You have carefully updated your resume. So,you searched high and low for the “just right” job opportunity. You got permission to use your personal character references. Now it’s time to carefully prepare for the Job Interview.
Dress for Success
Plant this thought firmly in your mind: You will never get a second chance at a first impression. Humans judge other humans within 15-20 seconds of meeting them. These evaluations are made 100% on visuals. Carry yourself like a successful person. Don’t slouch. Smile. Shake hands firmly (without crushing any bones). And above all, Dress for Success.
Preparing Answers
Employers come to their interviews prepared with the questions they want to ask and expectations of the answers they are hoping you will provide. Why not you?
A simple trip to Office Depot and a few dollars will get you a nice yet inexpensive business folder with an 8 1/2″ x 11″ note pad and pen inside. Be sure to bring your own pen. It is these small attentions to detail that will make you a memorable applicant.
If this position is one in which you have worked before, this is your chance to really shine and stand out from the rest of the pack. Do your homework and find out a few things about this prospective employer. Employers are thrilled when they find out that you actually took the time to find out something about their uniqueness and how it fits in the marketplace.
Prepare for Tricky Questions
Understand exactly what the employer does and what they are looking for in a new hire. As a result, you will be able to discuss your experience and what makes YOU a great fit for the job.
Following is a good starter list of questions you will probably want to be prepared to answer. Your preparation will come through by your ease and comfort in answering and the confident delivery of the right answer. This list is only to spark your creativity and anticipation of questions that others will have difficulty handling. So, the watchword is “Flexibility”.
Preparing Answers to Questions
Asking Questions
Here is yet another opportunity to separate yourself from the rest of the crowd of applicants. By now, you should have a pretty good idea of which questions would be most meaningful for the Employer.
Remember that notepad I had you buy at Office Depot? Come to the interview with a list of questions already chosen by you for their relevance to the company and the position being offered. Take the time to demonstrate that the question is insightful, well thought out, and well researched. Actively listen to the answer while indicating understanding and don’t be afraid to take notes.
Personal Thank You Notes
Finally, do you want to catapult yourself to the top of the list of applicants? Want to do one simple thing that will put you in the top 5% of applicants?
The Crowning Touch… Send a Thank You note.
Nobody does it. Except YOU!…. Make it hand written and make it genuine.
Go Here for Additional Free Resources
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