Post on 05-Apr-2018
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Interview Skills
that Win the Job
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THIS BOOK IS PREPADED BY
MERCURY TEAM
AUTHORS.
N.PRADEEP.
P.VISHNUPRIYA.N.KALYANI.
N.BRAMAJI.
P.LALIH KUMAR.
P.SIVA KUMAR.
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PREFACEYou probably already know that your rsum is a tool to obtain
an interview with a potential employer, and the interview
determines whether you receive an offer of employment. Manycandidates mistakenly believe their work ends once they secure
an interview, but those who are unprepared for the interview arerarely successful. Youll want to invest the time and energy in a
positive interview outcome.
An interview gives you and the interviewer an opportunity toexchange information about the open position. The interviewers
task is to determine whether you have the skills and motivationto do the job and whether youll fit into the organization. Your
goal is to present yourself in the best possible light, so you stand
out as the ideal candidate. To reach this goal, you must seriously
prepare for every interview, realizing your level of preparation
probably will be the deciding factor in whether you receive a job
offer.
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ACKNOWLEGEMENT
This book on interview skills is the creation of all the authors. It
would not have been possible to write this book without the
help and support of the kind people around me, to only some of
whom it is possible to give particular mention here.
Above all we would like to thank our parents, brother and sister
have given me their unequivocal support throughout, as
always, for which my mere expression of thanks likewise does
not suffice.
This book would not have been possible without the help,support and patience of my English Prof. paulish.
The good advice and support from my team members has
been invaluable on both an academic and a personal level, for
which I am extremely grateful.
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Contents:
Introduction..1
Before your interview...2
How face interview...9
During your interview...12
Closing the interview15
After the interview16
The evaluation process..17
Interview types..18
Stress..18
Oneone19
Screening20
Lunch time..21
Committee...22
Group...23
Telephone24
References..25
Selling your self..26
Dressing for success27
Body language.28
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Stress reduction...29
General suggestions.30
Remember! ...............................................................32
Conclusion34
1
INTRODUCTIONAn interview is an exchange of information. It allows the
employer to evaluate your personality, communication skills,
attitudes, values, motivation, interests, and technical skills.
The interview also enables you to obtain information about the
organization in order to make an informed decision.
An interview is a discussion between equals.
Although you need to treat the interviewer(s) with respect, there
is no need to be overly deferential.
A successful interview is one in which both the
interviewer and interviewee receive accurate
information and can make an informed decision about
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the fit between the job and the applicant's personality
and skills.
2
BEFORE YOUR INTERVIEW:
RESEARCHING THE COMPANY
One of the most important things you can do to make a positive impression in
the interview is to research the company.
The smaller the firm, the more likely you will need to poll current and past
employees for information, or check with friends who work at competing
firms.
Large corporations have been reviewed by various sources and those reviews
are often available in the public library at the reference desk. Some reference
librarians and career centers also keep clipping files on local companies.You may also find information on local companies through your chamber of
commerce, and larger companies may have stockholder and annual report
information available to the general public. Some additional resources to do
company research are:
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The Internet
Review the facilitys website. Look at all current openings (what other
types of jobs are available at the facility?) This can provide you with helpfulinformation about career paths, etc. Look at the web site from the vantagepoint of a client or patient: How does the facility present itself to its
patients/clients?
3
Researching the company directly (visiting the physical location) can
also provide you with information regarding the corporate culture.
Is it conservative or relaxed, do people wear formal business attire to the
office or more casual clothing? Is the atmosphere one you feel comfortable
in?
Remember, the more you know about the facility, the morefocused your answers will be!
QUESTIONS TO RESEARCH THE COMPANY
How old is the company?
Where are the offices, stores, manufacturing, etc., located?
What does it produce, or what does it have to offer?
What has been its growth?
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What does the future seem to hold for its products or services?
Does it have a long-term market?
What other industries or competitors impact it?
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How many competitors are there? Who are they, how do theycompare in terms of size and growth? Reputation?
What makes this firm different from their competitors?
How large is the organization?
What population do they serve? Who is their client base?
What is their reputation?
What type of benefits are available? (not asked in the job interviewfind
out when researching the company or when they have offered you the job)
What is the salary range for this position?(not asked in the job interview
find out when researching the company or when they have offered you the
job)
Is training provided?
Emphasize Areas of Your Background
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Examine your job-related skills, accomplishments, and goals.
Specifically look for ways in which you stand out from your classmates.
Think of specific examples that demonstrate your positives. Be prepared to
talk about specific events that might demonstrate your personality traits.
