Interviewing Tips
Tips on Interview Skills
Job interviewing never seems to get any easier - even when you have gone on more interviews than you can count. You are meeting new people, selling yourself and your skills, and often getting the third degree about what you know or don't know. Here are job interview tips to help prepare you to interview effectively. Proper preparation will help alleviate some of the stress involved in job interviews.
Practice
Practice answering interview questions and practice your responses to the typical job interview questions and answers most employers ask (please see the back of this page for an idea of what may be asked). Think of actual examples you can use to describe your skills. Providing evidence of your successes is a great way to promote your candidacy.
Prepare
Prepare a response so you are ready for the question "What do you know about our company?”. Know the interviewer's name and use it during the job interview. If you're not sure of the name, call and ask prior to the interview. Try to relate what you know about the company when answering questions.
Get Ready
Make sure your interview attire is neat, tidy and appropriate for the type of firm you are interviewing with. Bring a nice portfolio with copies of your resume. Include a pen and paper for note taking.
Be On time
Be on time for the interview. On time means five to ten minutes early. If need be, take some time to drive to the office ahead of time so you know exactly where you are going and how long it will take to get there.
Stay Calm
During the job interview try to relax and stay as calm possible. Take a moment to regroup. Maintain eye contact with the interviewer. Listen to the entire question before you answer and pay attention - you will be embarrassed if you forget the question!
Show What You Know
Try to relate what you know about the company when answering questions. When discussing your career accomplishments match them to what the company is looking for.
Follow Up
Always follow-up with a thank you note reiterating your interest in the position. If you interview with multiple people send each one a thank you note.
Other Resources:
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Below are questions you may be asked in the interview:
- Tell me about yourself? (try to hold your response to 2 minutes)
- What do you know about our company?
- Why should we hire you?
- What can you do for us that someone else can't?
- What do you look for in a job?
- What skills and qualifications are essential for success in the position of ______?
- How long would it take for you to make a meaningful contribution?
- How does this assignment fit into your overall career plan?
- Describe your management style.
- What do you believe is the most difficult part of being a supervisor of people?
- Why are you looking for a new career?
- How would your colleagues describe you?
- How would your boss describe you?
- How would you describe yourself?
- What do you think of your present or past boss?
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Below are questions you may want to ask the Interviewer:
- Why is this position open?
- How often has it been filled in the past five years? What were the main reasons?
- What would you like done differently by the next person who fills this position?
- What are some of the objectives you would like to see accomplished in this job?
- What is most pressing? What would you like to have done in the next 3 months.
- What are some of the long term objectives you would like to see completed?
- What are some of the more difficult problems one would have to face in this position?
- How do you think these could best be handled?
- What type of support does this position receive in terms of people, finances. etc?
- What freedom would I have in determining my own work objectives, deadlines, and methods of measurement?
- What advancement opportunities are available for the person who is successful in this position, and within what time frame?
- In what ways has this organization been most successful in terms of products and services over the years?
- What significant changes do you foresee in the near future?
- How is one evaluated in this position?
- What accounts for success within the company?
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Tips on Dressing for Success
The first impression you make on a potential employer is the most important one. The first judgment an interviewer makes is going to be based on how you look and what you are wearing. That's why it's always important to dress professionally for a job interview, even if the work environment is casual.
You'll want that first impression to be not just a good one, but, a great one. The candidate dressed in a suit and tie is going to make a much better impression than the candidate dressed in scruffy jeans and a t-shirt.
Interview Attire Tips
- Before you even think about going on an interview, make sure you have appropriate interview attire and everything fits correctly.
- Get your clothes ready the night before, so you don't have to spend time getting them ready on the day of the interview.
- If your clothes are dry clean only, take them to the cleaners after an interview, so they are ready for next time.
- Polish your shoes.
- Bring a breath mint and use it before you enter the building.
- If you have lots of piercings, leave some of your rings at home (earrings only, is a good rule)
- Cover tattoos
What Not to Bring to the Interview
- Gum
- Cell phone, Ipod, or other devices
- Coffee or soda
Other Resources:
Videos from About.com:
How to Prepare for a Job Interview 
Showing up to a job interview without preparation is like showing up to a test without studying. Learn what you should do before your interview so that you look professional and knowledgeable on the big day.
Phone Interview Tips
Many companies screen job applicants by having a phone interview before calling you in for face time. Find out how to pull off your phone interview without a hitch so you can get closer to nailing down that dream job.
Improve your Interview Appearance and Body Language
Did you know that your body language can say a lot more about you than your words during a job interview? Learn to speak through your appearance and body language and create a positive impression so that you land the job!
Job Interview Tips
Congratulations! You've landed a job interview, and now you have the opportunity to dazzle a potential employer in person. That is, unless you forget to follow these golden interview rules. Find out how to leave the right impression with these tips.
Office Fashion Dos and Don'ts
Does your office style border on the wild side, or are you the picture of professionalism? No matter how casual your office is, some things you just shouldn't wear to work. Find out the dos and don'ts of dressing for work.
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by CBS MoneyWatch.com - Career consultant Sarah Stamboulie tells us how to score in a job interview -- and identifies some of the most common mistakes interviewees make.
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