Career
Professionalism
Interviews are like anything else in life, they take practice to perfect. The job market is highly competitive so you should always maintain a high standard of professionalism. This is guaranteed to impress your potential employer, as it will show focus and maturity.
What is Professionalism?
Professionalism is: Presentation, Punctuality and Preparation.
Presentation:Presentation is not just the clothes you wear, but your general presentation during the interview. Dress for success, formal attire is the best option. Look the part and you will be more likely to get it. Body language such as eye contact and how you greet your interviewer are important. Shaking hands is a sign of confidence and respect so is making regular eye contact. Always be polite not just during the interview but to any one you may have contact with in the office or work environment.
Punctuality:Being on time is essential to a successful interview. Give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination, map out a route if you are unsure in any way. Being early gives you time to relax and prepare for your interview. If you are going to be late or unable to attend for any unforeseeable reason call ahead and let them know. This will show them that you are serious and that you take your commitments seriously.
Preparation:Get to know the company you are hoping to work for. A little background information can go a long way. You should research the company well before applying to it. You must be prepared to discuss the industry, the company's relative size within that industry and show that you know who the major players and competitors are.
Frequently Asked Questions
All interview questions are designed to find out your ability to fit-in and contribute to the specific workgroup. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions to help you prepare for your interview:
Tell us about yourself?
Tell them in detail how your experience would relate to the position you are being interviewed for. Be as detailed as possible about your family background, educational background and previous job experience.
Why are you interested in this position?
Tell your employer why you chose to apply for this position. Explain why you are a perfect match for the position and how you will do full justice to the same. Use relevant examples from your family background, educational background and previous job experience.
What do you know about this company?
You should research the company well before applying to it. You must be prepared to discuss the industry, the company's relative size within that industry and show that you know who the major players and competitors are
What salary are you drawing?
The question is not difficult to answer – just be honest and give the figure. In all probability, your next employer may base your salary on this amount. However, the problem arises when you feel you are being underpaid in your current organization. You may feel tempted to lie, but do not give in, as checks can be easily made and you may be disqualified. In case you are getting additional perks, incentives or commissions, do not forget to mention them, as they are important while negotiating salary.
How to Answer the Four Most Common Interview Questions
1. "Tell Me a Little About Yourself"
Sometimes the most general question can be the hardest. How can you sum up your entire life story in just a couple of minutes?
The goal is not to summarize your resume -- the interviewer already has a copy of that. Rather, tell how you came to be interested in this particular company and job, and weave examples of past accomplishments throughout to demonstrate why you are the perfect candidate.
"Why Did You Leave Your Last Job?"
IF YOU WERE FIRED:Be honest, but quick about explaining it. Don't get into the political details; rather, explain what you learned from the experience and how it makes you an even stronger employee today. It's not a good idea to lie about your termination. When the interviewer calls your references, he or she will most likely find out you were fired anyway. So be honest, and explain what you learned.
IF YOU WERE LAID OFF:This is not nearly as taboo as it was even five years ago, so don't apologize or act defeated. If a company goes bankrupt or had massive layoffs, simply explain, "Because of the economy, the company decided to eliminate six departments, including mine."
IF YOU QUIT:Again, be honest and stay positive. State that the work being offered wasn't challenging enough, that you are seeking higher levels of responsibility or simply that you are ready to make the next step on your career ladder -- and that the job for which you are interviewing is the ideal next step.
The secret is to stay positive and discuss your desire for growth. Hiring managers love applicants who actively seek responsibility.
3. "What's Your Biggest Weakness?"
What are you supposed to do -- tell them why they SHOULDN'T hire you?
Pick a weakness that is real but understandable or relatively harmless. Whatever weakness you pick, be sure that it is work-related ("I have a tendency to overfeed my dog" is NOT an appropriate weakness) and that you present the strategies for how you overcame it.
Here are a few examples:
Here are a few examples:
4. "Do You Have Any Questions for Me?"
Yes, you do.
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How to Answer the Toughest Interview Questions
The 'Future' Question
Otherwise known as the "big picture" question, the future question goes something like this: "Where do you see yourself in five years?"
The best tactic: Talk about your values.
