Job Interview Tips
Job interviewing never seems to get any easier - even when you have gone on more interviews than you can count. You are meeting new people, selling yourself and your skills, and often getting the third degree about what you know or don't know. Here are job interview tips to help prepare you to interview effectively. Proper preparation which help alleviate some of the stress involved in job interviews.
Practice
Practice answering interview questions and practice your responses to the typical job interview questions and answers most employers ask. Think of actual examples you can use to describe your skills. Providing evidence of your successes is a great way to promote your candidacy.
Prepare
Prepare a response so you are ready for the question "What do you know about our company.
Know the interviewer's name and use it during the job interview. If you're not sure of the name, call and ask prior to the interview. Try to relate what you know about the company when answering questions.
Get Ready
Make sure your interview attire is neat, tidy and appropriate for the type of firm you are interviewing with. Bring a nice portfolio with copies of your resume. Include a pen and paper for note taking.
Be On time
Be on time for the interview. On time means five to ten minutes early. If need be, take some time to drive to the office ahead of time so you know exactly where you are going and how long it will take to get there.
Stay Calm
During the job interview try to relax and stay as calm possible. Take a moment to regroup. Maintain eye contact with the interviewer. Listen to the entire question before you answer and pay attention - you will be embarrassed if you forget the question!
Show What Your Know
Try to relate what you know about the company when answering questions. When discussing your career accomplishments match them to what the company is looking for.
Follow Up
Always follow-up with a thank you note reiterating your interest in the position. If you interview with multiple people send each one a thank you note.
Dress for Sucess
Its true - You Are What You Wear! Especially when it comes to the job interview. Believe it or not, you are examined from head to toe in all interviews. Not only is your experience and personality sized up...but also your appearance. The dress code for men and women differ substantially so this article is broken up into seperate sections for each gender. Before you go on that job interview, make sure you read these dressing tips! Many people take for granted the appearance aspect of the job hunting process. The better you are dressed, the more confident you will feel and exude. There's no impression like the first impression. Initial decisions made about you in the first three minutes of the job interview are nearly irreversible.
The purpose of your clothing is to project an image of professionalism. Consider: Your clothes should subtly add to your appearance. More importantly, clothing shouldn't detract from your business persona. Much as you may want to stand out, wearing the business "uniform" communicates instantly that you are a mature, stable professional and a member of the team. Even if the internal dress code is very casual, your interviewing attire should adhere to a conservative standard. Dress up - the best you would ever dress when actually employed there.
Here's how to dress for the best possible outcome: Research the prospective employer - companies and even industries have definable corporate cultures. Find out what the corporate uniform is - and wear it. Select an outfit you have worn before and are comfortable wearing. Try on the outfit a few days before - enough time to have drying-cleaning and repairs completed. Check the ensemble for missing buttons, frayed cuffs and other needed repairs. Everything must be clean, neat and ironed. No bulging pockets or sagging coat lining. Hair and nails must be clean and groomed. Scent should be low-key or absent. The favorite color of most Americans is blue - it conveys trust, calm and confidence. Blue is a very good interview color.
The Fine Points Shoes should be comfortable and polished. Shoes that are well cared-for signal "Good attention to detail." Be parsimonious with scent - many people are allergic and too much perfume is an instant interview killer. Jewelry - real jewelry, if you have it. No jewelry is better than fake. No rhinestones cufflinks, no cloth watchbands, no novelty tie tacks. Clean and polish your briefcase or purse; organize the inside. A winter coat must be cleaned and pressed, particularly since a coat may be the main item your interviewer first sees. Your umbrella should be in conservative colors (black, tan, navy, gray) and in working order. Do not leave it to drip on the company carpet. Bring a pen and paper; check that the pen works and doesn't leak. Store them in the inside jacket pocket, where you can easily find them. Allow time to dress with care and deal with emergencies. Examine the results, front and back, in a mirror.
Men - Consider These Tips/Advice tailored suits in navy, gray, beige. (black is a funeral color, avoid it.) dark suit, light shirt natural fabrics - wool/wool blend for the suit, cotton for the shirt, silk for the tie business shoes and over -the-calf dark socks matching silk tie in low-key colors
Women - Consider These Tips/Advice simple, tailored suit tailored dress dress & jacket combination simple blouse natural fabrics - wool/wool blend, cotton and silk conservative colors - blue, gray, beige or black avoid loud or flashy styles and colors use makeup sparingly. low -heeled pumps, flesh colored stockings
