Interview Tips - Pre-Interview Dos and Don'ts

Here are some tips regarding pre-interview behaviour that I have utilised myself. Notice this article refers to pre-interview, but also understand that the interview really starts as soon as you arrive at the designated location.

DOs

Arrive 10-15 mins early - Turning up with several minutes to spare let's you cool down and relax; go to the bathroom; check your hair, teeth and nose, wipe your brow and generally de-stress. By aiming to be there early, it also means you avoid arriving flustered as a result of rushing to be on time. If need be, practice a dry run of commuting to the interview destination at the same time on a previous day.

Eat and be well hydrated - Sure these are two things you should be doing anyway, but many people forget to as a result of preparing or travelling to the interview. Nourishment will aid your concentration during the interrogation, and being hydrated will ensure your mouth isn't dry when answering those difficult questions.

Smile - Nobody likes a sourpuss so ensure you're smiling when you arrive. Smile in the elevator, smile at the receptionist and most certainly smile when greeting your interviewer. Practice your smile at home if you have to and verify that it's sincere - people can spot a fake grin a mile off. As Tyra Banks would say on America's Next Top Model, "You have to smize", that is smile with your eyes too. By the way I don't actually watch ANTM, but overheard it when switching channels the other day.

Firm handshake - Sometimes the best first impression you can make is with a firm handshake. I've interviewed hundreds of graduates and it never ceases to amaze me how many falter on this aspect. Whenever meeting anyone that doesn't shake my hand firmly, it immediately puts me off and presents the other person as weak and lacking confidence - definitely not the impression you want to make with an interviewer. There's further handshake etiquette you should be mindful of by running a search on the internet.

Initiate small talk - You know that period when your interviewer is leading you to the interview room? Well that's not meant to be awkwardly silent. In fact it's the perfect opportunity to make small talk and break the ice. If you're not an adroit conversationalist then ask/make some preconceived questions/comments. Examples I have used before:

* "Great views from this office, I don't know how you get any work done?"

* "Some great artwork in this building; I especially liked the mural in the lobby"

Such remarks will often spark a hearty conversation and demonstrate you're an affable human being.

Be well-dressed -

Martin Frohm: What would you say if a man walked in here with no shirt, and I hired him? What would you say?

Christopher Gardner: He must have had on some really nice pants.

I love the above dialogue from one of my favourite movies, The Pursuit of Happyness. I definitely don't recommend executing it though, unless you have a spectacular story to match. So for the rest of us that aren't Will Smith, make sure you dress appropriately for your particular industry. Law graduates can assume business formal when interviewing at a firm whereas science graduates might be required to wear less formal attire. Either way, ask the interviewer beforehand if you're unsure.

Find out name of receptionist - I especially like this one. I used this tactic before successfully when interviewing at a multinational firm some years back. When arriving at the designated offices of the company I greeted the receptionist and found out her name was Jenny. I also engaged her in some cheerful banter (but not too much as she was busy answering calls and welcoming people). Then as the interviewer lead me away to the location of the interview, I give her a wave and said "Thanks Jenny". It brought a smile to her face and I could tell by the expression of the interviewer, he was highly impressed. Also note that receptionists are asked to observe you as you wait and then report their feedback about your body language to managers.

DON'Ts

Don't use your phone - Do not talk, text, play games or listen to music on your phone while waiting at reception for your interviewer to arrive - even if you installed the coolest iPhone app. This is an increasing problem among youth today as technology becomes more mobile and they become more technology savvy. Turn off your phone completely! Silent will not suffice. It's just as disconcerting for yourself and the interviewer if they hear the sound of vibrations in your jacket pocket during the interview. Any calls received during this time can go straight to voicemail.

Don't smoke - This is something I advocate at all times, but if you happen to be partial to a puff of the cigarette then don't do it before the interview. Personal space can sometimes be compromised in small interview rooms and the last thing an employer wants to smell on you is a waft of foul tobacco induced odour. It's such an obvious smell especially on chronic smokers so save your cancer stick for post interview. It could also indicate to your future employer that you'll be less productive at work as you take frequent breaks to support your ailing habit.

Don't overdo the perfume - Some cologne or perfume is recommended for both males and females, however it shouldn't be overpowering. When the fragrance is excessive it can be quite nauseating for people around you.

Don't bring too many bags - Avoid carrying a lot (gym bag, laptop, luggage) to the interview as it proves to be very cumbersome. Try and schedule appointments such as the gym or guitar lessons well after the interview to leave you enough time to go home first. Steer clear of shopping beforehand and save the stocktake sales for after.

Don't drink coffee - Coffee smells really nice in a cup but revolting on someone's breath. As per smoking, save your caffeine addiction for after the interview.

