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First Impressions
It is true that you never get a second chance to make a first
impression. The first impression you make will determine the course of your
interview so keep in mind that you are meeting your prospective employer for
the first time. Your appearance, conservative clothing and relaxed attitude
will all contribute to the overall impression you make. We recommend that men
wear a suit and that women wear a suit, pantsuit, or professional dress,
regardless of the dress code of the office. Remember, the minutes spent with an
interviewer may have a major impact on your future. The time you invest making
a few simple preparations could result in a job offer!
Date - Time - Place
Check your directions carefully and allow ample travel time...then add
an extra ten minutes for emergencies. Driving to the location the night before
your interview to be sure you know where you are going is often a good idea.
Above all, BE PROMPT! Your prospective employer may be on a tight schedule,
which could cut your interview time short or cause you to miss your interview
entirely. Being late also creates an impression that you will not be punctual
on the job. Be sure to call your placement consultant, if you have one, or the
company if you will be unavoidably delayed. If, upon arriving, you are kept
waiting by the interviewer, please be patient.
Do Your Homework
Gather as much information about the company as you can prior to your
interview. Your library and the Internet are the best references for this type
of information. Being aware of a company's size, recent growth and products or
services will prove helpful to you during your interview.
The Interview
Following these basic guidelines common to most interviews can help
you make a good impression:
- Even if you bring a resume, fill out an employer's application. Consider this
your first test of how well you follow instructions.
- Speak confidently and honestly about your work experience as it relates to
the job for which you are applying.
- Be aware of your grammar, diction and posture.
- Look directly at the interviewer and smile often.
- Do not chew gum or smoke, even if these items are offered to you.
- Try to refrain from answering questions with only yes or no answers.
- Ask questions that show you are interested in the position and the company.
- Don't bring up the salary in the initial interview or ask for more than the
job pays. Salary is not an issue unless an offer of employment is made to you.
- Refrain from discussing personal problems or talking against former
employers.
- Be careful not to talk too much or too little.
Remember, you are there to sell your talents and abilities. Convey your strong
points with sincerity and enthusiasm.
Concluding Your Interview
Thank your interviewer for their time and express a positive interest in the
job. If you are offered the job, never turn the offer down on the spot. Thank
them for the offer and ask for time to think it over. Many times people are
caught off guard by receiving an offer and aren't sure how to respond. Minor
problems that may cause you to immediately reject an offer may be resolved in
later negotiations.
Questions You May Be Asked
Take time to consider how you would answer this sampling of typical
interview questions.
- Why do you want to work for us? Or, why are you here today?
- What type of work do you want to do?
- Why did you choose your field?
- What do you know about our company? Or, want to know about our company?
- What did you like most about your previous jobs? What did you like least?
- What are your immediate career goals? Or, what do you plan to be doing in 5
to 10 years?
- What do you consider to be your weak points?
- What do you consider to be your strong points?
- Do you prefer working alone?
- Is working overtime a problem?
- Tell me about yourself.
A good way to prepare for an interview is to role play with a friend. Practice
answering the questions above. Being prepared will raise your level of
self-confidence. Be sure to take a clean copy of your resume. Good luck on
furthering your career!
Click on resume tips to create a resume a prospective employer will take a look
at.
Click on tough questions and examples of answers if you want to know more.
Click on cover letter tips to learn when a cover letter is needed and how to
write one.
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