Archive | Job Interviews

Job interview tips and techniques

How to Dress for a Job Interview in 2012

VN:F [1.9.11_1134]
Rating: 10.0/10 (1 vote cast)

When it comes to the question of how to dress for a job interview in 2012, there are of course the classic tips you need to follow.

There are still some new things you may want to brush up on for 2012. With Mad Men entering its fifth season, there is a lot of inspiration to be had out there.

In all seriousness, what you wear to a job interview is important, which is why so many are interested in how to dress for an interview.

Luckily, if you follow the basics, you are going to be able to stand-out from the rest of the applicants for any job.

Continue Reading

VN:F [1.9.11_1134]
Rating: 10.0/10 (1 vote cast)
VN:F [1.9.11_1134]
Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)

Posted in Job Interviews0 Comments

Preparing for a Job Interview Mentally

VN:F [1.9.11_1134]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)

Job interviews are dreaded by many people in the United States. It is completely understandable given the state of the economy. Now, more than ever, it is important to shine in an interview to give you the boost to being hired. However, with the pressure of needing to absolutely succeed at the interview comes the nerves and worry that often hinder one’s ability to perform at maximum capacity. Take a minute to go through the following tips that will help you mentally prepare for any job interview, no matter how much pressure you feel in performing your best.

Get a good night’s rest. Getting your full average number hours of rest can do wonders on your body, including relaxing your muscles and providing you with longer energy throughout your day. You might be thinking when you get excited it’s harder to fall asleep. To help fix this, you must first turn off all stimulation to your mind about 10-15 minutes prior to when you want to fall asleep. This includes anything that provide light (laptop, lamps, television, cell phone, etc.) and other sources of entertain that stimulate your brain (books, word puzzles, etc.).  This should help you relax your brain and allow it to sink into a deep sleep.

The day before or morning of your interview take time to print off two copies of your resume, one for the interviewer in case they can’t find yours right away and one for yourself to follow along and point things out on. It’s extremely important to know what your resume says and where everything is. The last thing you want is for your interviewer to mention that they say something on your resume and you can’t find where it is quickly enough. It is your resume and you should know it like the back of your hand.

Another important part to prepare for your job interview is to review the job title, description, and current information regarding your field. By doing so, you will be able to incorporate qualities about yourself that tie directly back to the job description during your interview.  You will also be able to demonstrate your knowledge and aptitude for your field by knowing up-to-date news. Knowing this information will boost your self-esteem and will transfer as confidence to the interviewer, which is always a positive trait in the professional world.

Finally, it’s important to allocate about 30 minutes of extra travel time than is necessary. You should always arrive at the location of your interview about 15-20 minutes before your interview time to give yourself time for parking, checking in, finding the room, etc. However, giving yourself an extra 30 minutes will all for any traffic accidents that might slow you down and/or for traffic in general. Worst case scenario is that you didn’t need the extra 30 minutes and you’ll have 30 extra minutes to go over materials that will prep you for your interview, such as your resume and/or newspaper.

The main thing to remember is to remain cool, calm and collected. With the right preparation your interview will go as smooth as you could hope. Follow these simple tips and you’ll do great. Good luck on your interview.

VN:F [1.9.11_1134]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)
VN:F [1.9.11_1134]
Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)

Posted in Job Interviews16 Comments

Eating Tips Before a Job Interview

VN:F [1.9.11_1134]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)

Job interviews can be a stressful time because of all the anxiety and pressure based on performing your best. The stress you feel can cause the level of stomach acid in your stomach to increase which can in turn cause you to feel sharp pains in your abdomen. Feeling these pains right before a job interview is not desired. Eating right the morning and day of your job interview will help avoid stomach pain while providing you with good brain fuel.

Instead of coffee the morning of the interview, try having an apple which contains the same amount of caffeine as one cup of coffee and provides energy that is longer-lasting. Without as much sugar as coffee, the apple will not cause you to crash a few hours after consumption.

Also, try to avoid coffee which will increase stomach acid, more so than orange juice, and might increase the chances of abdominal pain when compounded with stress.

If your job interview is after lunch, have one of the above mentioned or similar style breakfast meals and for lunch create a meal combining a few of the following foods that promote active brain functioning:

  • Protein provides amino acids to the brain which help neurotransmitters send messages in your body:
  • White meat poultry
  • Eggs
  • Beans
  • Low Glycemic index foods do not increase insulin secretion so blood sugar levels remain steady to avoid the sugar crash:
    • Fruits (grapefruit, apples, cherries, oranges, and grapes)
    • Vegetables and legumes (soybeans, kidney beans, chick peas, and lentils)
    • Dairy products (milk and yogurt)

If your job interview is in the morning, a well-balanced breakfast will help give you the burst of energy required. You might think a hearty breakfast would provide you with stamina for your interview; however, it could actually have the opposite effect.

A hearty meal will require more energy from your body for digestion which will leave less energy for you to function at full capacity. You don’t want to be drowsy and yawning during your interview! The best approach would be to have one of the following options:

  • Whole grain bagel with low-fat cream cheese with orange juice
  • Peanut butter and banana on an English muffin.
  • Granola/cereal, yogurt and an apple
  • Scrambled eggs, toast and orange juice

Eating the right foods before a job interview could have a serious impact on your performance at the interview. Take your time in choosing and preparing meals the day of your interview to ensure that you eat foods that provide maximum brain power.

