Tips on interaction and answering questions

Let’s look at behaviors that are favorable while an interview is taking place

 OBVIOUSLY.  Actually, be minutes early  Know where you need to be and when you should be there

 Having your phone vibrate or ring during an interview can be viewed offensively

 Research beforehand on the internet or call HR  Familiarize yourself with the position and requirements

 Cater your resume to the job description  Limit resume to 2 pages  Take notes when appropriate

 Crack jokes  Babble  Flirt  Badmouth previous employers or companies  Go off topic  Have public profiles

 Passion  Goals  Accomplishments

 (not too) Strong handshake  Eye contact… looking around makes you look distracted/uninterested  Don’t fidget or play with hair/face/jewelry

 This reinforces your interest in the job  Let’s the employer know that you are paying attention

 This automatically make you stand out  Shows appreciation  , phone call, written note

 When no one calls you, call them  Express continuing interest  Don’t be overbearing

Use the suggestions to prepare responses for frequently asked interview questions

 Make yourself look good  Quick run down of qualifications and experience  Education, work history, recent experience, goals

 List career goals  Take what you learned and apply it to new position

 You are stable  You want to be with the company for the long haul…even if you don’t.

 Don’t respond literally  Identify areas of improvement that will be assets to your future employer

 Answer as honestly as possible  The company was experiencing the effects of a tough economy  I’m confident it had nothing to do with my job performance

 NEVER criticize past bosses.  You can discuss what management style you most prefer  Keep it positive: “While some taught me more than others…”

 Always ask for feedback from coworkers and supervisors  Highlight aspects that will help the company  Carry examples

 You get things done  You have a passion for excellence  You are positive and hard working  Have examples to back your claims

 ONLY SAY THE COMPANY YOU ARE INTERVIEWING FOR  “I would not have applied here if I really didn’t want this job”

 I am making ____  I know the average rate for this position is: _____to_____  I am more interested in the job than money  I can start lower but I hope that once you see my potential you will raise my pay  We can discuss it later