Don't interview if you aren't well - In such instances avoid the interview and call up the potential employer with your sincerest regrets. Ask them if it's possible to reschedule and affirm your enthusiasm for the position. In most cases this won't be a problem, even if the interview is conducted in a group setting. Just be genuine and your future hiring manager will be sympathetic to your situation; if not, then it's probably not somewhere you want to work anyway.

Well I hope these tips will help you ace the pre-interview stage.

Copyright 2010 Andrew C Abraham

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Power Performance - Tips For a Job Interview

Are you looking for some great tips for a job interview? Many people feel nervous and unprepared going into these situations, often because it is such an unfamiliar experience. After all, most people do not spend much of their lives meeting with strangers and selling themselves on their background and value. When you have finished this article you will realize that these great tips will help you ace your next job interview by learning to treat the interviewer as a fellow human being, portray yourself as a consultant, and maintain the balance of confidence and power you need to perform your best.

Your Interviewer is a Person

When people research the best tips for a job interview, they often focus so much on the research process and practicing their stories and examples that they forget the hiring manager is just a person like themselves. Managers and human resources folks get up and put their pants on one leg at a time in the morning, just like you. Don't get so caught up in rehearsed and scripted behavior that you forget to make it a friendly and warm dialogue between two people. You want them to feel comfortable with you and get a feeling for what you would be like to work with day to day.

You Are a Consultant

Try to approach the interview as if you are an expert consultant and the interviewer is a client who as asked for your help. During the interview you want to be identifying problems and challenges facing the organization. Craft your responses to showcase examples from your background that show how much value you will add to the position if you are hired.

Maintain the Balance of Power

Unfortunately, many people walk into a job interview feeling nervous and disadvantaged. The best job interview tip I can give you is this: don't walk in to the interview with your hat in your hand like a beggar. Even if you are desperate for work, you need to portray yourself as a valuable asset and a talented professional that the company would be crazy not to hire. Don't be arrogant or cocky, but make sure you express confidence in your attitude and demeanor. Your future boss needs to know right away that you are the perfect choice for this job.

These tips for a job interview can really make the difference between getting the job and losing it to your competition. Always remember, the interviewer is just a person like you! If you can portray yourself as a confident and valuable consultant rather than someone desperately hoping for any job that will have them, you will find yourself in the driver's seat when it comes to negotiating the final terms and salary of your new job.

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Top Ten Tips For Your Job Interview

Job Interviews are daunting, mainly because there is so much riding on them and yet you have so little time to make the right impression. Being prepared and being in the right 'head space' are key to making them successful.

Here are some tips to help you through the process.

1. Know Your Audience

Interviews are not a one size fits all kind of affair. As with all aspects of going for an interview, you need to prepare. This includes not just knowing about the company, but also about your particular interviewer. Having some information about them will really help to put you at ease as well as help you to prepare your approach.

2.Forget about the fact that you really want them to hire you

This may sound odd, but often in life we are so focused on other people liking us, we forget to consider whether we even like them. Before you even get to the interview stage, really consider whether you want to work for this particular company.

There is no point in going to all the trouble of changing your career, only to find yourself working somewhere that doesn't fulfill you. Again.

3. Now Consider Why You Want to Work There

So, you've decided that this is definitely somewhere you want to work. Now you need to clarify why. You will definitely be asked, so be sure to have a coherent, intelligent answer. Base your reasons around how you can contribute to the company, and why you want to contribute to this particular company.

4. Be Confident, but not Overly So

It's important to appear confident, but no one likes a know-it-all, or a display of arrogance. Know what you are talking about, but ask questions too. Be careful about how you sit as well - it has been known to put interviewers right off to have someone sitting far too casually in front of them.

5. Be Polite to Everyone

Don't make the mistake of thinking your don't need to be polite to anyone except the person interviewing you. It is common practice for an interviewer to ask the receptionist or secretary for their opinion, as the will have seen you somewhat 'off guard'.

6. Build Rapport

Of course your qualifications, experience and suitability to the role are going to be taken into account, but if it comes down to you and someone else with a very similar credentials, you can bet it will come down to who they liked the most. So, be sure to work on building a good rapport during the interview. There are many techniques you can employ to do this - for instance, matching and mirroring the interviewer's posture, language and tone.

7. Don't use Abbreviations without Explaining them

This is just really annoying and can put someone off you straight away. If you use an abbreviation, explain straight afterwards what it means. If they already know, they will tell you, and if they don't they will appreciate your clarification.

8. Don't ask about Holidays and Sick Days

If all you focus on is when can you get out of work...well, it just doesn't give the right impression, does it?

9. Don't Complain about Previous Employers

No one likes to listen to someone complaining, and it certainly doesn't bode well in an interview. If you are willing to complain about your old job in a formal setting, you will probably do the same about your new job - that is how the interviewer will see it.