Don't get too detailed about your specific career plan. Instead, discuss things that are important to you professionally and how you plan to achieve them. If growth is a goal, mention that. You can also talk about challenge, another value that employers prize in their employees.
The 'Salary' Question
Most people will tell you that whoever answers this question first loses. But that's not necessarily true.
When an interviewer asks your salary requirement, try first to gently deflect the question by inquiring about the salary for the position.
If the interviewer presses you for a number, give a range. To decide on a range, think about the salary you want, your salary at your most recent position and the industry-standard salary for the job.
The bottom line: The salary question is one of the most important, so you should prepare for it in advance and plan what to say.
The 'Why' Question
There's a fine line between boastful and confident. And you need to learn it.
When an interviewer asks you why they should hire you, you're going to speak confidently and honestly about your abilities. But you should avoid sounding overly boastful.
Aim for earnest and prepare by practicing. That's right: Stand in front of the mirror and acknowledge your abilities and accomplishments to your reflection. Tell yourself: I have a very strong work ethic. I have integrity. I have excellent industry contacts. I aggressively pursue my goals.
It's sometimes hard to praise yourself, but after a few sessions you'll sound sincere.
The Seemingly Silly Question
If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be? What if you were a car? Or an animal?
These type of questions can bring your interview to a screeching halt.
First, don't panic. Pause and take a deep breath. Then remind yourself that there's no "right" answer to these questions. The job isn't hinging on whether you choose to be a spruce versus an oak.
Interviewers usually ask these questions to see how you react under pressure and how well you handle the unexpected. It's not so important what type of tree (or car, or animal) you choose as that you explain your choice in a way that makes you look favorable.
So, be a spruce -- because you want to reach new heights in your career. Or be an oak -- because you plan to put down roots at the company. Either way, you'll get it right.
How to Deal With Interview Stress
To many job seekers, "stress" is synonymous with "job interview."
Job seekers stress over landing an interview. Then they stress over preparing for it. And then they stress over what to wear, what to say, if the interviewer will like them and more.
But the worst stress of all often occurs during the interview. This is the stress that can cause you to blow it. It can make you freeze, panic, chatter aimlessly, lose your train of thought or perspire profusely.
Early Warning
Timing is everything: Don't cause yourself undue stress before a big interview.
Arrive about 10 minutes before the interview is scheduled to begin.
If you arrive too early, you'll sit and wait and worry. And if you arrive too late, you may find yourself racing in the door, your heart already pounding from a last-minute dash.
A ten-minute, pre-interview break will give you an opportunity to catch your breath and acclimate to your surroundings. It's enough time, but not too much time.
Picture This
You can make your dream a reality. Use your imagination to stay calm during a job interview.
Visualization is a relaxation technique in which you create a mental image of a stressful or challenging situation. Then you imagine yourself succeeding in the situation. By doing so, you're mentally preparing to handle the event in real life.
You can practice visualization in the days, hours or even minutes before an interview. Simply close your eyes and breathe deeply. Picture yourself greeting the interviewer confidently and answering tough questions with ease.
Practice succeeding in your imagination, and soon you'll be doing it in reality.
Relax
A relaxed job candidate is a confident job candidate.
Use these tips to stay relaxed during an interview:
Pause, Don't Panic
In every interview, there comes a moment that doesn't go according to plan. There's an awkward silence. You stumble over your words. You flub a tough question.
Don't panic. Now's the time to put your relaxation skills into overdrive.
It's much easier to control fear and panic as it starts to build than to calm yourself down once they've begun to spiral out of control.
When you feel yourself starting to panic and lose focus, pause. Tell yourself silently that you can do this. Take a deep breath. Refocus. And then resume interviewing.
A quick ten-second pause can be all you need to regain your composure and get back in control. And the interviewer likely won't even notice.
Phone Interviews: Tips to Get Called Back
Some people think phone interviews are easier than in-person ones. Often, those people are wrong.
Find a Happy Place
In the absence of sight, hearing becomes sharper. And interviewers can easily hear distraction over the phone.
