Job Finding Tips

AVOID JOB INTERVIEW MISTAKES

A job interview can be a nerve racking experience. Instead of worrying about all the things to do absolutely right, just be careful not to commit obvious “wrongs.” Avoiding these mistakes will help get you into the “finals.”

Don't Be Late

First impressions count, no matter what anyone says. If you can't make it to an interview on time, why would an employer think you'd make a reliable, dependent, punctual employee? If you're running late, get to a phone and let the prospective employer know your situation. Reschedule if necessary.

Don't Be Too Early

Getting to your interview 30 minutes early is good; presenting yourself to the receptionist is not. As Jeffery G. Allen explains in How to Turn an Interview Into A Job (Fireside, 1983), "When it comes to interviewing; only fools rush in." Take the extra time to relax, regroup, organize your thoughts and check your appearance before "rushing in" to the office building.

Dress Professionally

It matters. Remember, first impressions count. How you look often determines how you're seen. "Oftentimes in the very first few minutes of the interview, the decision is made whether it's going to be a turndown or a second interview," says John L. LaFevre, author of How You Really Get Hired (Arco/Prentice Hall Press, 1986). "It either clicks on or it clicks off, and the remainder of the interview is spent validating that early judgment." The safest choice for an interview is a tailored suit in a conservative color, regardless if the company policy is business casual. Lastly, remember neatness counts. Be sure your interview attire is pressed, no repairs are needed and it still fits appropriately.

Handshake / Eye contact

Nothing makes a better first impression than a firm handshake and direct eye contact. A limp or otherwise distasteful handshake is like bad breath, even your best friends never tell you about it. So ask a friend, or a co-worker, test your handshake; maybe it needs to be a little more firm or a little more gentle. In addition, there is no gender bias in hand shaking; everyone should practice the "perfect handshake" and not alter based upon gender.

Smoking / Drinking / Chewing Gum

No! Most offices are smoke free; even if the interviewer is smoking, refrain. Smoking makes you look nervous. If your interview is over lunch or dinner; drinking is inappropriate. Your mind needs to be sharp and clear; it's best to stick with mineral water or club soda. Gum chewing is unattractive and distracting.

Do Your Homework

It's important to be familiar with the company before you go to the first interview. Utilize the web, most companies have their own web sites. If not, look for articles in local newspapers or industry magazines, or talk to people in related industries. Knowing the company’s products / services, structure, history, etc. will allow you to ask intelligent questions and have an edge over less informed candidates.

Practice Answering Interview Questions

Make a list of questions you would ask if you were interviewing someone for this position and then rehearse the best possible answers using a tape recorder or with a friend. Be straightforward, have specific examples prepared, be able to articulate your greatest accomplishments as well as your greatest disappointments. "Hesitating, being vague on certain points, or groping for proper words destroys the effect you are trying to create," explains Arthur R. Pell in How to Sell Yourself On An Interview (Monarch Press, 1982). "You must know your own background so thoroughly that you are prepared to answer any question about it without hesitation and in enough detail to satisfy the interviewer."

Ask Questions

Don't bombard the interviewer with too many questions, but be sure to have 2-3 questions prepared to ask. Telling the interviewer you have no questions because they've explained everything so well may suggest you are uninterested or possibly unimaginative. Mention their website or specific products / services. Let them know you've done your research.

Never Bad Mouth Your Prior Employer

It's simple, NEVER say anything negative about a prior employer or supervisor, period.

Don't Talk Salary Too Soon

A good analogy: did you ever fall in love with an article of clothing before checking to see how much it cost? It may have taught you to look at the price tag right away, so if it's out of your price range, you can reject the garment mentally before getting your heart set on it. Although candidates are not a commodity, a job search can work very much in the same way. Let the employer learn how great you are & how much you have to offer before you tell them your salary requirements. If you're forced to answer a question regarding salary, try to remain vague, offer a range if possible.

Don't Ask About Benefits Immediately

What kind of impression would it make if, in your first interview, you were asking about vacation policies, holidays, bonus programs, etc.? If you seem more interested in the new cafeteria plan than the actual job duties, the prospective employer may develop serious concerns about your priorities. Naturally, you need to know about the benefits package, but chances are the hiring manager will present this information to you at the appropriate time. If this doesn't happen, you should ask the questions when salary negotiations begin.

Mental Energy

Remember, the interviewer may be talking to multiple candidates in one day. The individual's with a lackluster attitude rarely get the offer. Mental energy means your appear bright eyed and eager; you possess a high energy level. You're "psyched" for the interview and demonstrate enthusiasm regarding the job opportunity. Although it can be mentally draining, you need to be "on" during the entire interview. In reality, it's a very short period of time that decides whether you're the candidate hired or not.

Expect The Unexpected

Occasionally, employers want to "test" job applicants by surprising them with loaded questions or blunt comments such as "What makes you think you can handle this position when people with more experience don't have the nerve to apply?" Remain calm! Although your ego may be injured, answer calmly and articulately. Often companies just want to see how professional and unflappable you can be under fire.

Follow These Instructions

Now that you've read the basic "do's and don'ts of interviewing, concentrate on why you're the best candidate for the job. Be prepared, relax and be yourself!

The 25 Most Popular Behavior-Based Interview Questions Tell me about a time when you:

Worked effectively under pressure.

Handled a difficult situation with a co-worker.

Were creative in solving a problem.

Missed an obvious solution to a problem.

Were unable to complete a project on time.

Persuaded team members to do things your way.

Wrote a report that was well received.

Anticipated potential problems and developed preventive measures.

Had to make an important decision with limited facts.

Were forced to make an unpopular decision.

Had to adapt to a difficult situation.

Were tolerant of an opinion that was different from yours.

Were disappointed in your behavior.

Used your political savvy to push a program through that you really believed in.

Had to deal with an irate customer (co-worker/boss/subordinate).

Delegated a project effectively.

Surmounted a major obstacle.

Set your sights too high (or too low).

Prioritized the elements of a complicated project.

Got bogged down in the details of a project.

Lost (or won) an important contract.

Made a bad decision.

Had to fire a friend.

Hired (or fired) the wrong person.

Turned down a good job.