You have an interview scheduled. Great! Now it's show time. You looked good on paper and now the employer wants to meet you in-person or perhaps with a phone interview. Interviewing will determine if you are the right person for the job. Like trying on a new pair of shoes at the store, the word FIT comes to mind. Are you the right fit for the position? The interviewer will be listening to your communication style and reviewing your experience and skills to see if you are a fit. If you are lacking experience, skills or seeking an entry-level position, they will be assessing your potential to learn or be trained for the job. They will also get a sense of your personality, attitude and enthusiasm. Here are some tips for a successful interview: Appearance Matters - Do you know what to wear? Knowing the position along with the company culture and work environment is important. You can inquire when you are called for the interview. You might ask if the environment is formal or more business casual. Stay conservative and check your wardrobe for darker or neutral colors like navy, gray, brown or tan. Get a haircut and look well groomed. Don't forget to polish your shoes. For women, avoid perfume, bold nail color, too much makeup and heavy jewelry. Dressing for success can and does make a difference. Just ask John Molloy, author of Dress for Success! Know the Location - Ask about the location. You can google the location, set your GPS, or drive by, if it is convenient. Make sure you know which door to use and ask about visitor parking. Check your gas tank the day before. Promptness - Plan to be 10 to 15 minutes early. Allow for weather or traffic conditions. Meet the receptionist and observe the office activity. This will also give you time to unwind and use a bathroom. Portfolio - Take a few extra resumes along. Bring a pen and paper. Bring your business card. Type of Interview - You can inquire to learn more about the interview format. There are various formats including one-on-one, round robin, panel, telephone and more. Interview Length - 30 minutes, 60 minutes, how long? Make sure you have breakfast if you have a morning interview. Interview Questions - Behavioral questions are often standard. There are hundreds, but preparing for and polishing off the top 25 would be a reasonable start. Be sure your answers are concise. Practice makes perfect. Think of a few appropriate questions you could ask them. Research - Why do you want to work at the company? What is the product or service? Learn all you can. Google the company name. Talk to someone who works there. Know what you can offer the employer. Additional knowledge and preparation adds to your self-confidence. Tell me about yourself - A 30-Second Commercial or Elevator Speech can be modified to serve as a springboard. Know yourself. In a minute or two, tell them about your work experience/education, highlight your skills and strengths and why you want to work there. Your response should be brief and conversational. Body Language - A smile and firm handshake can go along way. Make sure you greet the interviewer with both. It is a good way to make an introduction and will help put you at ease. Maintain eye contact with the interviewer throughout the interview. When you are finished, thank the interviewer and offer your hand. These gestures will help you look professional, sincere and confident. Follow up with a short thank you note or email. After the interview, document the date of the interview, company name and position along with the name of the interviewer and contact information. Organize your thoughts and reactions to the interview. What did you learn? Which of your responses to the questions went well? Which questions were challenging? What is the next step? The interviewing process is about finding the best candidate who will be a good fit. Likewise, ask yourself, is the employer a fit for you.
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Interviewing will determine if you are the right person for the job. These tips will help you make the job interview a success.
Barbara Wulf MS, ACC, CPCC, is a Certified Career/Life Coach and writer helping people redesign their career paths by supporting and inspiring them to stretch, seek, and achieve work/life success. Barbara offers career assessments along with resume/cover letter writing and interviewing strategies for impact. Her free monthly e-zine, OWN IT, WORK IT, LIVE IT offers tips for more life/career balance and fulfillment at: http://www.beckoncall-coach.com/
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