickly be picked up by the interviewer. Instead be thoughtful and pleasant. Smile when there's something to smile about. Do a practice run in front of a mirror or friend.
2. Don't be a small-talker.
Your job is to be knowledgeable about the company for which you're interviewing. Random facts about last night's episode of "Dancing with the Stars" or your favorite blog will not get you the job. Never feel you have to fill an interview with small talk. Find ways to talk about serious subjects related to the industry or company. Pockets of silence are better than padding an interview with random babble.
3. Don't sweat.
You can lose a job by wearing an undershirt or simply a little too much clothing. Sweaty palms or beads on your forehead will not impress. You are not applying to be a personal trainer. Sweat will be seen as a sign of weakness and nervousness. Do a practice run with your job interview outfit in front of friends. The job interview is one place you definitely don't want to be hot.
4. Don't be a road block.
Interviewers are seeking candidates eager to take on challenging projects and jobs. Hesitance and a nay-saying mentality will be as visible as a red tie -- and seen as a negative. Practice saying "yes" to questions about your interest in tasks and work that might normally give you pause.
5. Don't be petty.
Asking the location of the lunchroom or meeting room will clue the interviewer into your lack of preparation and initiative. Prepare. Don't ask questions about routine elements or functions of a company: where stuff is, the size of your cube, and company policy on coffee breaks.
6. Don't be a liar.
Studies show that employees lie frequently in the workplace. Lying won't get you a job. In a job interview even a slight exaggeration is lying. Don't. Never stretch your resume or embellish accomplishments. There's a difference between speaking with a measured confidence and engaging in BS. One lie can ruin your entire interview, and the skilled interviewer will spot the lie and show you the door.
7. Don't be a bad comedian.
Humor tends to be very subjective, and while it may be tempting to lead your interview with a joke you've got to be careful about your material. You probably will know nothing about the sensibilities of your interviewer, let alone what makes them laugh. On the other hand, nothing disarms the tension of a job interview like a little laughter, so you can probably score at least a courtesy chuckle mentioning that it's "perfect weather for a job interview!"
8. Don't be high-maintenance.
If you start talking about the ideal office temperature, the perfect chair for your tricky back, and how the water cooler needs to be filled with imported mineral water, chances are you'll be shown a polite smile and the door, regardless of your qualifications. Nobody hiring today is going to be looking for someone who's going to be finicky about their workspace.
9. Don't be a time-waster.
At every job interview, the prospective hire is given the chance to ask questions. Make yours intelligent, to the point, and watch the person across the desk for visual cues whether you've asked enough. Ask too many questions about off-target matters and you'll be thought of as someone destined to waste the company's resources with insignificant and time-wasting matters.
10. Don't be a switchblade.
Normally the switchblade is thought of a backstabber, often taking credit for someone else's work. In an interview setting, the switchblade can't help but "trash talk" his former employer. If you make it seem like your former workplace was hell on Earth, the person interviewing you might be tempted to call them to find out who was the real devil.
Jonathan Littman and Marc Hershon
Practice for a Successful Interview
Practice is the key to a successful interview. Practicing the response to the various questions asked by an interviewer is always helpful. Using actual examples to answer questions about oneself can be a great technique. Practicing for questions will help to avoid that awkwardness that can come with facing questions.
Being prepared for all types of questions is really important. You should especially be prepared for answering a common question like "Do you know what we do in our company?? Your preparation should also include knowing the name of the person who will interview you. This way you can use it to address him or her during the job interview. In case you do not know the name, it is better that you call in time and know it much before the interview. Another thing to be prepared is some information about the company, which you can relate while answering the questions.
Practice is the key to a successful interview. Practicing the response to the various questions asked by an interviewer is always helpful. Using actual examples to answer questions about oneself can be a great technique. Practicing for questions will help to avoid that awkwardness that can come with facing questions.
