Confidence coach Catherine Storing gave job seekers valuable tips about preparing for, participating in and following up on job interviews--tips that can enhance your chances of landing the position you want.
Her first rule: Know your resume. You may get asked a
question about something you've listed on it, and you should be prepared to
answer it knowledgeably.
Make sure your resume includes current contact information,
including a "gmail" account. According to Catherine, if you list a
"yahoo" or "aol" account you're dating yourself. Your
e-mail address should include your name for clear identification and to help
prevent it from getting directed into a potential interviewer's Spam folder.
It's also a good idea to set up a Skype account in case someone needs to talk
with you face to face but can't be available for a personal interview.
If you've been invited to have a telephone interview, make
sure you're wide awake and energized, and dress up as you would for a personal
interview. You're more likely to make a good first impression.
Research the company and know where you're going before your
interviews. Ask about company culture--you want to dress appropriately, but
also be comfortable.
Remember that the interview process is for both the
potential employer's and your own benefit; listen to what's said, but also to
what's not said so you can make an informed decision about whether or not the
job is a good fit for you.
Ask the Human Resources representative about salary range,
hours of work and benefits; those aren't appropriate questions for the hiring
manager or others who may be part of the interview process. Sit up straight,
speak clearly and with confidence.
Your attire is a key part of the first impression you
give, so be sure to dress appropriately for the company and position. One good
way to determine what's appropriate is to drive by the company first thing in
the morning or at lunch time so you can observe what employees are wearing.
Always prepare your interview wardrobe the day before; choose carefully to
ensure that your clothes are clean, pressed, and comfortable for you when
you're standing and when you're sitting down. Your shoes must be clean and
polished, and your hair should be neat and styled. Women should carry a basic,
mid-sized purse and avoid flat shoes; a small heel or
platform shoe will help your posture and gait. All candidates should have a
folder of some sort in which to carry extra copies of resumes and other papers
you may need.
Catherine listed some questions that you should always ask
if possible:
What is your management style?
What is your most pressing problem or need?
What qualities would your ideal candidate possess?
Why is the position open and for how long has it been
available?
What is a typical day like?
What do you like best about your job?
What accomplishments are you most proud of?
Take notes on the answers; you can offer some
relevant examples of ways you can help the company in your answers to
questions asked of you.
Always send an e-mail thank you message the day after the
interview. If you haven't heard back from the company after a week or so, you
can send an inquiry into the status of the interview process, and send a second
message a week later if you still haven't heard anything.
Catherine concluded her dynamic presentation by
emphasizing the importance of having your references ready, and of letting your
references know that they should expect a call from a specific person at a
particular company. She stayed after the presentation to answer questions, and
offered to address specific issues via e-mail.
Posted by Cynthia Carlson
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