10. Dress Well

It's an obvious one, but really think it through. You need to be smart and clean, of course, and also don't show too much flesh. As well as that, don't forget about the conditions you are going to be in. If you're likely to get hot and sweaty, consider this in your choice of clothes and fabrics. Sweatiness will make you look unappealling as well as overly nervous.

Bebhinn O'Loingsigh is a Life Coach at Hightail Coaching Solutions. She works with professionals who feel unfulfilled, stuck in a rut, or burnt out and want to make some big life changes.

Whether you want to take a career break to get a fresh perspective, change your career, start your own business or completely overhaul your life, Bebhinn can coach you through the process and out the other side.

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Quick Internet Tips to Help Find a Job

When a job seeker says "I don't have Internet access," or "I'm not Internet savvy," it cannot be an excuse in this competitive environment the job market has become. Here are some quick thoughts:

- Sorry, but faxing doesn't cut it anymore.

- Get email account for FREE at Yahoo, Hotmail or Google.

- Go to a friend's house with Internet or to your local library because THEY HAVE INTERNET!

- Enroll in a free or sometimes VERY cheap, local "Learn How to Use Internet" classes at Library or community colleges, high schools, etc. - sign up for a $25/class to learn basics of internet terms, navigation, etc. Even Microsoft Word to develop your resume and cover letter.

- Post your resume onto general and niche specific job boards as well as company portals. Almost all companies post their job openings on their website...so go to a company website, find the CAREERS section and enter that career section (called a portal)...sometimes you can even setup an account before applying to a job, post your resume onto that company career account and setup keyword alerts....thus, if you're a mechanical engineer and they post a job a month later for an mechanical engineer, the company will let you know via this alert to your email, which will allow for you to apply as soon as it's posted...this can allow for you to be on top of the application list too for recruiters, because sometimes recruiters at companies will only look at the top 100 applicants as opposed to all 1000 candidates who applied (and being one of the 1st to apply, can make you higher on that list, thus in the top 100).

- Setup Google news and Yahoo news alerts for the word "'relocating' or 'relocation' and the job seeker's city or near-city's name" to find companies who are relocating to the job seeker's area; "expansion" and "growth" to identify growth companies and emerging opportunities for you to seek out hiring decision makers and recruiters at those companies.

- Review leading online and published newspapers like Forbes and Wall St. Journal to keep up on those growth industries (as well as your local paper).

- DON'T BE INTIMIDATED OR ASHAMED! YOU WANT/NEED TO LEARN! YOU ARE BETTERING YOURSELF! THIS IS THE RIGHT STEP FORWARD! IF YOU AREN'T DOING IT, YOUR COMPETITION IS!

- Finally (non-Internet related), try to place yourself into growth industries (biotech, nutrition, energy & renewable energies, photonics, and IT) that you can fit into in respect to your transferable skills as opposed to dying industries (textile, printing, apparel manufacturing & general manufacturing such as steel, and airlines).

Matthew Warzel

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Six Essential Salary Negotiation Tips

Salary is the most awkard issue in the hiring process. Discussing the compensation often causes anxiety on both employee and employer. Here are six ways to make the process of salary negotiating efficient.

1) Research: Before the interview process begins, contact the professional organization that represents your field of career. As soon as they provide you with your salary information, you can now examine your monthly cash requirements. Remember that once your taxes are added to your paycheck, approximately 30% of your gross monthly salary is deducted.

2) Determine your skills: You should understand that different segments of the economy require a variety of skills depending on the industry setting. Once you have established what your skills are and what they are worth to the current employment market, you would know the limitations of your negotiation.

Salary range information is available at American Almanac of Jobs and Salaries, National Association of College and Employers, Career Center, and professionals in your related field.

In stating your salary range, avoid basing your desired salary on your current salary. Always tell the truth when it comes to your past salary. It is acceptable to extend a range to approximately $6,000 to show that you are within the company's price range but interested in more compensation.

3) Weigh the company's compensation package: To determine your fair market value for a specific job, you should consider the economic, geographic, and industry factors of the job offer. Weigh the benefits of compensation and promotions, insurance, allowed time off and retirement settlements of the offer to ensure a fair proposed salary.

4) Sell yourself: If you know what you could offer the company requires a larger income, never say it directly. Once you sell yourself discreetly, the interviewer would understand that the proposed salary is not appropriate for your background.

5) Have a positive attitude: In negotiating, never compete. Negotiation is basically a process which could benefit both parties. Understand your needs and those of the company.

6) The final offer: Be aware when the negotiation is done. Pushing further when a deal has been set could give a negative first impression on your part.

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Career Advice - The Job Interview Is Your Time At Bat

After months of searching for a new position you have finally been invited to come in for a face-to-face interview. What are you going to do to maximize your chances of getting an offer that will advance you toward your career goals.

First, decide whether or not the job would advance you toward your career success? Sometimes people interview just to see what's in the job market. If you are not serious don't waste everyone's time. Besides, it could backfire if your present employer hears you are interviewing.