Being prepared for all types of questions is really important. You should especially be prepared for answering a common question like "Do you know what we do in our company?? Your preparation should also include knowing the name of the person who will interview you. This way you can use it to address him or her during the job interview. In case you do not know the name, it is better that you call in time and know it much before the interview. Another thing to be prepared is some information about the company, which you can relate while answering the questions.
Advice To Have Success In The Job Interview
In a job interview, especially if it’s the first job you’ve ever applied to, your own body turns against you. The heart races and sweat drops on the forehead, excitement slowly turns to a nervous streak that won’t go away. You’re likely to just look like an undependable amateur, too weak to snag that much needed job.
Common knowledge dictates that in order to ace an interview, you need to put your best foot forward in any way possible. Be the best you can be. Polish yourself up and try your hardest to be a strong, dependable, of course hirable person – even just for an hour, until the interview is over.
This is the wrong perspective to take in job interview preparation. This type of thinking just puts you in an awkward and uncomfortable position. While it is good to try your best to impress, that attitude should come with resolve and your natural personality.
Approaching an interviewer and thinking only about how you can sell yourself as the best candidate for the job will get you anywhere but hired.
Remember that despite your interviewer’s intimidating streak, he or she is still a person and people appreciate and remember sincerity. Talking honestly about who you are will be a breath of fresh air to a person who’s spent an entire day screening nervous wrecks and hard-selling eager beavers, and will likely get you a job interview follow up.
Another thing that people forget is that an interview is a conversation. Besides talking about yourself, your achievements and why they should hire you, try listening. Before you end up blabbing away the time with stories about your graduating with honors from some prestigious university (sounding like a total show-off in the process), try listening to what the interviewer really wants to hear from you.
You don’t need a killer line, or an impressive quote to make you sound patriotic and dependable, you just need to keep quite and listen. Silence is a normal part of any conversation; it’s the time when people in the conversation think of what to say. It’s okay to be silent if some job interview questions make you think.
Remember: think fast and speak slowly. Take fair enough time to think of good answers and speak as you would to a friend, calmly and surely.
The thing about these kinds of interviews is, in the first place, you’re already qualified for the job that’s why you’re being interviewed in the first place. You’ve hooked the fish, now just slowly but surely reel it in. You’re already right for the job, so you have nothing to be nervous about.
You just have to convince the interviewer that you’re up to speed, and you really are what you say in your resume. All the job interview skills you need are being yourself with a dash of confidence.
Acing a job interview is fairly easy. It’s a matter of convincing yourself, believing the fact that you deserve the job more than anyone else who’s applied.
The Job Interview Secret
In a job interview, especially if it’s the first job you’ve ever applied to, your own body turns against you. The heart races and sweat drops on the forehead, excitement slowly turns to a nervous streak that won’t go away. You’re likely to just look like an undependable amateur, too weak to snag that much needed job.
Common knowledge dictates that in order to ace an interview, you need to put your best foot forward in any way possible. Be the best you can be. Polish yourself up and try your hardest to be a strong, dependable, of course hirable person – even just for an hour, until the interview is over.
This is the wrong perspective to take in job interview preparation. This type of thinking just puts you in an awkward and uncomfortable position. While it is good to try your best to impress, that attitude should come with resolve and your natural personality.
Approaching an interviewer and thinking only about how you can sell yourself as the best candidate for the job will get you anywhere but hired.
Remember that despite your interviewer’s intimidating streak, he or she is still a person and people appreciate and remember sincerity. Talking honestly about who you are will be a breath of fresh air to a person who’s spent an entire day screening nervous wrecks and hard-selling eager beavers, and will likely get you a job interview follow up.
Another thing that people forget is that an interview is a conversation. Besides talking about yourself, your achievements and why they should hire you, try listening. Before you end up blabbing away the time with stories about your graduating with honors from some prestigious university (sounding like a total show-off in the process), try listening to what the interviewer really wants to hear from you.
You don’t need a killer line, or an impressive quote to make you sound patriotic and dependable, you just need to keep quite and listen. Silence is a normal part of any conversation; it’s the time when people in the conversation think of what to say. It’s okay to be silent if some job interview questions make you think.