Be comfortable talking about your past and present experiences. Practice with
another person prior to the interview. This is your time to showcase your
talents.
5
Try not to be too long winded. Remember, short and precise answers are
appreciated.
DEVELOP ANSWERS TO EXPECTED INTERVIEW
QUESTIONS
Much of what will be asked in your interview will be fairly obvious ahead of
time. Practice your answers to tough questions you're likely to be asked.
Practice your responses, either alone or with someone you can trust to give
you an honest and candid reaction.
You need to make an honest assessment of your experience and employment
history and be prepared to deal directly with both your strengths and
weaknesses
If the employer asks a difficult question that you have not prepared for, ask
for a minute to think about it and give a quality response.
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Below is a list of commonly asked questions in an interview. Consider how
you might want to answer:
"Tell me about yourself." How would you describe yourself?
1. Why are you willing to leave your current employer?
2. What do you know about this company? Why are you interested?
3. What are your short-term and long-term goals?
4. How do you feel about your current supervisor?
65. What are your strengths?
6. What are your weaknesses?
7. What are you currently looking for in salary?
8. What information is important to you in making a decision about this job
change?
9. What questions do you plan to ask the employer either about the job,
company, or other things?
10. Who have you learned the most from? What was it? Why was it
important?
11. What could be improved in your boss?
12. What do you like and dislike about your current boss?
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13. When are you available to start?
14. What are your plans for the future?
PRACTICE YOUR ANSWERS :
You have heard it before, but practice does make perfect. One possible way
to practice is through a "mock interview" at the Career Development
Center.
7
They can help you critique your performance by evaluating the content of
your answers, your body language, voice intonation, eye contact, andgeneral demeanor. Interviewers will assess your personality and attitude,
career goals, confidence level, communication skills (both verbal and
nonverbal), accomplishments (academic as well as personal), andknowledge (an understanding of the organization and the career field.
PREPARE A LIST OF QUESTIONS TO ASK THE
INTERVIEWER
You can also indicate your interest in the position by asking
thoughtful, pertinent questions.
Make sure that the questions that you ask are not questions that could have
been answered through your research efforts.
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Remember to ask open-ended questions which will supply you with more
information and allow the interviewer an opportunity to talk.
If you do not ask questions, it may be interpreted as a lack of enthusiasm for
the position and the facility. We recommend asking three to four questions.It is perfectly acceptable to bring a written list of questions to the interviewto use as a reference. Below is a list of possible questions that you may
raise.
1. What are the company's goals? Future projections? Direction?
2. What skills are important for this position? What experience is necessary?
3. What opportunities are there for professional growth? Company growth?
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4. Why is this particular position available? Is this a new position?
5. What are some frustrations of this position? Whom do you report to?
6. Why did you join this company? Why did you pick this career/industry?
7. What criteria do you use for performance evaluation?
Dress Professionally
Make sure your first impression is a good one by looking professional and
confident.
Even when the corporate culture is more casual, it doesn't hurt to be the best
dressed person in the room during an interview. This is the time to be
conservative in dress, not trendy or hip.
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For a man, it's best to wear a dark suit with a white shirt and a contrasting tie,
polished shoes and dark socks.
For a woman, the best choice is a dark, skirted suit or tailored dress with a
matching jacket, with neutral hose and simple pumps.
A conservative hair style, with clean, neat fingernails is most appropriate, and
makeup and jewelry should be minimal.
Arrive Fashionably Early
You should be at your destination and have reported to the receptionist well
before the interview.
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Fifteen minutes early is a good rule of thumb. To make sure you don't arrive
at the last minute, go over your travel route in advance, and even drive it once
to test the route so you are absolutely confident you know how long it will
take.
Smile at Everyone
A pleasant demeanor can go a long way toward making a good impression,
and it will probably release a little of the tension for you as well.
HOW TO FACE AN INTERVIEW
1. Golden Rule: Speak
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1) Loudly
2) Clearly
3) Slowly
2. You need to make sure that you arrive and are ready to take the phone callabout 15 minutes before the scheduled interview time. Please make sure thephone is not busy (or engaged) about 10 minutes before the scheduled
interview time.
3. Have a pen and paper ready to take notes during the interview with your
resume and verify the resume experience.
4. Be calm and composed before and during the interview.
5. Be enthusiastic during the interview. Smile. They can definitely hear it in
your voice. Discuss hot buttons for client.
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6. Provide direct and complete answers to all questions that are asked of you.Always research the clients website before the interview to get an idea of the
clients business.
