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Watch this video to learn how to ace your next job interview. From handshakes to what to wear, there are many things you should think about before you get to your next job interview. With a little preparation, you can make sure you do a good job and stand out from the rest of the applicants.

In the midst of a struggling economy, jobs are harder to come by than ever. People searching for new employment can often feel at a loss when faced with the realities of today’s economy. Actually securing an interview is a huge accomplishment, but it’s important to make sure that you stand out from the hoard of other job seekers competing for the same position. Luckily, there are a few simple steps you can take to make certain that you’re cementing a great and lasting first impression.

1. Be on time. Sure, it’s understandable that life can often get in the way. Realistically, though, an employer is going to be immediately turned off by an applicant who can’t be bothered to show up when they’re scheduled. You may have had a horrible morning – the interviewer doesn’t want to hear it and doesn’t care. They have their own jobs to do, and your tardiness likely sets them behind schedule. So, leave extra early and wait in the parking lot if you have to, but make sure to arrive five to ten minutes before your interview is scheduled to start.
2. Come prepared. Although most employers will have your resume and sometimes even your references printed out from your application, it never hurts to bring extra copies. Also make sure to have any other paperwork or documentation they have asked for or that logic dictates you may need. They’ll be impressed that you’re thinking ahead.
3. Know about the company and job you’re interviewing for. Researching a job and a company ahead of time tells the employer that you were interested in their position, not just any position. It can also help you be better prepared for the questions that they might ask during the interview.
4. Don’t ask about money! While we all realize that money is obviously a key factor in whether or not a job is for you, it’s downright tacky to bring it up yourself. Either let them introduce the topic of payment or assume that it’s something that can be shared during a later interview.
5. Keep it friendly, but professional. Have a good attitude, make eye contact, and laugh at their jokes, but don’t go off on long winded personal tangents that have nothing to do with the position. Make sure the conversation stays focused on the position, the company, and how you fit their needs.

These five simple steps are a great building block for a fabulous first impression. Know them, live them, and you’ll be surprised at the opportunities coming your way.

When persistence pays off and you get interest from employers, you must meet the task of successfully facing a job interview as a felon. Recognize that a winning strategy includes action before, during, and after the interview. With a well-rounded plan and an honest approach, the doubts an interviewer might have can be overcome. Continue Reading

A woman, interviewing for an Administrative Assistant position, answers the common interview question: What is your ideal job? This is an example of an GOOD way to answer this question.

Created by Fresno, California’s most respected Recruiting, Staffing and Human Resources consulting firm — Denham Resources.

Sometimes the simple questions may be the hardest to answer in a job interview. Aside from the fact that the applicant may be emotionally stressed during this process, a number of interview questions may be tricky. Thus, here are some of the strategies for answering difficult job interview questions. You can practice answering these questions by asking someone to play the role of the interviewer. After this, you may find out that the emotional stress is less severe and you feel more confident when you go for the interview.

One of the most common job interview questions asks you to tell something about yourself. Because this is a general question, you may be momentarily stunned by it if you are not prepared. There are so many aspects of your life that you may soon find yourself hesitating. The key to answering job interview questions is to always relate them to the position that you are applying for and the company. Thus, you can focus on your strengths and your personality traits that you feel will add value to the company.

Another hard interview question asks you to state your greatest strength. This may seem easy at first but there is a temptation to fake it. However, it is advisable to be realistic in your answer to this question because the employer will soon find out if you are telling the truth assuming that you are hired. Focus should be made on your strengths that you can apply for tasks that will be required by the position.

Another difficult interview question is, of course, about your greatest weakness. Some applicants try to answer this question by disguising a positive as a negative trait. However, interviewers can easily recognize this strategy. It would be better to state a particular weakness and then describe how you have overcome it.

Tough Interview Questions

A great number of interviewers often incorporate a few offbeat questions when scrutinizing a possible hire. They may do this for various reasons: to see how well you respond to stress, think on your feet, or even challenge you. Some employers may simply enjoy watching an interviewee sweat. Because it is an off-tangent question, you probably were not able to prepare for it – these questions can tackle almost anything.

The basic thing to remember when encountering such a question is that you should not let it get to you. Do not freeze like the proverbial deer in front of oncoming headlights – just buy some time to give yourself an opportunity to think. Breathe deeply, smile, and ponder the question. Some dead air is preferable to just giving an answer off the top of your head. Do not try too hard to sound intellectual or be too flippant at the same time. The worst case is that you may not be able to think of an answer, so try and ask if you could address the query later on. You will still, at least, have points for grace under pressure. If the idea strikes you, attempt to turn your answer into one related to the job, although this is something that most interviewers may not expect.

Above all, keep in mind that one can only ‘forecast’ and prepare for the interview Q and A to a certain degree. There is no way to know about all the questions an interviewer can possibly ask. Simply knowing that the unexpected should be, well, expected will give you more confidence. Forewarned is forearmed, as they say. Do not freak out, answer as calmly and as logically as you can, and this may give you the edge over other applicants and get you that coveted job.

I have an interview, what are they going to ask me?!  Answering tough interview questions is a frightening prospect when a job is hanging in the balance.  It doesn’t have to be that scary, preparation will get you a long way.  But what about answering the tough interview questions that come from out of nowhere?

How do you answer questions like “if you could have lunch with anyone, alive or dead, who would it be and why?”  Much of answering these questions involves assessing your ability to think on your feet.  Be prepared to answer that without much thought.

You should choose your hero and explain why they are your hero.  It does not necessarily have to relate to the position, it will give an interviewer insight into your personality.  There is no wrong answer to that question.

One of the toughest and most common questions is “where do you see yourself in 5 years?”  You must always answer that question with respect to the company you’re interviewing with.  Be specific if possible.  Be careful not to threaten the person interviewing you.  Read that as “where do you want to be?”  Your answer may help you move through the ranks.

You must be honest.  Many people are comfortable in their role and don’t want more than that.  Employers also like that answer as they don’t want to have to fill a position every year or two.  There are lots of great resources available, check some out and be prepared.

Business Interview

So you have the interview of your life set up and you’re freaking out.  What are the best tips for a smooth interview?  An employer will make a decision about you in 60 seconds and either you will be called back, hired or never hear from them again.

Your appearance is the first thing a potential employer will assess.  Show up properly dressed, men in a clean and pressed suit and women in a solid color suit with coordinating blouse, jewelry and shoes.  Not the comfy, well worn heels used so often in your previous job, buy new ones if you need to.

Next they’re going to want to talk to you.  The best tips for a smooth interview, especially the talking part, are research, research and research.  Search the company, gain information, and be prepared to ask smart questions.  You care about this opportunity so you need to care about the company.  Be intelligent and thoughtful.  Most importantly be honest.

Be prepared to explain any extended absences from the workforce and how you can add value to their firm.  Be confident and poised.  If they offer to take you out for a meal, order a healthy meal, a salad or chicken dish.

Be sure to avoid an alcoholic beverage, even if your interviewer orders one.  Pay attention when they tell you about the company and the position, then paraphrase the information and repeat it to them.  This will show you have active listening skills.  First impressions are key, be prepared!

Before the Job Interview Tips

Doing your homework about a company before the interview can really make a difference. The more you already know about the company, the more relaxed you’ll feel during the job interview. Also, knowing more about the company upfront, you’ll be able to come up with good questions for the interviewer. Continue Reading