Remember: think fast and speak slowly. Take fair enough time to think of good answers and speak as you would to a friend, calmly and surely.
The thing about these kinds of interviews is, in the first place, you’re already qualified for the job that’s why you’re being interviewed in the first place. You’ve hooked the fish, now just slowly but surely reel it in. You’re already right for the job, so you have nothing to be nervous about.
You just have to convince the interviewer that you’re up to speed, and you really are what you say in your resume. All the job interview skills you need are being yourself with a dash of confidence.
Acing a job interview is fairly easy. It’s a matter of convincing yourself, believing the fact that you deserve the job more than anyone else who’s applied.
The Job Interview Secret
Things To Remember When In A Job Interview
Often, when scheduled for a big job interview, we often take the simplest things for granted. After you’ve finished with all the background research you need to do regarding the company or organization you’re applying to, you’ll need to remember these few simple things that will help you seal the deal in an interview.
From walking into the room, maintain a pleasant outlook. Especially if you’re being interviewed in the morning, wear a simple smile on your face and just be friendly. Contrary to popular belief, not all interviewers are corporate sharks out to bite your head off. Maintaining a pleasant demeanor will likely be viral and spread a warm and positive aura across a tense and formal setup.
The first of the job interview questions will likely be a request to tell something about you: the perfect opportunity to lead the interview. The interviewer is asking this in order to 1) know more about you and 2) to know which direction the interview is likely to head. By speaking confidently, surely, but not arrogantly about your intentions, strengths & weaknesses, preferences, skills, etc., you’re leading the interview into an informational conversation which is what the interviewer wants and needs.
Listen and speak sincerely. Never pretend to be something you’re not; you will just be found out and are likely to just look stupid. Your job interview answers should lead towards revealing more of what you are about and why you would be perfect for the job without your coming on too strong. This can be accomplished through intently listening and comprehending the questions, and answering as truthfully and articulately as you can. Good communications skills show professionalism and dependability.
Keep track of your own body language. First off, maintain eye contact – showing confidence and honesty. Avoid fiddling with your tie, shifting uncomfortably in your seat, slouching, and most of all biting your nails: all these shows signs of weakness, disinterest, and insincerity –traits that won’t snag you a job interview follow up.
A key to sealing the deal in any interview is ensuring that you are remembered. This can be done in a variety of ways. You can dress really nicely if it is appropriate, or accent your clothes with a distinct accessory that you can pull off.
Of the dozens of other applicants that might be applying for the same job you are, you should be unique and distinguishable from the pack. The way to get hired starts from being noticed. Don’t be afraid to be creative, but don’t go overboard either – nothing’s more annoying than an eager beaver who hasn’t even been hired yet.
Writing a job interview thank you letter is a simple and effective way to be remembered. Not only is it traditional in business, it shows gratefulness on your part and is yet another chance to reiterate that you are the best person for the job.
Acing a job interview needn’t be done with tricks or trade secrets. Sometimes, the simplest techniques are the most effective.
Job Interview Secret
Often, when scheduled for a big job interview, we often take the simplest things for granted. After you’ve finished with all the background research you need to do regarding the company or organization you’re applying to, you’ll need to remember these few simple things that will help you seal the deal in an interview.
From walking into the room, maintain a pleasant outlook. Especially if you’re being interviewed in the morning, wear a simple smile on your face and just be friendly. Contrary to popular belief, not all interviewers are corporate sharks out to bite your head off. Maintaining a pleasant demeanor will likely be viral and spread a warm and positive aura across a tense and formal setup.
The first of the job interview questions will likely be a request to tell something about you: the perfect opportunity to lead the interview. The interviewer is asking this in order to 1) know more about you and 2) to know which direction the interview is likely to head. By speaking confidently, surely, but not arrogantly about your intentions, strengths & weaknesses, preferences, skills, etc., you’re leading the interview into an informational conversation which is what the interviewer wants and needs.
