Job Interview Tips - 3 Important Things To Always Remember

A job interview can be a daunting experience. One of the big challenges is to come across as being confident even though you are very nervous. For most of us there is a lot on the line when we go for that job interview and if its that dream job then its really important that you put your best foot forward and show them what you are made off. Interviews need not be such a nerve wrecking experience. By following some basic tips you can be calm, confident and completely in control. Lets quickly look at 3 important things that you need to keep in mind at all times.

1. Punctuality
Needless to say, when you are late for your interview you might as well not go. Punctuality is something that is valued by all employers simply because it speaks volumes about your ability to organize your time. Always be prepared for the worse. Plan for that traffic jam and if you use public transport, make sure you plan for the worse. Always arrive 10 minutes early and never arrive 1 hour early.

2. Body Language
As I already mentioned, coming across as a confident person is incredibly important. Your body language will however be an easy way to tell if you are not confident. Try and look people in the eye when you talk to them. Don't twitch with your hands and move slowly and deliberately. Try and relax as nervousness is a trait of someone who is not very confident.

3. Talking About Yourself
Its amazing how most people tend to sell themselves short. We all have this fear of coming across as arrogant and often we sell ourselves short during a job interview. Its important that you speak confidently about your qualifications, your experience and your skills. The important distinction is to not talk up your personality traits too much as that can come across as being arrogant. Talk up your skills, experience and qualifications as much as you can.

They say that people form impressions of each other within the first 5 seconds when they meet. Needless to say that first impressions count - and they count a lot in a job interview. Make sure you present well and do whatever it takes to make that first five seconds count. It can make or break your interview and maybe even your job opportunity and your career.

Do you know what the frequently asked interview questions are? See my blog for some great interview techniques and tips to help you out...

View the original article here

Career Book Review - Conquer Job Search Barriers For a Great Job Interview and Career Success

Although technology mandates advanced methods for a job search that may not have been used 15 or 20 years ago, there are still some basic principles that remain timeless. Many books and resources agree on the proper attire, methods of answering questions, and other things critical for a successful job interview.

But one book, while written in the 1990s, still provides exceptional insights into overcoming barriers to employment. "No One is Unemployable," by Debra L. Angel & Elisabeth E. Harney, WorkNet Publications, Hacienda Heights, California, (1997), pp. 274, ISBN: 0-957057-0-6.

Job Clubs Help
Job clubs are a great way of transitioning through the stages of unemployment. As more job clubs are formed across the nation, job seekers have the opportunity of getting expert help with job search skills and practice their networking techniques on a regular basis. If you facilitate a job club, or if you are a job seeker looking for help with your next job, this book would be a good resource to use.

This book is written for the benefit of a job coach or career mentor, and how they can help candidates advance through a job search using suggested scenarios.

On the other hand, a job seeker can quickly find information pertinent to their unique situation, and how to conquer barriers to employment based on their individual circumstances.

Two Sides of a Problem
The authors outline a ten-step process for overcoming barriers to employment. A key element of this, after identifying the barrier, is understanding the candidate's perception of the barrier, as well as the employer's perception of the barrier. This factor, seeing a situation from both sides of the coin so to speak, is part of what makes this book such a great resource.

Half of the book includes an Encyclopedia of Barriers, arranged alphabetically, and how to conquer those barriers. The authors state, "The only barriers which cannot be solved are those which you do not take the time to address, or those which the candidate is unwilling to address."

Proactive Methods to Conquer Employment Barriers
In more than 150 pages of the book, this section identifies barriers to employment, the employer's concern as well as the candidate's concern with that barrier, suggests proactive methods to address the barrier, and cross-references other barriers of similar topics to learn from. There are also mini case studies of candidates' experiences in overcoming these barriers.

Through the use of examples, every type of situation from A to Z is discussed - candidates who are homeless, gang members, convicted felons, overqualified professionals, displaced homemakers, and more. It also addresses physical barriers, such as hygiene issues, disability, obesity, etc. The book also covers emotional, behavioral, and knowledge barriers.

The book also gives hints and tips for overcoming the barriers while developing resumes and other marketing documents, filling out application forms, and while preparing for a job interview.

While this book may be dated, according to the publication date, the information inside is not dated, and is pertinent to job candidates in just about any situation, even today.

