Successful Job Interview Tips

Congratulations! You've finally landed that job interview you've been waiting for. Now the real work begins! Remember, resumes don't get jobs; they merely get you in the door. Here's how to make your resume come alive and make a good impression.

Tell Your Story in 60 Seconds or Less. Believe it or not, one of the biggest stumbling blocks for job candidates is what to say when an interviewer opens with: tell me something about yourself. This is not the time to share where you were born, your love of cats, or how much you hate your last boss! Itâ??s your golden opportunity to make your resume come alive. Your story needs to highlight your top three selling points that are most pertinent to the job for which you are applying. Support your points with short examples (see below). You may have more selling points, and if the interviewer is interested he or she will ask. Practice telling your story out loud until itâ??s smooth and concise.

Give Specific Examples. For every selling point youâ??ve listed on your resume, you need at least one strong, specific example to support it. Great at customer service? Wow them with the story of your best customer turnaround. Marketing whiz? Dazzle them with your best campaign. Brilliant computer programmer? Give an example of how you saved someone time, money, or solved a problem.

Do Your Research. Thereâ??s no excuse for walking in the door unprepared. Check the company website, read magazine and newspaper stories; talk to friends or current employees. Ask the receptionist for old company newsletters, scour local business journals. The more you know, the more confidently you can match your skills to the companyâ??s needs.

Think Benefits. No, Iâ??m not talking health and dental here! I mean, why should the company hire you? Whatâ??s in it for them? Most people sit down and start outlining all their needs: salary, hours, driving distance, blah, blah, blah. Fatal mistake. Companies are not in the business of handing out something for nothing. So what can you offer that nobody else can?

Donâ??t Be Afraid to Ask Questions. A person who is afraid to ask questions in an interview is one who wonâ??t ask questions on the job. That leads to costly mistakes. You need to ask just as many questions as they do. Start the moment your interview is scheduled. Who will be interviewing you? Find out names and titles. Is there anything special you should prepare? How much time should you expect? During the interview, ask questions that will help you determine if this is a good match. What would a typical day be like? What personality qualities does the company most value? DO NOT ask about money! Once youâ??re offered the job, then itâ??s time to negotiate.

Be Consistent. First impressions begin long before meeting face-to-face. Starting with your resume, proofread! A resume with typos broadcasts carelessness. Once youâ??ve sent your resume, be prepared for a call. Answer your phone professionally and be aware of your voicemail or answering machine message. What does it say about you? Be nice to the receptionist. That personâ??s opinion can make or break you.

Send a Handwritten Thank You Note. A classy move that few people make. Ask for a business card to get the correct spelling and follow up immediately.

Susan Fee is a licensed counselor, communications expert, and author of Positive First Impressions: 83 Ways to Establish Confidence, Competence, and Trust. She can be reached through her Web site at http://www.susanfee.com

Michigan Business Review - MLive.com
Washtenaw Contractors Association Career Expo hopes to attract ...
Michigan Business Review - MLive.com, MI - 17 hours ago
The peak between those two points was in 2000, when construction employment in July reached 211300, according to statistics from the state Department of ...

Boomers find meaning in 'encore careers' at nonprofit groups
Dallas Morning News, TX - 23 hours ago
More than 750 people have found employment or housing in the four years he has managed the program. Nonprofit groups that want to capitalize on such ...

ZDNet Blogs
Things you’ve probably done this summer instead of work
ZDNet Blogs - 11 hours ago
Yet even those quietly plotting their escape might not have gotten far this summer, as the employment market struggled this summer, in part due to seasonal ...

Ex-public servantdefends actions
The Australian, Australia - 9 hours ago
The inquiry was told Mr Flavell began discussions with private investors about the establishment of Careers Australia, a Brisbane training centre for ...

Canada.com
Downsized trade workers go back to school
Canada.com, Canada - Aug 27, 2008
... in order to compete in today’s employment market,� said Labombard, who also worked at International Tool and Hallmark before starting a teaching career. ...

Career doctor: Beyond higher diplomas
Irish Independent, Ireland - 15 hours ago
Can I just do the higher diploma and then go straight into employment? A. There are many possible career avenues and further educational opportunities ...

CMC considers charges against Flavell
Brisbane Times, Australia - 21 hours ago
The hearing, which began in July, has been told Mr Flavell began discussions with private investors about the establishment of Careers Australia, ...
Enough evidence to charge Flavell, inquiry hears ABC Online
all 5 news articles

HolisticJunction.com Provides Featured School Program to ...
PR-Inside.com (Pressemitteilung), Austria - 8 hours ago
... may acquire entry-level employment as a dental assistant. to you, the massage therapy program at the Illinois School of Health Careers offers hands-on ...

Michigan Business Review - MLive.com
Carol Marshall: Fewer young people pursuing careers in ...
Michigan Business Review - MLive.com, MI - 18 hours ago
The reason, most panelists agreed, is the same reason young people steer clear of construction industry employment: It's hard work. ...

Growing Industry Helps Moms Relaunch Careers
AlterNet, CA - Aug 25, 2008
"I wouldn't have found this posted somewhere," she said, attributing her new employment to Mom Corps, which she says helped her get in front of an employer ...

Wind Chimes and more...

Windchimes for great gifts!

Making Yourself More Relevant To The New Workplace