7. If this is an international call, there may be delay across the phone line.Wait for the interviewer to finish talking and then respond to the question.
8. The interviewer begins the conversation with How are you doing? You
need to respond back with Fine. How about you?
9. You need to end the interview with. Thanks for your time. It was nice
talking to you and I look forward to being a part of your project.
10. Always call the interviewers by their first name only. For example, if theinterviewers name is John Smith, make sure you call him John.
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Do not call him Mr. John or Sir. Make sure that you write down the names of
the interviewers so that you remember to address them by their name during
the interview.
11. Find out from the sales representative and recruiter about therequirements of the project for which you are being interviewed prior to theinterview.
Tailor your answers to best suit the details of the project for which you are
being interviewed.
For example, if the project is an accounting system, make sure that you
highlight any experience that you have with any accounting systems that you
have worked in the past.Also, for example, if the project requires Sybase as the backend database,
make sure that you highlight your Sybase experience, if any.
12. Anticipate what the interviewer is looking for and provide intelligentanswers to satisfy the interviewers questions.
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If you have not worked on a particular software or version, do not answer
saying No. Say that you have worked on a similar product or that you are a
quick learner and some of the other things you would bring to the table
.13. Never use the words involved in. This implies that someone else did the
work and that you were assisting them.
Either say I was responsible for, if you were in charge of the work, or I
carried out if you were part of the team carrying out the work.
14. Never use the words we. Always say I. This clearly indicates that you
did the work.
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15. If the line is bad or you cant hear, never keep saying Hello. Simply say
Im sorry, the line is bad, I cannot hear you. Would you please repeat thequestion? Or simply Would you pleaserepeat your question?
16. If you do not work for X but for the subcontractor, make sure that younever mention that you work for the subcontractor instead of X. Alwaysindicate that you work for X directly, unless instructed otherwise by the
recruiter/ sales representative. Never discuss rates or salary with the client.
17. Make sure that you check with the recruiter/sales representative as to
what the interviewers expectations are and make sure that you provide a
suitable start date.
18. Highlight any special training or certifications you have.
19. Never discuss personal issues with the client.
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DURING YOUR INTERVIEW
Make the First 10 Minutes Count
The first ten minutes sets the tone of the entire interview.
You can help make sure it's a tone that works to your advantage. State
everything as a positive, and display genuine enthusiasm. That shows you are
interested, energetic and confident.
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Remember no one is perfect, and that goes for job candidates too. You need
to make
the most of what you have, and a positive approach will help immeasurably.
Tell Your Story
The most effective way to relate your experience and expertise is to tell it in a
story form. Try to create a picture of your experience, your abilities inworking with others and your focus on teamwork, results, problem -solving --
whatever qualities the job you're interviewing for requires
.
Talk about your experience you "feel" and what you "think."
The more your interviewers feel they are dealing with a person, instead of
facts on a resume, the better.
Interview them
Ask key questions. By asking them to describe the position youre applying
for, you'll learn their priorities, and you'll have some clues about which pointson your resume to emphasize.
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Ask them about the first two or three projects you'll be involved with.
Ask about their goals for the person in this position. This is what you
prepared your list of questions for.
BE AWARE OF BOTH YOUR VERBAL AND
NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION
Make an effort to talk more deliberately and articulately than usual.
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Dont use the words think, guess or feel which sound indecisive.Avoid phrases like pretty good or fairly well.
Avoid constant use of filler words like you know, right, like, etc. Usepositive words to describe your skills.
Maintain reasonable eye contact and be aware of negative body language
such as crossing your arms.
LISTEN ATTENTIVELY
Listen effectively, paraphrase to clarify and confirm the interviewersquestion and answer what is asked.
Wait for the interviewer to finish speaking before formulating and
delivering your answer.
BE PREPARED TO DISCUSS SALARYBe prepared to discuss the topic of salary intelligently. Research the field
and find out what the average salary is for your chosen major.
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Understand that salary may vary according to geographic region, size offacility, experience, and education.
Do not pinpoint a salary. If you are asked what you are expecting to earn,
give a salary range rather than quoting a specific figure.
Do not discuss salary if the employer does not raise the topic
Closing the Interview
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Now is the time to be candid, but polite. If you like what you heard in theinterview, let them know that. Reiterate how you can contribute to their
organization and how you can help them meet their stated goals.
Let them know how you think you would fit in with the corporate culture,
and how interested you are in the position, now that you know more about it.
Ask them what's next. This let's them know that you're interested enough
to want a second interview, or to go to the next step.
