The Dreaded Interview

Tips for a successful interview: Dress for Success: First impressions mean everything. No matter how smart you are, or how qualified for the job you might be, if your appearance is not up to par it could sour the deal. Dress for Success: First impressions mean everything. No matter how smart you are, or how qualified for the job you might be, if your appearance is not up to par it could sour the deal. Be on Time: This goes without saying, but I read on a forum not long ago a post from a man who said he had a girl call him twice, late for her interview, with one excuse or another. Needless to say, he didn’t hire her. Punctuality is Very important. If you can’t make it to the interview on time how can you make it to work on time? Be on Time: This goes without saying, but I read on a forum not long ago a post from a man who said he had a girl call him twice, late for her interview, with one excuse or another. Needless to say, he didn’t hire her. Punctuality is Very important. If you can’t make it to the interview on time how can you make it to work on time? Make Eye Contact and Offer a Firm Handshake: To me, this is one of the most important aspects of the interview. This is your chance to let yours shine. And make sure you make eye contact and offer a firm handshake both in the beginning of the interview and at the end. You want to be remembered, and by presenting yourself coming and going as someone polite, professional, and confident you will definitely accomplish this. Make Eye Contact and Offer a Firm Handshake: To me, this is one of the most important aspects of the interview. This is your chance to let yours shine. And make sure you make eye contact and offer a firm handshake both in the beginning of the interview and at the end. You want to be remembered, and by presenting yourself coming and going as someone polite, professional, and confident you will definitely accomplish this.

Be Yourself: When I mention that I am nervous about a meeting, an interview, or a date, and friends tell me just to by myself, I always say, “Who’s better qualified?” There is only one you, and that automatically elevates you to the level of unique! Don’t be concerned that your interviewer might find you too eager, too laid back, too this or too that. After all, you can pretend to be someone else, but the person who interviews you will be able to detect such deceit. Trust me. Be Yourself: When I mention that I am nervous about a meeting, an interview, or a date, and friends tell me just to by myself, I always say, “Who’s better qualified?” There is only one you, and that automatically elevates you to the level of unique! Don’t be concerned that your interviewer might find you too eager, too laid back, too this or too that. After all, you can pretend to be someone else, but the person who interviews you will be able to detect such deceit. Trust me. Be Prepared: It is so very crucial that you have your resume polished, that your portfolio is done and up to date, and that you have taken the time to consider any questions that you may be asked during your interview. Some of these questions could be about your past performance, your personal references, why you feel you are the person for the job, what you can bring to the table, etc. Don’t despair if a question comes out of left field. If you are have done a good job in previous positions, if you really are qualified and want this job; if you show enthusiasm, you should be able to handle whatever comes your way during the interview. Be Prepared: It is so very crucial that you have your resume polished, that your portfolio is done and up to date, and that you have taken the time to consider any questions that you may be asked during your interview. Some of these questions could be about your past performance, your personal references, why you feel you are the person for the job, what you can bring to the table, etc. Don’t despair if a question comes out of left field. If you are have done a good job in previous positions, if you really are qualified and want this job; if you show enthusiasm, you should be able to handle whatever comes your way during the interview.

Company Research: Research should always be your first step. Gathering background information on employers is a crucial element in successful interview preparation. You will need to be prepared to answer the questions "What do your know about our company"? and "Why do you want to work here?" Knowing as much as possible about the company's past performance and future plans can make your interview more interactive and could be just the leg up you need in a competitive job market. Before the interview review the company's web site and don't be afraid to contact your prospective employer to request details on the position you are interviewing for or to ask for company literature. Google the company to see what other information is available online. Company Research: Research should always be your first step. Gathering background information on employers is a crucial element in successful interview preparation. You will need to be prepared to answer the questions "What do your know about our company"? and "Why do you want to work here?" Knowing as much as possible about the company's past performance and future plans can make your interview more interactive and could be just the leg up you need in a competitive job market. Before the interview review the company's web site and don't be afraid to contact your prospective employer to request details on the position you are interviewing for or to ask for company literature. Google the company to see what other information is available online.

Practice makes perfect (or at least leads to improvement). Practice with a friend and record or videotape your responses so you can replay the interview and see how well you did. Prepare answers to commonly asked interview questions. Doing so will help you analyze your background Practice makes perfect (or at least leads to improvement). Practice with a friend and record or videotape your responses so you can replay the interview and see how well you did. Prepare answers to commonly asked interview questions. Doing so will help you analyze your background