Job Interviews Getting an interview is the first sign of possible success in the job hiring process. It can cause great anxiety which can be lessened if you are properly prepared. Here are some suggestions that might help you through your interview:

Preparing for an Interview Be clean and neat Know where you’re going Have a positive attitude Know something about the company Bring necessary paperwork

Questions related to the company: Why do you think you would like a job with our company? What do you know about our company? What interests you about the products and services we offer? When are you available for work? –If you are currently employed be sure to show a consideration for your current employer. What kind of salary do you need?

Reaching the end of the job interview, the Human Resources person asked a young MBA fresh out of MIT, "And what starting salary were you looking for?" The candidate responded confidently, "In the neighborhood of $125,000 a year, depending on the benefits package." The HR person said, "Well, what would you say to a benefits package of 5 weeks vacation, 14 paid holidays, full medical and dental, company matching retirement fund to 50% of salary, and a company car leased every two years -- say a red Corvette?" The graduate sat up, mouth agape and said, "Wow! Are you kidding?" And the interviewer responded, "Of course... but you started it!"

Questions about your skills: What type of job interests you? Why did you choose this type of work? What training do you have? What are the qualities you feel should be present in order for a person to be successful in this position? What are your most outstanding qualities? Give examples when you have shown initiative.

Questions about past jobs: What was your last job? Why did you leave this job? How often were you absent from your last job? What have you learned from your past work experience? Give an example of a situation which you experienced in your last position that had a strong impact on you.

Questions about job preferences: How important are wages to you? Are you willing to move to another geographical location? Do you like to work alone? in a group? How do you feel about jobs that involve a lot of routine activities? What are some of the obstacles that you find when involved in teamwork? Are you willing to work overtime?

BBC News 'wrong Guy' is revealed The true identity of a man who was mistakenly interviewed on BBC News 24 has been revealed. Guy Goma, a graduate from the Congo, appeared on the news channel in place of an IT expert after a mix-up. But Mr Goma, who was wrongly identified in the press as a taxi driver, was really at the BBC for a job interview. Mr Goma said his appearance was "very stressful" and wondered why the questions were not related to the data support cleanser job he applied for. The mix-up occurred when a producer went to collect the expert from the wrong reception in BBC Television Centre in West London. May 16, 2006

Thinking Questions Tell me about yourself – interested in, achievements, and what you’re looking for in a job. What is you greatest strength – pick something that is relevant to the job you are applying for. What are your weaknesses – take a negative and show how it can be a positive for the position while still being honest. What do you think your previous employer would list as an area where you need improvement – be honest but indicate the steps you are taking to improve the situation.

Thinking Questions Continued Why do you want to work here – tell how your skills and career goals might contribute to the company. Why should I hire you – show how you are an asset to the company. Have you ever had a problem on the job – assure the interviewer that if you ever have had a problem, you have learned from it and taken steps to ensure that it won’t happen again. Do you have any questions – You SHOULD be ready with some questions directly related to the job.

Hypothetical Questions Given the following situation, what would you do? This question varies depending on the type of employment sought.

Remember… Above all else, be honest during an interview. Your prospective employer WILL find out if you have been misleading or untruthful. Follow up an interview with a thank you letter. –Keeps your name fresh in the employers mind –Shows an extra effort