Once you've scheduled a phone interview, locate a calm, quiet place where you can focus. Make sure you're not near a computer, TV or anything that will draw your attention away from the interview. Tell anyone who has access to the space that you are not to be disturbed unless catastrophes strikes.
Next, have a pen and paper handy to take notes during your interview. You should also have a copy of your resume so that when the interviewer refers to your experience, you can both literally be on the same page.
Finally, consider your attire, particularly if you're interviewing from your home. It's your prerogative to wear sweats, but may we suggest something closer to business attire? You'll feel more professional -- and, thus, you'll sound more professional.
Speak Easy
As soon as you answer the phone, you're on!
You want to start your phone interview off right. And, because the interviewer can't see you, she's listening even more carefully.
Make a conscious effort to sound upbeat and enthusiastic.
Smile. Interviewers can hear you smile -- and smiling can put you in a better state of mind. (Don't believe it? Try smiling when you're in a bad mood.)
If you feel your confidence wane, stand up. Standing can make your voice sound more powerful.
And always remember to breathe. It will help you stay calm and sound more relaxed.
Sounds of Silence
A phone interview isn't just about speaking. It's about listening.
To listen carefully, try closing your eyes when the interviewer is speaking so you can focus on what is being said.
This technique can also help you read the interviewer's mood. Is he interested and enthusiastic, or bored and distracted? Is the interview conversational? Are questions and answers flowing easily?
Listen hard after your responses. Did your response prompt additional questions or make the interviewer hesitate?
If the interviewer seems distracted, use one of the powerful questions you were saving for the "Do you have any questions?" section of the interview. A well-chosen question can re-engage him and put the interview back on track.
Practice Makes Perfect
The best way to prepare for a phone interview: Practice.
Have a friend play the role of interviewer on the phone.
Provide her with some practice questions to ask. Give her a copy of your resume and have her come up with her own questions too.
Test different techniques while you're talking to her. Close your eyes while listening, stand while talking, smile while speaking. With her feedback, decide what works best.
You should also consider taping the conversation and listening to yourself afterward. You may be very surprised by what you hear. Finally, ask yourself, "Would I hire this person?
What Not to Say in an Interview
An interview can be incredibly stressful: You often have only a few minutes to show an interviewer how capable, confident and intelligent you are
Skip the 'Filler'
When an interviewer asks a question, you may feel like you should fill the silence right away. Or, after you start speaking, perhaps you realize you're not sure what you want to say and need to stall.
That's when most people use "like," "ya know" and "ummm."
These words are common in many people's vocabularies. They're simply verbal filler that we've become accustomed to using. But they're not very professional.
Taking time to think about a question, rather than rushing to answer, can help eliminate the need to use filler.
Like any habit, this one will take time to break. So start practicing before you have an actual interview.
Don't Jargon Your Way Out of a Job
You say: "Our value proposition is to create synergy while leveraging our respective ROIs."
The interviewer thinks: "Huh?"
You don't need to use jargon to sound knowledgeable in an interview. First, don't assume the interviewer is familiar with the jargon.
Also, as many interviewers will tell you, people often use a lot of fancy jargon when they want to disguise the fact that they aren't completely confident in what they're saying.
So speak simply and coherently and your intelligence should speak for itself.
Why Slang Is 'Way Bad'
Here's the 411 on slang in interviews.
Never use slang in an interview. You should speak to an interviewer just as you would to a business colleague or even a boss. That means you must sound polished and professional.
Also, the interviewer (who may not be as cool as you are) may have no idea what you're saying when you use slang.
Last, never, EVER, use profanity in an interview. There's simply no place for it.
Don't Answer Before You've Been Asked
You want to make a good impression on an interviewer. You want to seem knowledgeable, confident and engaged. So when the interviewer starts to ask you a question, you jump on it, right?
Wrong.
First, it's rude to interrupt.
Second, you may incorrectly assume that you know what the interviewer was going to ask and answer the wrong question.
Third, you won't have time to think about your answer before you start speaking, which can lead to lots of mid-sentence "ummms" to stall for time.
When an interviewer asks a question, it's tempting to answer quickly, especially if you're nervous. Don't. Instead, wait for her to finish speaking, then take a deep breath and collect your thoughts. Then answer the question.