Leave the room on an upbeat, friendly and comfortable note. You may have
just made some new friends and colleagues.
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AFTER THE INTERVIEW:
Steps to Effective Follow-up
REVIEW THE DAY
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Immediately following the interview, review the questions you had trouble
answering. Reflect on ways in which you could answer them more
effectively if they are ever asked again.
Practice your revised answers aloud. Reflect on questions you answeredparticularly well and highlight those themes in the thank you letter.
SEND A THANK-YOU LETTER
Send a typed thank-you letter to the interviewer (s) within 24 hours after the
interview. While it may not affect the probability of receiving a job offer,its a common courtesy and it may give you an advantage over other
candidates.
Please refer to the next few pages for ideas on how to write a thank-you
letter. E-mail or type a letter to send in U.S. mail; thank you letters should
never be hand-written.
FOLLOW-UP CALL
If you do not receive a response from the facility in a week or so or shortly
after your thank-you letters have been sent, it is appropriate to call toinquire about the status of your application.
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The Evaluation Process:
Most interviewers make up their mind about a candidate based on the first 5-10 minutes of meeting the candidate.
In those first few minutes, you have to make a good first impression. Give a
firm handshake, smile, display lots of energy and confidence, make eyecontact with interviewer and be friendly.
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Making a good first impression and listening skills are very important in the
interview process. Interviewers evaluate you on your appearance,
communications skills, attitude, enthusiasm, technical knowledge, knowledgeabout their company as well as your ability to do the job.
You should know the size of the organization, product line or service, types
of clients, present price of stock, who the competition is and any recent items
in the news about the company.
Go online and visit the company's website to gain information about theircurrent needs.
Tell the interviewer what skills and education you have that relate to the
company's current needs.
Develop a rapport with the interviewer. Offer a firm handshake at the
beginning and at the end of the interview.
Jobs are not always won by having the right skills. Often they are won
because one candidate has established a rapport with the interviewer
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INTERVIEW TYPES
Stress Interview:
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Stress interviews are a deliberate attempt to see how you handle yourself. The
interviewer may be sarcastic or argumentative, or may keep you waiting.
Expect this to happen and, when it does,don't take it personally.
Calmly answer each question as it comes. Ask for clarification if you need it
and never rush into an answer.
The interviewer may also lapse into silence at some point during the
questioning. Recognize this as an attempt to unnerve you. Sit silently until
the interviewer resumes the questions. If a minuteGoes by, ask if he or she needs clarification of your last comments.
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One-On-One Interview:
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In a one-on-one interview, it has been established that you have the skills and
education necessary for the position.
The interviewer wants to see if you will fit in with the company, and howyour skills will complement the rest of the department.Your goal in a one-on-one interview is to establish rapport with the interviewer and show him or
her that your qualifications will benefit the company.
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Screening Interview:
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A screening interview is meant to weed out unqualified candidates. Providing
facts about your skills is more important than establishing rapport.
Interviewers will work from an outline of points they want to cover, looking
for inconsistencies in your resume and challenging your qualifications.
Provide answers to Interviewers questions, and never volunteer any
additional information. That information could work against you. One type of
screening interview is the telephone interview.
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Lunch Interview:
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The same rules apply in lunch interviews as in those held at the office. The
setting may be more casual, but remember it is a business lunch and you are
being watched carefully.
Use the lunch interview to develop common ground with your interviewer.
Follow his or her lead in both selection of food and in etiquette.
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Committee Interview:
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Committee interviews are a common practice. You will face several membersof the company who have a say in whether you are hired.
When answering questions from several people, speak directly to the person
asking the question; it is not necessary to answer to the group
.
In some committee interviews, you may be asked to demonstrate your
problem-solving skills. The committee will outline a situation and ask you toformulate a plan that deals with the problem.
You don't have to come up with the ultimate solution. The interviewers arelooking for how you apply your knowledge and skills to a real-life situation.
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Group Interview:
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A group interview is usually designed to uncover the leadership potential of
prospective managers and employees who will be dealing with the public.
The front-runner candidates are gathered together in an informal, discussion-
type interview.
A subject is introduced and the interviewer will start off the discussion.
The goal of the group interview is to see how you interact with others and
how you use your knowledge and reasoning powers to win others over. If you
do well in the group interview, you can expect to be asked back for a more
extensive interview.
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Telephone Interview:
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Telephone interviews are merely screening interviews meant to eliminate
poorly qualified candidates so that only a few are left for personal interviews.