Listen and speak sincerely. Never pretend to be something you’re not; you will just be found out and are likely to just look stupid. Your job interview answers should lead towards revealing more of what you are about and why you would be perfect for the job without your coming on too strong. This can be accomplished through intently listening and comprehending the questions, and answering as truthfully and articulately as you can. Good communications skills show professionalism and dependability.
Keep track of your own body language. First off, maintain eye contact – showing confidence and honesty. Avoid fiddling with your tie, shifting uncomfortably in your seat, slouching, and most of all biting your nails: all these shows signs of weakness, disinterest, and insincerity –traits that won’t snag you a job interview follow up.
A key to sealing the deal in any interview is ensuring that you are remembered. This can be done in a variety of ways. You can dress really nicely if it is appropriate, or accent your clothes with a distinct accessory that you can pull off.
Of the dozens of other applicants that might be applying for the same job you are, you should be unique and distinguishable from the pack. The way to get hired starts from being noticed. Don’t be afraid to be creative, but don’t go overboard either – nothing’s more annoying than an eager beaver who hasn’t even been hired yet.
Writing a job interview thank you letter is a simple and effective way to be remembered. Not only is it traditional in business, it shows gratefulness on your part and is yet another chance to reiterate that you are the best person for the job.
Acing a job interview needn’t be done with tricks or trade secrets. Sometimes, the simplest techniques are the most effective.
Job Interview Secret
Tips for your Interview
So you are all set with your resumes, cover letters and everything to brazen out the interviewer!!! But are you sure that you would be able to ace the interview and touch the heights of success? May be you are not. But don?t you worry, because facing a job interview is not that difficult with Wow You?re Hired. Moreover, for an acing in a job interview, there are some considerations that need to be kept in mind which are thus:
Moreover a number of things are required to be considered while facing and preparing yourself for a job interview so that you can easily land into your dream-job. Here?s how you can chase success in achieving the job you have desired to be into for long:
1. Ensure that you make it to the interview sharp on time. You would definitely not want to be late and lose the chance of creating the right idea in the mind of the interviewer. Besides you need time to loosen up and recollect all the important ideas for succeeding in a job interview
2. Make sure that you take additional copies of your resume, cover letter and photographs when you are going for your job interview. This should be done because you never know when the panel of the interviewers ask for separate copies of the resume and cover letter
3. Ensure that you hold two or three replicas of your resume and stuff so that if required you are not short of them. Apart from this, a number of organizations carry out interview by a team of interviewers that ask for separate replicas of the resume and cover letter. In that case you should make sure that you do not fall short making the right impression by giving them separate copies of your resume.
4. Keep a watch on your body language as it speaks a lot more than your resume and cover letter in a job interview. Maintain constant eye contact with the interviewers and shake hands firmly with them. Don't let them get the slightest of the indication that you are nervous or losing confidence. Walk straight and sit and get up confidently.
5. Make sure that you dress up formally for the job interview. Use light-odor perfume and light make-up if you are a woman. Moreover, avoid unnecessary accessories. For men a formal pant and shirt with a good perfume would be enough to come-up as a pleasing personality.
In a nutshell, nothing can be as demanding as accomplishing a job interview and that too for the job which you have always desired of. But if the aforesaid points are taken well into consideration, nothing can keep you astray from conquering your job of dreams.
Parting words of wisdom state that if small things are taken into consideration then nothing can drive you away from conquering you job of dreams. As the ocean is made from small-small drops of water, success reaches those who don?t forget to reach out to even the smallest things in life.
