Posted By:
April
Brown On: 3/15/2010 11:12:55 AM In: Job Seeker -
Interview The phone rings.... it's the call you've been waiting for and
they want to see you tomorrow! You are thrilled and frightened
at the same time. The 'what ifs' start pouring in and you begin
to doubt your own skills. Just stop right there! Don't let the
prospects of failure consume you. You have already succeeded in
reaching the interview stage. Celebrate that success and each
little one after that. Consider this interview as just another
step in the hiring process and be prepared for it.
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The phone rings.... it's the call you've been waiting for and
they want to see you tomorrow! You are thrilled and frightened
at the same time. The 'what ifs' start pouring in and you begin
to doubt your own skills. Just stop right there!
Don't let the prospects of failure consume you. You have already
succeeded in reaching the interview stage. Celebrate that
success and each little one after that. Consider this interview
as just another step in the hiring process and be prepared for
it.
"When you're prepared, you're more confident. When you have a
strategy, you're more comfortable."
Fred Couples
Fred is right. When you have a strategy in life, you break down
your goals into small bites that are easier to manage. You are
encountering the same challenge with gaining employment. There
are several steps that you must successfully pass before you
reach your goal. If you go into your interview prepared and able
to anticipate their requests, you've won the interview phase.
Follow these steps, and you are on your way to scoring a job.
• Dress for success. Know what you are going to wear and
make sure that you feel comfortable in it. If you are afraid of
overdressing, don't worry - overdress. You will have a better
chance of success if you dress the part.
• Come prepared. Bring your working portfolio, extra
copies of your resume, professional references, and other work
related documents (like certifications or credentials).
• Know your skills and experience. You need to know what
you have to offer the employer and make sure that you merge your
skills with what the employer needs.
• Ask questions. Show your interest in the position by
asking questions that help you to better understand the position
and benefits. You want to know that this job actually aligns
with your needs. After all, why pursue a job if it doesn't meet
your needs. Find out when they are planning on making a decision
and when you will be contacted.
• Get names. Remember the names of the important people
that you interacted with before, during, and after the
interview. You will need to thank them for your time with an
email to reinforce your interest in the position.
• Be happy. Show your future employer that you are a
happy person that needs a job. You are more likely to be hired
if you are pleasant and approachable. Having a smile on your
face helps you to accomplish this.
• Follow up. If you haven't heard from them in a week,
follow up with your contacts and ask if they have already made a
hiring decision. They might have already hired someone and if
they tell you that they have, don't let that discourage you. Ask
about future openings and whether you can be considered for
those future positions.
Winning a successful interview is just another step in the
employment process. With planning and preparation, you will
prove to your interviewer that you are the employee they need.
After all, being well prepared is a skill that employers look
for in their employees.