You might be called out of the blue, or a telephone call to check on your
resume might turn into an interview. Your mission is to be invited for a
personal face-to-face interview.
Anticipate the dialogue: Write a general script with answers toquestions you might be asked.
Focus on skills, experiences, and accomplishments. Practice until you are
comfortable. Then replace the script with cue cards that you keep by the
telephone.
Keep your notes handy: Have any key information, including yourresume, notes about the company, and any cue cards you have prepared, next
to the phone. You will sound prepared if you don't have to search forinformation. Make sure you also have a notepad and pen so you can write
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down notes and any questions you would like to ask at the end of the
interview.
Be prepared to think on your feet: If you are asked to participate in
a role-playing situation, give short but concise answers. Accept any criticismwith tact and grace.
Avoid salary issues: If you are asked how much money you wouldexpect, try to avoid the issue by using a delaying statement or give a broad
range. At this point, you do not know how much the job is worth.
Push for a face-to-face meeting:Sell yourself by closing with
something like: "I am very interested in exploring the possibility of workingin your company. I would appreciate an opportunity to meet with you in
person so we can both better evaluate each other. I am free either Tuesday
afternoon or Wednesday morning. Which would be better for you?"
Try to reschedule surprise interviews:You will not be your bestwith a surprise interview. If you were called unexpectedly, try to set an
appointment to call back by saying something like: "I have a scheduling
conflict at this time. Can I call you back tomorrow after work, say 6 PM?"
REFERENCES
Assume that your references will be checked. It is vital that the individuals
that you are using as a reference know in advance that you are using them as
a reference. If possible, get written letters of recommendation.
Letters of recommendation are good forever. It is not always possible to
contact prior supervisors or work associates. If you have changed your name,let the reference know the name you worked under when you knew thereference, and the name you are using now.
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If it has been a while, you may want to refresh them on what you did, and
what you accomplished when you worked for them. Make it easy for the
reference to say nice things about you.
SELLING YOURSELF
An interview is centered on the subject that you should know better than
anyone else, yourself. You need to have taken the time to think about your
particular strengths and skills, particularly as they relate to the position for
which you are applying, and to be prepared to verbalize them.
Not all interviewers are skilled in the art of interviewing and drawing
information from you. You must be prepared for the inexperienced oroverworked interviewer.
Be ready to take advantage of any opportunities to tell the interviewer how
your skills and abilities can benefit the company. Stick to your assets that arework related. Give it all you have, be confident, enthusiastic, but not overly
aggressive.
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DRESSING FOR SUCCESS
Rule of thumbdress for the interview slightly more formally than you
would dress for the position you are applying for, keeping in mind the
company dress standards.Even in informal environments, you are generally expected to dress up for theinterview. Select and try on your interview clothes the night prior to your
interview.
Do they feel comfortable? Are all the buttons on and no loose threads
hanging from hems, are you spotless and well pressed? Do you feel good
about yourself in these clothes?
Going for a promotion? Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.
Observe what individuals are wearing at the level of employment you are
aiming for and emulate that style of dress after eliminating the most
flamboyant and conservative styles.Your exterior image is often the only one
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Some people may be able to judge you by. The first impression you make in
the interview is what you look like. While we have limited control over our
Facial features, hair, height and weight, we do have control over our clothing
and style of dress.
When going for a promotion within your current company, dress for the job
you want for an extended time prior to applying for that position. You can not
change your style of dress a week prior to an interview, and expect that you
will be viewed as a serious contender for a promotion
BODY LANGUAGE
Your Body Language How we sit, stand and move says a lot about who we
are and how we feel about ourselves.
Your body language can reinforce or detract from what you say in the
interview. It is important to convey a strong, confident and open body
language.
Tips on positive body language
Roles play your questions in front of a mirror or video camera, or ask a
friend to critique your posture and gestures.
Be sure they tell you what you are doing right, as well as what you could
improve upon. Shake hands with the primary interviewer when entering andleaving the interview.
Smile. Be sure to convey interest and enthusiasm with your facial
expressions.
Use good eye contact.Use gestures if appropriate.
Try not to freeze into one position. Breathe.
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STRESS REDUCTION
Job interviews seem to have been designed to induce a good case of stress.
No matter how practiced you may be in the art of interviewing, stress is still a
factor in most interviews.
Stress may be exhibited by
Your hands perspire or shake.
You havent moved in 5 minutes and your feet fall asleep.
Your voice rises or cracks.
You cant remember the speech you had memorized the night before.