So you are all set with your resumes, cover letters and everything to brazen out the interviewer!!! But are you sure that you would be able to ace the interview and touch the heights of success? May be you are not. But don?t you worry, because facing a job interview is not that difficult with Wow You?re Hired. Moreover, for an acing in a job interview, there are some considerations that need to be kept in mind which are thus:
Moreover a number of things are required to be considered while facing and preparing yourself for a job interview so that you can easily land into your dream-job. Here?s how you can chase success in achieving the job you have desired to be into for long:
1. Ensure that you make it to the interview sharp on time. You would definitely not want to be late and lose the chance of creating the right idea in the mind of the interviewer. Besides you need time to loosen up and recollect all the important ideas for succeeding in a job interview
2. Make sure that you take additional copies of your resume, cover letter and photographs when you are going for your job interview. This should be done because you never know when the panel of the interviewers ask for separate copies of the resume and cover letter
3. Ensure that you hold two or three replicas of your resume and stuff so that if required you are not short of them. Apart from this, a number of organizations carry out interview by a team of interviewers that ask for separate replicas of the resume and cover letter. In that case you should make sure that you do not fall short making the right impression by giving them separate copies of your resume.
4. Keep a watch on your body language as it speaks a lot more than your resume and cover letter in a job interview. Maintain constant eye contact with the interviewers and shake hands firmly with them. Don't let them get the slightest of the indication that you are nervous or losing confidence. Walk straight and sit and get up confidently.
5. Make sure that you dress up formally for the job interview. Use light-odor perfume and light make-up if you are a woman. Moreover, avoid unnecessary accessories. For men a formal pant and shirt with a good perfume would be enough to come-up as a pleasing personality.
In a nutshell, nothing can be as demanding as accomplishing a job interview and that too for the job which you have always desired of. But if the aforesaid points are taken well into consideration, nothing can keep you astray from conquering your job of dreams.
Parting words of wisdom state that if small things are taken into consideration then nothing can drive you away from conquering you job of dreams. As the ocean is made from small-small drops of water, success reaches those who don?t forget to reach out to even the smallest things in life.
Interview Insights: 10 Ways to Make the Most of the First 10 Minutes
According to a Robert Half International (RHI) survey of 150 senior executives at the nation's 1,000 largest companies, hiring managers form either a positive or negative opinion of job candidates within just 10 minutes.
Brandi Britton, senior regional vice president with RHI, says, "Your behavior may be under scrutiny from the moment you arrive for the interview." Use these tips from Britton and other career and job-search gurus to make sure you wow them from the minute you walk in the room. .....read more
Yahoo Hotjobs
According to a Robert Half International (RHI) survey of 150 senior executives at the nation's 1,000 largest companies, hiring managers form either a positive or negative opinion of job candidates within just 10 minutes.
Brandi Britton, senior regional vice president with RHI, says, "Your behavior may be under scrutiny from the moment you arrive for the interview." Use these tips from Britton and other career and job-search gurus to make sure you wow them from the minute you walk in the room. .....read more
Yahoo Hotjobs
Ace the Interview
You need to make a genuine connection with the interviewer. How to do that? Put away the interview "nerves" and the belief that you are being judged and substitute it with a truly collegial attitude - in which the you are identified with the interviewer's pain or challenges and you sincerely establish yourself as someone who can help with the solution(s).
If you lift the day of the interviewer as your day is lifted by every single moment of pleasantness, generosity and caring that you encounter, you will be remembered and (hopefully) presented with an offer. Such an attitude - that breaks through the superficiality and indifference of so many human encounters - is good in its own right, not just for business.
You need to make a genuine connection with the interviewer. How to do that? Put away the interview "nerves" and the belief that you are being judged and substitute it with a truly collegial attitude - in which the you are identified with the interviewer's pain or challenges and you sincerely establish yourself as someone who can help with the solution(s).
If you lift the day of the interviewer as your day is lifted by every single moment of pleasantness, generosity and caring that you encounter, you will be remembered and (hopefully) presented with an offer. Such an attitude - that breaks through the superficiality and indifference of so many human encounters - is good in its own right, not just for business.