VN:F [1.9.11_1134]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)
VN:F [1.9.11_1134]
Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)

Posted in Job Interviews16 Comments

Job Interview Do’s and Don’ts

VN:F [1.9.11_1134]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)

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.

VN:F [1.9.11_1134]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)
VN:F [1.9.11_1134]
Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)

Posted in Job Interviews, Video16 Comments

Five Fab Tips for the Job Interview

VN:F [1.9.11_1134]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)

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.

VN:F [1.9.11_1134]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)
VN:F [1.9.11_1134]
Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)

Posted in Job Interviews20 Comments

Tips For Facing A Job Interview As A Felon

VN:F [1.9.11_1134]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)

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

VN:F [1.9.11_1134]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)
VN:F [1.9.11_1134]
Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)

Posted in Job Interviews, Jobs for Felons14 Comments

Practice Makes Perfect With Job Interviews

VN:F [1.9.11_1134]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)

You never know when the right interview opportunity will arise in a job search, so it pays to always be ready. Going over likely questions in your head helps, but there is no substitute for actual practice in interview conditions. This is why practice interviews are one of your best weapons in preparing for the real thing. Continue Reading

VN:F [1.9.11_1134]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)
VN:F [1.9.11_1134]
Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)

Posted in Job Interviews16 Comments

Tips for a Manufacturing Job Interview

VN:F [1.9.11_1134]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)

Smurfit_Stone_030 (Small)When looking for a manufacturing job, you will find the market flooded with numerous people applying for the same jobs.

With so many others applying for the same job as you, how do you make yourself stand out in the interview, that you are the candidate that gets the callback?

The following tips will help you to cinch that all-important interview:

  • Be prompt and have a firm handshake

When the hiring decision come down to two equally qualified candidates, a decision will be based on the little things, a firm hand shake, being prompt, a professional attitude.

  • Dress for the interview

While a manufacturing interview does not require a suit, do dress to impress. Dress pants or khakis, a button down shirt tucked in and a belt. The assumption is that if you look neat and tidy, your work will also be neat and tidy.

  • Be specific about your experience and what skills you have.

This is very important, especially in manufacturing. In manufacturing, experience is key. If you have experience for the exact job they are hiring for, that is good, but if you have a variety of experience, but less specific, you may still be a more valuable employee.

  • Be enthusiastic and ask questions

Show them that you are truly interested in working for their company. Prepare some questions to ask, directly related to manufacturing, such as; “do you use lean manufacturing techniques?” or, “What is your safety record?” Remember to thank them for the interview.

Remember interviewers see numerous people with similar experience. Machine operators and assembly people are plentiful, so the decision on who to hire usually comes down to the details, which put some effort into the interview. The interview is your time to show them you are prepared, professional and that you are the employee that will go the extra mile.

VN:F [1.9.11_1134]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)
VN:F [1.9.11_1134]
Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)

Posted in Job Interviews13 Comments

Dressing for Job Interview Success

VN:F [1.9.11_1134]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)
Dressing for Job Interview Success

Dressing for Job Interview Success

Does it really make a big difference how you dress up for a job interview? In almost all cases, it does. Dressing for job interview success – this is perhaps one of the most overused job-hunting phrases, but this is also one of the most ignored by many job seekers. In hunting for a job, first impressions really matter.

Keep in mind that in job hunting, you are marketing yourself as a product to your customer, your potential employer, and believe it or not, the first thing that the employer or the interviewer sees when you greet him or her is your attire; therefore, you must exert extra effort to have appear in the interview in the attire most appropriate for the job you are applying for. Now you might ask if dressing properly and appropriately would get you the job. Definitely not, but dressing the right way will surely give the competitive edge. Continue Reading

VN:F [1.9.11_1134]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)
VN:F [1.9.11_1134]
Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)

Posted in Job Interviews19 Comments

Advice for Interview Follow Up

VN:F [1.9.11_1134]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)

You have just completed a job interview and this job is something you would like to be offered. What should you do next to make sure you get the job offer or a second interview? Well, the most important thing to do is to make an interview follow up to show them your interest in the job as well as to thank the interviewer for giving you the chance to be interviewed.

However, maybe you don’t know how to do it or you are afraid you might make a mistake in the follow up process. Worry not because this article will give you advice for successful interview follow up.

After the Interview?

After the Interview?

First advice for interview follow up is to do it right after either a phone or in-person interview. You should not forget to send a personal thank you letter either through FAX or email to your interviewer.

It’s a good idea to consider sending thank you note cards stating your appreciation for the time given to you and then this should be followed by a message saying you look forward to having a second interview with the person or getting the job offer.

When making a follow up, make sure to reiterate how much interested you are in the company and in the job and tell them things that would link your relevant skills. Do not forget to proofread your follow up letter to make sure it is free of mistakes.

Always remember, following up will take you one step higher from the interview stage you are in right now!

VN:F [1.9.11_1134]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)
VN:F [1.9.11_1134]
Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)

Posted in Job Interviews11 Comments

Tweet Tweet