Tips on Alleviating Stress Before The Interview
Tell yourself what a good person you are, what a good Candidate you
are for the job, think about your strong Points, build your self-
confidence.
Move around. Exercise lightly to moderately.
Get your blood flowing and breathe deeply prior to the interview.
Meditate.
Get to the interview on time or early.
Do what works for you to calm yourself: Positive visualizations, quiettime whatever makes you feel calmer?
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General Suggestions:
Be Prompt and Know Where youre Going
It may sound clich but you'd be surprised how often it happens. Ask for
directions, reconfirm the date and time of your appointment, plan for traffic,
parking and possibly getting lost.
Arriving late not only makes a bad impression, it prevents from having a few
extra minutes to relax and collect your thoughts.
Dress Professionally:
Again, what sounds clich is so important in making a first impression. Dress
to what is appropriate for the job, company and industry culture. Avoid heavy
makeup, perfume or cologne.
Writing Your Resume:
Get your resume and cover letter written by professionals which will be moreenticing to the eye and reader-friendly to hiring managers.
Introducing Yourself:
While your resume explains your skills and experience, the personal
introduction you make of yourself is equally, if not more important.
Be confident! Start with a firm handshake, a smile and look the interviewer inthe eye. Be prepared to answer questions about yourself but remember -
Be concise! Listen attentively, don't interrupt and be sure to answer the
question.
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Relate Your Own Experience:
Find out as much as you can about the position and the company'sphilosophy. Relate that with specific examples to your own work experience.
Focus on results. Share your knowledge of the industry, whether it's personal
contacts or knowledge of the latest news in the field.
Ask Relevant Questions:
It's important to remember that while you're the one being interviewed, an
interview is also your opportunity to find out if the job or company is rightfor you, too.
Ask relevant questions regarding the company and position, what theresponsibilities are, management practices, etc. Don't bring up salary
information in the first interview unless you are specifically asked. Don't ask
about vacation time or personal days, etc.
Telephone Interview:
A company may wish to meet you for the first time over the telephone. This
type of interview is just as important as a personal interview, if not more
important, because if it doesn't go well, you won't get a chance to meet face-
to-face with the company.
Try to find a quiet place where you can speak freely and without interruption.
Don't interrupt for call waiting! If the interview is coming to a close and the
employer has not scheduled a personal meeting, ask politely "What is thenext step?" or "Where do we go from here?" Send a thank you note.
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Personal Interview
Be enthusiastic, confident and build your case. Start by briefly introducing
yourself and your background, link your abilities with the company's needs,
and let them know how interested you are in the position.
REMEMBER!
Be Prepared:
Know your strengths and skills. Be ready to talk about them if not directly
asked.
Know the job you are applying for. Research the company.
Practice:
Think about the questions you may be asked and practice your answers or
presentation in front of a mirror, role play with friends, tape record or video
tape yourself.
Be Confident:
Enthusiasm counts. Know you are a good candidate for the job.
Clothing:
Be sure what you wear is in good condition and appropriate for the position
for which you are interviewing.
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Body Language:
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Watch for nervous mannerisms, but dont keep from making gestures if they
are appropriate and comfortable. Use good eye contact. Smile. Watch their
body language for clues.
Closing:
Thank them for their time. Re-affirm your interest in the position. Emphasize
your qualifications if no other opportunity has presented itself.
Send A Thank You NoteVery Important!
Note may be on personal stationary and may be hand delivered
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CONCLUSIONIf you are invited back for a second interview, remember that you have
better than a 50-50 chance of receiving a job offer. Prepare for this secondinterview.
The second interview will concentrate on more specific subjects such as
salary, benefits, bonuses, and options. Remember to only address theseissues if the employer raises them. The second interview may involve a tour
of the facility, interviews with staff from several areas of the facility, and
possibly tests or forms to complete. The Interviewer should give you this
information in advance.
Whether it is your first job or fifth job, you want to find the "right"
environment that matches your needs, values, skills, interests and goals.
Dont be afraid to turn down a job offer, if after careful consideration, youfeel it is not the right step for your career goals. If this is necessary, do so in
writing and courteously because you never know what professional orpersonal ties this organization may have with others in your field.
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Tips for an Interview:
Go alone.
Arrive 10-15 minutes early.
Have a good handshake.
Maintain eye contact with the speaker.
Dress neatly.
Do not waste the employer's time.
Do not plead for the job you want.
Do not interrupt.
Listen well.
Do not bring up salary issue.
Leave when the interview is over.
Thank interviewer for their time.
Send follow-up letter.