The Truth About Interviewing
The truth about interviewing is that most initial interviews last only about five minutes. Oh, sure, the actual interview always takes longer than that. Twenty minutes. Thirty minutes. Sometimes even an hour. But the interview is usually over in five minutes or less. If you have not convinced the interviewer by the five-minute point that you are the right person for the job (or at least a contender who should be taken to the next level), it can be next to impossible to recover. Recoveries do happen. But they are very rare. ....Read More
Collegegrad.com
The truth about interviewing is that most initial interviews last only about five minutes. Oh, sure, the actual interview always takes longer than that. Twenty minutes. Thirty minutes. Sometimes even an hour. But the interview is usually over in five minutes or less. If you have not convinced the interviewer by the five-minute point that you are the right person for the job (or at least a contender who should be taken to the next level), it can be next to impossible to recover. Recoveries do happen. But they are very rare. ....Read More
Collegegrad.com
Confessions of Hiring Experts
If you worry about every possible way you can blow a job interview -- from mispronouncing the boss's name to babbling incessantly when you don't know what else to say -- you're going to walk in there feeling like you're destined to fail. True, job interviews are rife with opportunities for you to embarrass yourself, but hiring managers are more forgiving than you might think. ....read more
If you worry about every possible way you can blow a job interview -- from mispronouncing the boss's name to babbling incessantly when you don't know what else to say -- you're going to walk in there feeling like you're destined to fail. True, job interviews are rife with opportunities for you to embarrass yourself, but hiring managers are more forgiving than you might think. ....read more
Use Power Statements in Your Interview
When presenting your skills to others, use concise statements that briefly describe the value you will bring to the organization. Highlight a strength you have and show how you have used that strength to achieve results..... read more
providentliving.org
When presenting your skills to others, use concise statements that briefly describe the value you will bring to the organization. Highlight a strength you have and show how you have used that strength to achieve results..... read more
providentliving.org
Me in 30
A "Me in 30 Seconds" statement is a simple way to present to someone who you are. You need to be able to give your Me In 30 at any time. It is the answer to the question, "Tell Me About Yourself." ....read more
A "Me in 30 Seconds" statement is a simple way to present to someone who you are. You need to be able to give your Me In 30 at any time. It is the answer to the question, "Tell Me About Yourself." ....read more
Teamwork
Interviewers, inevitably, seek the ideal candidate. To become this perfect hire, put yourself in the mind of the interviewer. Take a good look at yourself. What does this person look like? How does this person dress, and carry himherself? Which qualities does this interviewee demonstrate in his or her answers? Increasingly, interviewers will ask behavioral questions -- questions that seek to understand you through the prism of your past behavior and accomplishments. Here's a look at some questions you might receive. These questions are designed to get you talking about your ability to work in a team.
Are we all on the same page?
Are you a team player? Teamwork is a big buzzword among HR professionals. This quality, beloved by many high school coaches, is also a darling of most employers. Because many managers, especially in sales positions, like to see themselves as coaches and use motivational speeches similar to those you might hear in a football locker room, it's a good idea to be aware of the team player concept when you step into the office for your interview. Are you willing to sacrifice some of your own needs, desires, free time and glory, for the greater good of the team? Being a team player, especially in entry-level positions, means doing the dirty work while someone else gets the glory. But it also means not shouldering more of the burden than you can bear. It means evenly distributing the work and the resulting credit and wealth.
How well do you work with others?
Describe a situation in which you sacrificed your immediate needs for the larger good of a team.
Have you participated in any team activities? What were they and what did you learn from them?
How important is recognition to you?
What do the words "team player" mean to you?
Ask for the Job
One of the important bits of advice for a job seeker is, after an interview, if you want the job, tell the recruiter. Unless you show an enthusiastic interest, you may be bypassed. This is the best way to let the interviewer know you are interested. Also ask when the decision is expected to be made. A day or two after the interview, send the interviewer a personal thank you note, preferably hand written. Every week or two, telephone the interviewer asking about their hiring decision.
One of the important bits of advice for a job seeker is, after an interview, if you want the job, tell the recruiter. Unless you show an enthusiastic interest, you may be bypassed. This is the best way to let the interviewer know you are interested. Also ask when the decision is expected to be made. A day or two after the interview, send the interviewer a personal thank you note, preferably hand written. Every week or two, telephone the interviewer asking about their hiring decision.
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