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Anyone who is a jobseeker knows that looking for a new job or career is a job in itself. Once you
have completed the laborious task of writing your resume and submitting it to various companies,
you now have to pass the screen test to get the job. Interviews are the gateway to landing your
ideal job. These five tips will help you get own your way to making that job yours.
Tip#1
Be Confident
“Your first impression is your only impression.”
Nothing is worse than a limp handshake, slumped shoulders, poor eye contact or poor communication
skills. A potential employer can tell immediately if you are the man or woman for this job by
your body language. Although aggressiveness is a turn-off, being passive gives the indication
that you are not sure of yourself or your qualifications. Keep eye contact when answering
questions or when the interviewer is speaking directly to you. Smile occasionally to show your
interest and enthusiasm. Keeping a steady gaze on the interviewer can be disturbing to an
interviewer. Look away occasionally. Lean forward to show that you are interested in what the
interviewer is saying. Speak in a concise and clear voice. If you have problems annunciating
certain words, don’t try to use them on an interview. If this is difficult for you, practice with
a mirror and pay attention to your facial expressions.
Other interview killers:
-Slouching in a chair
-Crossing your arms
-Playing with your hair or jewelry
-Leaning back in chair
Tip# 2
Act As If
“You are what you believe.”
Act as if you had the job. What would you do if you had this position? How would you act? How
would a person in this position act and speak? What are your responsibilities in this position?
What is a typical day like for you in this job? Change your attitude towards yourself and your
strengths. If you start thinking that you won’t get the job, you will do small unnoticeable
things to sabotage your chances. Great free resources: www.confidenceworld.com.
Tip#3
Know The Company
“Know your business.”
I once sat on a couple of interviews where the interviewees did not do any research on the
company. This sends a message that you are looking for any job, not this specific job. Once you’
re interview is scheduled, get on the net and start finding out everything you can about the
company. A good place to start is www.hoovers.com., which gives you industry information, top
competitors, names of CEO, etc. If you’d like to know what current or former employees have to
say about the company, try www.wwetfeet.com. Beware of disgruntled postings. Call the company
headquarters and ask for the marketing department to get specific information. Weave your
research into the interview by stating. “I read an article in the Wall Street Journal, which
mentioned that your company is thinking about XYZ.” This lets the interviewer know that you have
taken the time to know more about the company. You can ask questions about something you read,
but don’t challenge them or you’ll come across as a know-it-all.
Tip# 4
Be Prepared
“Know what to say.”
Most interviewers ask the same standard questions about your strengths, weaknesses, former
employers, work history. If you are being interviewed by several people, this might be a good
cop, bad cop situation. Pay attention to who is playing bad cop, they are looking for signs of
weakness and dishonesty. To be well prepared, before the interview, write out all your
accomplishments, both personal and professional. List your strengths and weaknesses. Be honest,
it’s easier to remember the truth than it is a lie. Extra Tip: Write out situations in which you
have demonstrated: leadership skills, determination, stress management, creativity, and
flexibility. Be prepared to answer the question: “Why do you want this job?” If you’re not sure,
reevaluate your decision. If you arrive a few minutes early, review what you wrote in the waiting
room before the interview. Great list of interview questions: Tested Interview Questions.
Tip#5
Ask For The Job
“You get what you ask for.”
The most important step in the interviewing process is one most people miss. ASK FOR THE JOB!
Most interviewers are waiting for that closure. If you have done everything exceptionally well
during the interviewing process, but have not asked for the job, you’ve just wasted an interview.
Asking for the job shows the potential employer that you are assertive, confident and right for
the job. It might feel uncomfortable, but this is your only chance to ask for something you
really want. Make sure your voice is firm and you make eye contact. Think of it as your closing
argument, you’ve got to win over the jury. You should also ask the interviewer if he or she
thinks you are right for the job. Even if they tell you something unpleasant, think of it as a
lesson learned. However, do yourself a favor and ask for the job. You deserve it!
Marie Magdala Roker is helping parents and their children to live extraordinary lives. Smart Bee
Coaching LLC helps you get from where you are in life to where you want to be. http://www.
smartbeecoaching.com
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