| If
you're the person the company wants to hire, they won't
forget you if you don't call every day.
|
| Make
the person at the front desk your ally. The boss values
her opinion, and she can seal your fate with a roll
of her eyes or the turn of her thumb. |
| Job
search is an awesome task, and even though your self-esteem
could stand a boost from a friend, save the hand holding
for a coffee break after the interview. If you can't
survive an interview on your own, the boss may wonder
how you'll ever make it through an eight-hour day. Significant
others, children and pets should stay at home.
|
| It's
Friday, and the rest of the world wears jeans and T-shirts.
No, it is not okay for you to go casual. Get the dress-for-success
suit out of the cleaners and shine your shoes. Wait
until you get the job offer and then maybe you can relax
your dress code when you know the new company's standards.
|
| This
is a sure-fire way to delude yourself that you're actually
doing something to get a job. You have a better chance
of winning the lottery than obtaining employment in
this random fashion. |
| Of
course you're interested in how much money you'll make
and when you can take a vacation, but save those questions
until you are offered the job. Eagerness for a position
is a good thing, but greed for money, vacation time
and benefits is not. |
|
Yes, I know the career books tell you to disregard
official gatekeepers. But why antagonize them? Be smart
and use the dual approach of contacting the department
head and the human resources department. When you're
looking for a job, you need friends, not enemies. |
| If
you want to land the right job with people to whom you
can relate, and with a boss that understands your capabilities,
"tests" can actually help you find the perfect
fit. Look at tests as tools to communicate your strengths.
Companies really want to hire people who will be happy
and grow with their company. Tests are not meant to
exclude so much as they are designed to identify the
right person for the right job. A test may actually
help you avoid getting into a situation you may regret!
|
| Research
the company with whom you are interviewing. Nothing
impresses an interviewer more than a candidate that
knows about the company. It shows that you have initiative. |
| Get
there on time. The importance of punctuality cannot
be stressed enough. Plan to arrive about 15 minutes
early. It shows your regard for the interviewer's time.
If you have to wait, use the time to go over your notes.
|
| It
shows that you cared enough about the interviewer and
the company to present yourself in a professional manner.
In today's work place, most companies do not have a
strict code. So if you are one who hates pantyhose or
a shirt and tie, relax. This may be the only time you
have to do so. |
|
Practice makes perfect. All the information that
you would have obtained about successful interviewing
would be wasted if you do not practice. You can know
all the questions the interviewer will ask but if you
do not practice, it would be as if you did not. Have
a friend go over the questions with you until you are
able to answer them promptly without suffering.
|
| Give
the interviewer a firm handshake, even if the interviewer
is a woman and you are a man. Nobody like a limp handshake
but by the same token do not take the person's hand
either. While shaking, introduce yourself keeping eye
contact at all times. |
| Nothing
is worse than an interviewee who looks depressed or
indifferent. Would you want to work with someone who
is always depressed? |
|
You are confident about yourself and your capabilities.
Relay that. Do not stare out of the window or fiddle
with your pencil. The interviewer is talking to you
or you to him. Be attentive. |
| Do
not mumble your words. It portrays a lack of confidence.
|
| If
he makes a joke, smile to acknowledge that he made one,
even if it was not funny. |
| Never
be late for an interview Answer
promptly and intelligently. However, when asked yes
or no questions, elaborate. |
| For
salary requirements put negotiable, unless specified
not to do so. Then put the salary range for your profession
with your experience |
| Even
if he does not ask you " Do you have any questions,"
ask him anyway. |
| Be
sure to thank the interviewer for his time
It
may be obvious to some that most of the things you should
not do are the opposite of what you should. However,
some people need reinforcing. |
| If
an employer asks, " Do you know about
"
and you do not, say No. If you say yes, the next question
is almost always "Tell me about it."
|
| Chew
gum during the interview. It's tacky and inappropriate.
I would recommend that you do not before the interview
either. You may forget to remove it. |
| Do
not smoke, even if the interviewer does and offers you
a cigarette. |
| Don't
ever refuse a job offer until you have had the time
to think about it. It may be the only one you get.
|
| Make
sure your answers are short and to the point. |
| |