Be the next to follow.
Interviewing soon? Follow these tips to help make sure your interview is a success!
1- Dress the part and pack accordingly. Even if you’re applying for a job to work with orphaned dolphins, (that would be awesome!!) you want to dress appropriately. This means no jeans, no short skirts or dresses ladies, and no shorts. Check out [this break down] (https://www.thebalance.com/best-interview-attire-for-every-type-of-interview-2061364) of what to wear for both men and women. Make sure to pack a notebook and a pen to gather some notes while you’re there, as well as a copy of your updated resume and a few business cards!
2- Body language is key. What you say is JUST as important as how you present yourself. Sit up straight, maintain good eye contact, SMILE, and be engaged in the conversation. You are a strong person so act that way! No slouching or nervously touching your hair. It’s game time, so get in the zone and stay focused.
3- Make sure to listen and also answer the questions fully. Be a good listener and don’t hog the conversation. When a question is asked make sure you answer it as it was phrased. Don’t leave anything out or pick and choose which part you will answer. When they provide feedback just take it all in and don't interrupt.
4- Be clear about who you are. You know the question is coming: Tell me about yourself (aka your elevator pitch). Deep breaths. Just be clear and direct. It's extremely helpful to write up a short response to this question before you head off to the interview and practice your pitch first to have it in your brain and ready to go. Tell them why you are a good fit, how their company can benefit from hiring you, and what you bring to the table!
Answering these questions can help you write your pitch!
-What are the 5 strongest reasons I am a great fit for this job?
-What are 4 positive things I can say about the company, and how can I connect what they do to what I can bring to them?
-What are 3 positive things I did in my previous job that I can offer this one?
-Why do I really want this job beyond having a steady paycheck and/or benefits/other perks? (focus on what you can bring to them not the other way around!)
-What is the job description and how do my skills match up with it? Be as specific as possible.
Does anyone else have something different they do during an interview that has helped them land a job in the past? Secret tips and tricks to share? : )
It’s important in life to plan. We plan vacations, weddings, other big life events, how to save money, but what is your plan to find a job? What have you learned that worked well and what completely failed in the past? Keep in mind failures can sometimes teach us the most! I am going to share my game plan from start to finish to find a job. Let’s all share ours and see if we can add to our plans and make them stronger! This is what has worked well for me in the past.
Step 1- Search for jobs that are relevant to my skill set and also companies I want to work for that will value me. If a job will pay the bills, but has a terrible culture you will probably find yourself on the job hunt again very soon.The same goes for filtered results that are delivered to me, I will tailor them to meet my specific needs.
Step 2- Check my emails at least 5-8 times a day and see which jobs are being sent over and apply to them. I always made sure to include a copy of my resume saved as a PDF as well as a cover letter tailored to THAT company (avoid the generic letter which will say to the company that you don’t care about what they do).
Step 3- Follow up with the jobs via email if I have not heard back in a few weeks (if you have an interview followup THAT week). Sometimes you just need to be patient as companies can get very busy. It never hurts to say “I just wanted to reach back out and reintroduce myself...” This email is to remind them “Hey I am here!!!” and also reinforce why you would be a fantastic fit for the job. Make sure to attach your resume again JUST in case they missed it the first time. If you applied online you may need to do a little searching on the company website, LinkedIn, etc. to find an email or contact person to send this information to. The extra work is worth it!!
Step 4- Attend networking events and job fairs. Even if they cost a little bit of money, if they have some great jobs or connections definitely go (it will be incredibly valuable) and don’t forget to pack your business cards!!
Lastly ask yourself these ?’s as you search: -What type of jobs are important to you?
-What type of work energizes/excites you?
-Is my resume updated with keywords and all my recent work?
-Did my cover letter best describe who I am and why I would like to work for that company?
-Will this job help further my career path in a positive or negative way?
So, what is YOUR game plan?
My friend says my makeup is too dark and I should tone it down for my interviews coming up. Well, what does tone it down look like? No lipstick or eyeshadow...what colors?! Should I not wear ANY makeup? I need a little my skin isn’t the best : ( HELP and advice please!!!