You'll appear calm, confident and polite. And, after taking a moment to think, you'll probably give a much better answer too.
You Are What You Wear: Interview Attire Tips
First impressions matter.
Investigate the Dress Code
A business suit is appropriate attire for most job interviews.
If you're not certain whether you should wear a suit, ask the recruiter about the company's dress code.
But, remember, an interview isn't just another day on the job. You need to dress to impress more than ever.
If the company attire is business casual, or even simply casual, you still should consider wearing a suit to the interview. You should also think about what other candidates might wear. You don't want to be remembered for being the only candidate who didn't dress up for the interview.
A good rule of thumb: If in doubt, wear a suit. It's generally better to be dressed too formally than too casually.
Fashion Dos
Take the guesswork out of interview attire with some general fashion dos. These tips will help you make a good impression at your interview -- regardless of your industry.
Suits in conservative colors, such as black and navy, are a safe choice for both men and women. Wear them with a white or solid-colored shirt for a tasteful, professional look.
If you want to use your attire to express your individuality, do so in a small, subtle way. Women can wear a piece of tasteful jewelry, and men can sport an elegant tie.
Fashion Don'ts
Just as a few fashion dos apply to interviews in any industry, there are also some don'ts that all job seekers should avoid. These fashion faux pas can make you look unprofessional.
For women, short skirts and open-toed shoes are not appropriate for interviews. Bare legs are also a no-no. Always wear skirts that come to or near the knee, closed-toed shoes and stockings. Avoid floral prints and brightly patterned blouses.
For men, an ill-fitting suit sends the wrong message and can imply that you're not attentive to detail. A few dollars spent on tailoring is well worth the expense.
Men should also avoid eccentric or flashy ties, since they can look unprofessional or overly casual. Other items to steer clear of include casual shoes and turtleneck or polo shirts.
It's All in the Details
Do you want to show an interviewer that you're detail-oriented? Use your interview attire to send the message.
Women should pay attention to their nail polish, makeup and purse. Keep your nails at a conservative length and avoid brightly colored polish. If you wear makeup, keep it subtle, and skip the perfume. Carry a simple handbag, and match it with your shoes or clothing.
Men should be sure that their nails are neat and clean. Match your shoes and socks with your suit, and be certain that your shoes are freshly shined. If you carry a briefcase or bag, it should be clean and well-kept.
You don't need to spend a lot of money to look professional. Choose your attire carefully and pay attention to small details, and you'll make a good first impression.
Closing an Interview: Tips to Seal the Deal
Your job interview has been going great, and it's coming to a close.
It's All in the Delivery
Are you unsure how to close a job interview? Take your cue from the interviewer.
During the interview, pay attention not only to what the interviewer says but also to how she says it. Notice her body language, tone of voice and level of formality. And then tailor your closing remarks accordingly.
But, no matter how the interview behaves, always be confident. Look her in the eye when speaking. Thank her by name and firmly shake her hand when saying goodbye.
Accentuate the Positive
Use the final few minutes of your job interview to emphasize the skills that make you right for the job. This will ensure that your strengths will be one of the last things that the interviewer hears -- helping her to remember them.
Rehearse your closing so that you are not fumbling over your words. You'll want to sound smooth and natural, not boastful. Start by saying how impressed you are with the company and the people you've met. Then transition into why you'd be a good fit for the position.
End Notes
You should end your job interview on an enthusiastic, but not aggressive, note.
Reiterate your interest in the job, but try not to sound anxious or desperate. Instead, express how exciting and challenging you think the role would be -- and what a good fit you'd be for it.
Finally, ask the interviewer if there's anything else you can do to show your strengths as a candidate. For example, you can offer to send samples of your work if appropriate.
The Next Step
Don't leave a job interview without knowing the next step in the hiring process.
For example, will the company be calling candidates back for another round of interviews? Are they planning to check references? When do they anticipate that a hiring decision will be made?
You may also want to ask the recruiter how he would prefer you to follow up with him. Can you call him on the phone, or would he rather that you email him?
Not only will this information help reduce post-interview anxiety, it also shows the interviewer that you're thorough and conscientious.
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