Archive for the ‘Interviews’ Category

Questions to Ask Potential Employers During Interviews

Wednesday, December 26th, 2007

Have you been searching for a new job? If you are like many job seekers, you may have turned to the internet or used your local newspaper’s employment section to help you learn about all open jobs in or around your area. If you have submitted a job application or your resume to any companies, have you heard back from them yet? If you have yet to receive a call asking to schedule an interview, do not worry, as you should be getting one or more soon.

For many job seekers, waiting to have a job interview scheduled is the most nerve-wracking part. For others, the interview process is the most difficult to get through. If you are nervous about an upcoming interview or one that you will likely have scheduled soon, the best thing that you can do is prepare. For example, it is advised that you prepare a list of questions to ask all interviewers. These questions can help to improve the flow of a job interview. (more…)

Up To The Toughest Interview Challenge? It’s All Over If You’re Not!

Saturday, September 22nd, 2007

There’s more than one interview challenge. But the toughest by far is learning how to sell yourself! Don’t know how? You’re dead in the water!

I know. Everybody says your work history and list of accomplishments will sell themselves. Your interview challenge is to tout your past efforts and answer all the questions politely. WRONG!

Here’s what the real interview challenge is all about. It all starts with changing some misconceptions about job search. You see, most of us were given advice that an interview with a prospective employer means talking about your background and work history.

Like I said, nothing could be further from the truth.

It’s not about your past or what you used to do for someone else. It’s about how you come across right now, in the present moment. That means you have to sell yourself so people get a powerful snapshot of you . . . one that makes them sit up and pay attention to you!

And since some of your best job recommendations and referrals are going to come from people you already know and respect, you must be able to sell them as well. In short, the interview challenge is all about selling!

So how do you do that?

Here’s one way that’s easy and yet very powerful: prepare a carefully crafted assertive story about you. Then rehearse it. Here are some tips to help you put together this important sales presentation.

1. Make a list of your personal work-related qualities, values and accomplishments (not your work history).

2. Select two or three work accomplishments you are particularly proud of that illustrate your qualities and capabilities–and demonstrate quantifiable results.

3. Now put together a short (one or two minutes) assertive story that weaves together a picture of you at work–one that illustrates the most representative of your qualities and values.

So if an employer asks you to tell a little bit about yourself (they all do!) or even if they don’t, you’re ready with a well-rehearsed story that sells YOU.

For example, you might say

“I have to believe you’re always on the lookout for someone who’s loyal, hard-working and can be counted on to get the job done. Am I right? It reminds me of a particularly challenging assignment I had. My boss told me I was responsible to meet a tight deadline and I had to put together a team to get the job done. I recruited some co-workers, set up a task force and achieved my boss’ goal within 48 hours. The company realized 20% growth in my sector. My boss congratulated me and told me I’d be up for a raise.”

You can put yourself way ahead of the pack by selling yourself. Take this solid interview challenge: sell yourself with a good story.. All it takes is an assertive story and a little practice.

Paul Bowley manages EEI, the world-class pioneer in alternative job search techniques and innovative e-business strategies . . . since 1985. Check out THE WORLD’S FASTEST JOB SEARCH PLAN! And grab our stunning FREE REPORT! http://www.fastest-job-search.com

Article courtesy of the Come and Read Article Directory.

10 Tips to Job-Winning Interviews

Saturday, August 11th, 2007

These days, you have to work hard to get a serious job interview. After running just one want ad, recruiters will see thousands of resumes. So getting picked for an interview is a reason to celebrate.

But after celebrating The Call, plan for success. You’ll have limited time to impress an interviewer. Even if you decide you don’t want the job, I recommend using the opportunity to practice. An offer will build your confidence for the job you really want. And who knows? You may get invited to interview for a really desirable option

1. Do your homework: Investigate the company’s culture, finances and markets. (more…)

Job Interview Tips For Second Interviews

Sunday, August 5th, 2007

You did it! You followed all the job interview tips you know and impressed that manager job interviewer the first time around and so now you’re invited for a second round of ‘talks’. Now what? You read everything you could about job interviews (e.g., resume writing tips, business etiquette during a job interview, etc.) but now you feel that you need a different type of job interview tip. What do you do during second job interviews?

Second Job Interview Tips to Land You that Job Offer (more…)

Job Interview Dos and Don’ts

Friday, June 1st, 2007

Are you in the process of trying to get a new job? If you have already applied for a few jobs, there is a good chance that you may end up having an interview scheduled soon, if you don’t already have one arranged. As you likely already know, a job interview is often the deciding factor in whether or not you get hired. That is why it is important that your interviews go off without a hitch. To ensure that they do, you may want to familiarize yourself with the most common job interview dos and don’ts, some of which are outlined below. (more…)

The Benefits of Mock Interviews

Friday, January 5th, 2007

Let’s look at that list again.

- find a job posting
- create a resume
- write a cover letter
- get call for interview

Speaking of job interviews, when was the last time that you had one? If it has been awhile since your last job interview, you may want to consider doing a few practice runs. These practice runs are commonly referred to as mock interviews. Although mock interviews may seem a little bit silly, there are a number of benefits to doing them.

Most job seekers will use their friends and family members for practice. If this is the approach that you would like to take, you will want to have your partner ask you common job interview questions, such as what are your strengths and weaknesses. You can research on the web to find lists of sample questions. Be sure to answer with professional responses, just as you would in real job interview. You can also do a mock interview in front of your mirror. While this approach isn’t as realistic, it can help you practice your intended interview questions.

A benefits to doing mock interviews, before you have a real interview, is the practice that you will receive. It is no secret that job interviews can be nerve-wracking. Even if this isn’t your first job interview, they can still cause you nervousness. Many job seekers find that holding mock job interviews with their friends or family members helps to ease the nervousness associated with job interviews. In fact, many people who do mock interviews have reported an increase in confidence.

Preparation is another one of the many benefits of mock interviews. The goal of a mock or practice interview is to help you prepare for an upcoming job interview. This preparation may include answering common interview questions in a timely matter, giving a proper greeting, as well as departing properly from a job interview. If this is your first job interview or if you haven’t attend a job interview in awhile now, you may be unsure as to how the process will proceed. Mock interviews are not only a great way to calm your nerves, but they can also give you guidance, which can help you sail through your next job interview like a breeze.

If you are able to do a mock interview with a close friend or family member, you may get a number of pointers. Using other individuals, especially those who are known for their unbiased opinions, is the best way to examine your job interview approach. If your friends or family members have any suggestions, like tips on how you can improve your answers, you may want to consider their suggestions. In fact, you may learn something new or important by doing a mock interview with your friends or family members.

As outlined above, there are a number of benefits to doing a mock interview with a close friend or family member. As a reminder, it is also possible for you to practice in front of a mirror, but you may have the best luck with someone who can give you feedback or provide you with helpful suggestions.