By now I bet you are wondering what you need to change in your own resume in order to land a job in today's economy? Get FREE Instant Access to a video series at http://www.HowDoIGetHired.com/getvideo where you will get short, easy-to-understand videos outlining the components of a value-based resume, PLUS additional reports to help you in your job transition.
From Naomi Lolley - Helping You Stand Out In The Crowd During Your Job Search.

View the original article here

Job Interview Tips - 3 Important Things To Always Remember

View the original article here

Things You Should Know Before the Job Interview

You receive the phone call, email, or text message from a prospective employer and the first thing that happens is a calm elation of possibly landing that job. Before jumping around the room or falling to your knees in thanks, get a legal-pad and pen to write down a comprehensive and structured approach to your interview. It is wise to continue the professional in developing a plan to execute the interview without overdoing a scripted response.

Write down 10 questions that you would like to ask the interviewer. The last thing a person hiring another individual wants is a candidate without any questions when asked. Some of the questions that would be beneficial are as follows in no specific order:

How does this position relate to the company's mission?How long have they sought someone to fill this position?Why is this position vacant?What are the goals and expectations of a person filling this position?How would he or she describe the corporate culture?What are some of the current or perceived challenges for someone in this position?What do you and other fellow employees like about the organization?Are there potential opportunities for career advancement?What are some of the pressing issues needed to be addressed by the position?How are the interdepartmental, vendor and customer relations?

The questions above are specifically designed to discover the need from the position, the functions required, the work environment, interpersonal relations, and and idea of what is needed by the firm immediately.

The goal for asking these question is to have a thumbnail of what it is like to work there and to get a feel for the job itself. You may add other questions, but don't overdo it. In most cases you will not have time to get through all 10 questions, so just go for those that mix both questions about the position and the corporate culture and work environment. Try to avoid asking questions about salary unless it is not in the advertisement or has not been discussed previously.

After writing your 10 interview questions, practice the most obvious questions asked during an interview such as follows:

Why do you want to work here?Why should we hire you over other more qualified candidates?Do you think that you would be a good fit here?Tell us a bit about yourself.How would you rate yourself on a scale of 1 to 10 in respect to your ability to do this job effectively?May we contact your previous employers?What other skills do you have that would enhance this positions?Have you been dismissed from any previous employer due to behavioral or ethical issues?How would you describe your last employment environment?Would any of your previous employers rehire you?

It is very important to review these questions because some of these may pop up during an interview and hesitation or slow answers may convey a sense of insecurity. Also, there are some organizations that use the shock interview tactic meaning that the interviewee may have to arrange a three-way phone call with his or her past employer with the prospective employer listening in. This practice is rare, but some companies subscribe to this process.

Another tactic to be aware of is the situational interview where you may be put into the position during the interview with task to be completed to show competency and proficiency. Again, this is a rare situation, but some firms use this practice.

It is wise to study up on the organization by knowing a bit about the organizational structure, the names of the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Financial Officer. If it is a publically traded company, take note of the stock price, and pull up the SEC 10K found on most company web sites. Read the notes because they disclose some internal information that could be beneficial during small-talk to express more of an interest int he welfare of the organization. This distinguishes you from someone just looking for a job.

Make sure that you have at least ten copies of your resume on white or light gray paper using 12 point print. Try to ensure that it is no more than two pages, filled with only relevant information that links you to the job. In this current job market the generic resume of old is over. A rule-of-thumb would be to use a targeted resume that specifically addresses a position based on your skills and the job description. The goal is to use resume to qualify you for the job during the interview. This does not mean to do a total rewrite from what actually got you the interview, but to offer a bit more detail.

Make sure that only the last 10 years or less are covered on the resume because the other will usually be ignored or irrelevant. It is a best practice to wear a dark or gray suit or more business appropriate attire. Please avoid wearing casual or revealing clothing, it may sound elementary, but it happens. Besides that, make sure to get enough rest the night before, groom yourself well on the next day, and arrive at least 15 minutes early, make eye-contact, and smile because it could be a meeting that could change your life.

James L. Adams Jr. is a writer, information technology, and global research analyst. He writes topics related to international affairs, business, information technology, career development, and business development.

View the original article here