Tuesday, August 14, 2012

CHECK THIS OUT!


INTERVIEW TIPS:
·       When dressing for an interview for a professional position, dress accordingly in business attire. If you're applying for a job in a more casual environment, like a store or restaurant, it's still important to be neat, tidy, and well-groomed, and to present a positive first impression to the employer.  Bring a pen and paper for note-taking.
·      Do not bring anything to eat or drink. Do not chew gum. Your cell phone should be turned off and out of sight!
·      It is important to arrive a few minutes early for a job.  Know where you're going, how much travel time you need, and how to get to the interview location.
Giving yourself a bit of extra time will give you an opportunity to stop in the rest room and freshen up, if need be, to make sure you don't have any hair, make-up or wardrobe malfunctions.
A few extra minutes will also give you an opportunity to breathe and stay calm. An interview is even more stressful  than normal if you're rushing to get there on time.
·      Greet your interviewer with a firm handshake, good eye contact and a SMILE and introduce yourself.  Follow the interviewer's lead and let them guide the direction of the conversation.
·      Bring extra copies of your resume along with a list of references to offer the interviewer. References could be friends, pastors, former employers or co-workers, former teachers, coaches, or someone who knows your work ethic and strengths.  Always ask a person's permission before putting them on your reference page.
·      Bring a list of questions to ask the interviewer.  What are the hours of the position?  Do you offer overtime?  What is the pay rate?  Is there a uniform?  What types of advancement opportunities will be available?  What do I need to focus on in the first weeks of employment?
·      Keep in mind that you are selling the interviewer on yourself as the best person for the job, so be ready to say why you are a good candidate, how you can do the job, what you can contribute, and how you will improve the company if you're hired.
Towards the end of the interview let the hiring manager know that you think the job is an excellent fit and that you are very interested in the job.
It is OK to ask what the next step in the hiring process will be and when you might expect to hear from them.
·      Finally, thank the interviewer for the time they spent interviewing with you.
·      Follow up with a thank you note. Taking the time to say thank you not only shows that you appreciated the interview, it also gives you an opportunity to show your interest in the job.  It also shows your potential boss that you have excellent manners.
In addition to saying thank you in the note, refer to anything the interviewer mentioned that caught your interest and summarize why you think the job is a good match and why you're a strong candidate for the job. 

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