Our profiles/resumes are now online and with email we barely use paper anymore, but the ONE paper item you need in today’s job market is a business card.
I know what you’re thinking, I don’t even own a business I don’t need that. Even if this is true, when you think about it YOU are your own business.
Each time you go on interviews you are in the business of finding a job and selling yourself.
You want those who interview you to remember you days after an interview is over and not forget you seconds later. A simple business card helps you achieve just that and remind them of who they just met! It does not need to be fancy or expensive.
What it does need to do is have the following information printed on it:
1- Your first and last name 2- Your email (make sure it’s current) 3- Your phone number (again current) 4- Optional you can add a few words about who you are or what job role you are looking for, an inspirational quote, or small list of attributes about yourself (like a mini pitch).
A great time to give out a business card is usually at the end of the interview as you say thank you and shake hands OR if they ask in the beginning for one (some will). Plus it makes you look fantastic and that you took the time to not only make the cards, but you brought some just for them!
Great sites I have enjoyed using to create a business card:
-Vistaprint (I have used them for MANY projects and they always have sales and are very affordable)
-Moo.com (a little expensive but the cards even with the cheapest paper will blow you away. I always receive compliments on these for my photography business)
-Tinyprints.com (really nice designs w/ lots of variety and middle of the road for price)
Remember, aside from interviews a business card also comes in handy if you meet someone on the street, train, plane at a networking event, while you are grabbing coffee in the morning or anywhere you want to connect, so ALWAYS have some in your wallet or purse!!
Does anyone have any sites for business cards that they like to use?
How often do you give out your business card and when?
Hiring managers love it when you are well rounded. If you want to ace interviews, have stories for:
- A time you solved a problem
- A time you got AMAZING results
- A time you worked well on a team
Those stories are the ones that get you hired!
Are you missing any of these stories?
Hey Man, I suggest you go either solid color with a white starched shirt and if you wear a tie use a basic color and pattern, a lots of business going to business casual because of the restriction and no real use of the tie. The pressed business casual (Docker style pant and Polo type small emblem shirt tucked in.).
With that in mind, here are fourteen questions for your next interview: credits: Marc Cenedella
- What’s the biggest change your team has gone through in the last year? Does your team feel like things are getting better in the economy and for your business?
- If I get the job, how do I earn a “gold star” on my performance review? What are the key accomplishments you’d like to see in this role over the next year?
- What’s your (or my future boss’) leadership style?
- About which competitor are you most worried?
- How does sales / operations / technology / marketing / finance work around here? (I.e., groups other than the one you’re interviewing for.)
- What type of people are successful here? What type of people are not?
- What’s one thing that’s key to this company’s success that somebody from outside the company wouldn’t know about?
- How did you get your start in this industry? Why do you stay?
- What keeps you up at night? What’s your biggest worry these days?
- What’s the timeline for making a decision on this position? When should I get back in touch with you?
- What is your reward system? Is it a star system / team-oriented / equity-based / bonus-based / golf-clap-based? Why is that your reward system? If you could change any one thing about it, what would it be?
- What information is shared with the employees (revenues, costs, operating metrics)? Is this an “open book” shop, or do you play it closer to the vest? How is information shared? How do I get access to the information I need to be successful in this job?
- What is the rhythm to the work around here? Is there a time of year that it’s “all hands on deck” and we’re pulling all-nighters, or is it pretty consistent throughout the year? How about during the week / month? Is it pretty evenly spread throughout the week / month, or are there crunch days?
- Who are the heroes at your company? What characteristics do the people who are most celebrated have in common with each other? Conversely, what are the characteristics that are common to the promising people you hired, but who then flamed out and failed or left?
Please share your best questions when job interviewer asks this important question.
How much should I learn about a company and the specific job I’m applying for before I go into the interview? My interview is with Target. I know they are a national retail company with stores all over the US. I know cashiers basically scan merchandise and process payments for customers. Is there any other company or position information I should know before the interview?
Everyone suggest that I get to know the employer before the interview but I’m not sure what kind of information I should be looking for.
#Today's "Daily Interview Prep" Question: What would you change about your last job?
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