Remember that a job interview is a two-way process. It ought to be a time when two parties seek to gain a better understanding of each other and why it would make sense to get together.

Go into an interview with two objectives in mind. One is to gain a full understanding of the prospective employer and the position - both positives and negatives. The second goal is to get an offer.

Be prepared. This sounds too obvious to mention. But a surprisingly large number of people go waltzing into an interview unprepared, depending on luck and charm to carry the day.

Know as much as you can about the company, the position and the person who will be interviewing you.

Have a game plan. Determine the key points you want to make. Structure your presentation in terms of the needs and interests of the employer. Stress your achievements in a concise and orderly way. Many people flunk out because they are unable or unwilling to speak positively about their achievements. An interview is about career success; it's not a time for false modesty.

No matter where the interviewer takes the discussion, return over and over to your major sales points.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. Many times applicants fail to ask pertinent questions for fear of appearing to be too "pushy" or negative. To the contrary, your willingness to ask questions shows preparation, interest and a healthy state of self confidence. Such questions might include: May I read a job description? Why is the position open? Where would I fit in the overall organization? What are the opportunities to move forward on my career path?

Ask about salary after you see there is definite interest on both sides. However, don't inquire about vacation time and other perks until an offer has been received.

Be prepared to answer tough questions, even if they come out of left field. What are your weak points and strong ones? Why do you want to change jobs? What do you think of your present employer, boss, co-workers? Have you ever been fired? Why? What is your present salary? What do you expect to be paid if you are offered the position?

Never show impatience or irritation. If the interview is going off track and you are losing interest, it is far better to bring the discussion to a graceful end, than to let these feelings show and leave a bad taste.

The importance of personal appearance cannot be overstressed. Know the environment and dress accordingly. Lean toward the conservative in dress. Sit up straight, even if the interviewer is slumped over like a wet noodle. Don't fidget. Make and keep eye contact. Have a shine on your shoes.

Recognize the interview may begin in the reception area while you are waiting to be ushered in. Look and act like you mean business and expect to get what you want. Don't kid around. Get a feel for the environment.

Make your best case. Avoid overselling. Show positive interest, but don't appear to be overly anxious. Provide all the information requested, plus the points that you think are important. However, avoid giving answers that are too long and complicated.

Be very sensitive to the timing and pace of the interview. If you sense you have overstayed your time or that the interviewer has lost interest or reached a negative decision, take the initiative to bring the visit to a close. When you leave, express your appreciation for the opportunity to visit and then leave in an orderly fashion. Never, never hang on for one more run at selling yourself.

Always follow up the interview with a "thank you" note whether or not there is mutual interest. Never burn a bridge behind you.

These steps won't guarantee an offer, but they surely will improve the odds for career success.

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Mistakes to Avoid at a Job Interview If You Really Want That Job!

When you are going on a job interview, you will want to avoid mistakes that may end up costing you the job. Job interviews are very coveted at this point of time because the economy is so bad. Jobs are very difficult to get as are job interviews, so when you get one, you want to be sure to avoid any mistakes that you can make that might blow the job for you. Avoid the following mistakes when you go to a job interview:

Being negative about past job experiences

This is probably one of the biggest mistakes a prospective employee can make. Never be negative about past job experiences. No matter what the circumstances of your last job, try to turn it into a positive. Look for what you learned in that job and do not make any negative comments about your past jobs or past bosses.

Being unprepared for questions

The purpose of the job interview is for the employer to find out what you know about the job and to ask you questions. If you are unprepared for questions and stumble around when you are asked questions, you may end up blundering the job interview. Be prepared to answer questions that will pertain to the type of job that you will perform.

Forgetting your manners

Stand up when you meet your prospective boss and offer your hand in a handshake. Look the other person in the eye when you greet them and tell them your name. When you leave, stand up and shake hands again and tell them that it was a pleasure meeting them. Forgetting your manners will end up costing you the job interview. Be polite, shake hands and look someone in the eye when they are talking to you. Do not slouch in your seat and sit up straight.

Dressing inappropriately

If you are a man, you should wear a suit to a job interview. If you are a woman, a suit dress or a skirt and blouse is fine, although a suit is better. You should dress up with heels and stockings if you are a woman and dress shoes with dark socks for a man. Never wear too much makeup if you are a woman and easy on the perfume or cologne, too. You want to look professional, not like you are going to a nightclub.

Pretending to understand what you do not know

If the prospective employer asks you a question that you do not know, admit it. Everyone may fudge a little on their resume and even in the interview, but if you are totally lost in the question and do not know the answer, you are better off to admit that you do not know the answer than try to fudge your way through an obvious lying answer. The question may be a trap, too.

Avoid these common blunders when you are going on a job interview so that you can ace the interview and get the job.

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