Monday, May 31, 2010

Tip #325: How to Make a Good Impression During an Interview

“Relationships of trust depend on our willingness to look not only to our own interests, but also the interests of others.” Peter Farquharson

How well do you perform in interview situations? The following steps will help you make a good impression and handle interviews more effectively so that you get the job.

1. Study your qualifications and abilities and arrange this knowledge in your mind so that you can present it briefly and clearly during the interview.

2. Learn as much as you can beforehand about the company and the position. Do not be afraid to ask questions about the company or the position.

3. Be certain that you like and can do the work for which you are applying.

4. Be prompt. Keep your appointments to the minute. As a matter of fact, make sure to get there early. This will ensure that you will have time to get acclimated to your surroundings, and you will not be late if you have trouble getting there.

5. Be presentable. Be neat, clean and dress appropriately. Do not overdress or wear showy clothes. You want them to remember you because of your answers, not what you wore.

6. Watch your posture. Do not slouch or yawn or display signs of nervousness.

7. Answer all of the employer's questions accurately, honestly, frankly and promptly. Never brag.

8. Be able to give a continuous record of all of your jobs, dates of employment, wages received, the exact nature of your work and the reasons you left. This information is important to the employer.

9. When asked, point out the value derived from your training and past experiences which will carry over to the job you are seeking.

10. Be able to give as references the names of three responsible and reliable people who know you well and will speak positively about you and your abilities.

11. Speak with a feeling of confidence and enthusiasm. Do not bluff or exaggerate. Use good English, speak distinctly, but be careful you do not talk too much.

12. Avoid any arguments with your prospective employer.

13. Do not criticize others, including past employers or associates.

14. Avoid mention of your personal, domestic or financial troubles. The employer is interested primarily in your ability.

15. Show proper respect for the person interviewing you.

16. Do not become discouraged if, during your first interview, you become nervous and fail to present yourself favorably. You will improve the next time.

17. Even if the prospect of an immediate job is not possible, the interviewer's advice regarding future openings can sometimes lead to a job later on.

Bob Beaudine says that there are four questions that employers think about when they interview you: 1. Do I know you? 2. Do I like you? 3. Do you understand my needs? and 4. Are you the best for my situation?

Make sure that the interviewer will be able to answer all four questions with a resounding “Yes!” when you leave the interview.

If you need additional help, please visit my website for a copy of the white paper on: Typical Interview Questions (and how to answer them when they are intended to screen you out).

May your learning be sweet.

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