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.

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.

Do you want to know why an interview thank you letter helps a job applicant? Well, not all people applying for a job get the chance to be interviewed. Some companies have the initial screening process where they check the resume or curriculum vitae (CV) if that person is really qualified for the job he or she is applying for. Thus, if you are called for an interview; that means you are one step higher than those didn’t receive an interview invitation.

It is professionally courteous to send each of your interviewers a thank you letter, as soon as possible after the interview has taken place. Interviewers expect it and it will also remind them of you especially if they are already making their decision of hiring the person they need. It might also help you beat out those job candidates who are also qualified but failed to thank them through a thank you letter.

Another reason why an interview thank you letter helps is it gives you the second chance to include everything you forgot to mention during the interview. Moreover, it will help you confirm your understanding of issues and topics discussed; thus, any misunderstanding later will be avoided.

You can send a thank you letter through email or FAX to make sure that it reaches the interviewer in minutes. Do not forget to ask for contact info or business cards during your interviews.

Do not forget to write your interview thank you letter professionally. It should be in a business letter format and should be personalized and tailored for each interviewer. Now that you know the reasons why an interview thank you letter helps, you should never forget it next time you are called for an 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. Read the full story