1. Resume
Make sure you bring a copy of
your resume on clean, white or ivory colored
paper that is specifically marked "Resume
Paper". Avoid printing your resume on any
other colored paper as it makes it difficult for
the interviewer to read it and it appears
unprofessional.
2. References
Make sure you have a list of
phone number and contact names from previous
employers who are willing to give reference
information about you. It is highly un
professional and inappropriate to give incorrect
numbers or incomplete information. This
sends out the message that you are either
unorganized, unprepared, or that you have
something to hide. A simple list of 3 or 4
former managers or supervisors with company
names and phone numbers is best. Even if
the persons are no longer employed by the same
company as when you worked with them, you can
still provide a number to where they can be
reached.
3. Dress and Appearance
Women - should wear a pressed
navy blue, black, or grey suit. Hair
should be neatly combed or pulled back.
Makeup should be light and heavy perfume should
be avoided.
Men - should wear a pressed
navy blue, black , or grey suit. Hair
should be neatly combed and heavy cologne should
be avoided.
4. Interview Etiquette
(1)-Don't Be Negative
Avoid any type of negative
comments about your previous or current
employer. For example, don't say, "I can't
stand my boss, he is overbearing and never lets
me do things my way". This may paint a
very negative picture for the interviewer and
make you look like a complainer who does not
like to follow the rules. You can always
say something like "While I have enjoyed my
employment with my current employer. I am
seeking an opportunity that will give me the
chance to be promoted".
(2)-Don't Give Too Much
Information
Prepare your answers in
advance that are "to the point". No
interviewer wants to hear your life story.
Think of catchy, positive 2 or 3 sentence
answers to the majority of questions. Most
interviewers have a list of questions they must
have answered during the interview. Be
respectful of the interviewer's time and know
that they will be far more interested in a
person who knows what they want and who can
organize their own thoughts before they come in
to the meeting.
(3)-Investigate and
Research the Company You Are Meeting With in
Advance
There is no excuse for not
visiting or researching the company you are
invited to visit for an interview! Go on
to the site in-person or research the company on
the internet but do not go in "cold". If
you know just a few things about the company,
the interviewer immediately can identify that
you really are interested in the company and
that you took the time to investigate what they
are all about.
(4)-Prepare Thoughtful,
Relevant Question
If you have investigated the
company in advance, it will be easy to come up
with a list of questions specific to that
company. You can always bring a list of
generic questions about subjects like benefits,
training, or the interview process. Before
leaving, don't forget to ask the question: "What
will the next step be in the interview
process?". This is important because it
shows the interviewer that he or she does not
have an unlimited amount of time to get back to
you. It also shows him or her that you are
confident and that you want to be informed.
Keep your focus on the
interviewer by making eye contact on a regular
basis. Avoid looking up and to the floor
when answering questions. There are many
interviewers who believe that people look up
when they are lying or not telling the complete
truth. Smile and laugh when appropriate.
Most importantly, be yourself! If you have
prepared in advance, feel good about what you
have to offer, you will naturally be able to
express yourself without being a nervous wreck.
If you do get nervous, keep your hands at your
sides as to avoid having them in the way.
Before leaving, wait for the interviewer to
offer a handshake, thank him or her again and
keep eye contact while smiling one last time.
5. Preparing Answers Before
the Interview
There are a few questions you
can be sure the interviewer is going to ask you,
If you are not prepared to answer the, you may
lose your opportunity only after being in the
interview for a few minutes! Here are a
few sample questions:
(1)-Why are you looking for a
new job?
(2)-Why did you leave each of your previous
positions?
(3)-What was it that you liked the most about
each of your jobs and what did you dislike?
(4)-What was your biggest contribution to each
employer?
(5)-What can you contribute to
this company?
(6)-Why did you change jobs so
often?
(7)-Why did you stay in the
same position for so long without receiving a
promotion?
(8)-How much money do you
need/want to make?
(9)-Where do you see yourself
in 5 years? How about 10 years?
(10)-What is your biggest
opportunity for improvement?
(11)-What would your previous
or current employer say if I were to ask him/her
how you handle crises or problems?
(12)-Who was the last person
you had to terminate and how did you handle it?
(13)-What was the most
challenging problem you faced at your last job
and how did you handle it?
(14)-What do you like the most
about this business?
(15)-How did you get into the
business?
(16)-what do you like about
our company?
(17)-How you visited any of
our locations? If so, What did you think?
(18)-Could you see yourself
fitting in with our culture?
(19)-What is your management
style?
(20)-How many days did you
miss from work last year? Why?
6. Sell Yourself But Don't
Be Arrogant
There is a fine line between
being positive about your accomplishments and
arrogance. Mention a few key
accomplishments that are factual. Admit
that you have some areas for improvement but
that you are already working on them and that
you have a "game plan" on how to tackle them.
7. Follow Up
Send a card or email thanking
the interviewer for his/her time. Be brief
and positive and make sure you remind him/her of
how much you are looking forward to hearing back
about the next step.
Good Luck!
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