Not-So-Secret "Secrets" For a Successful Job Interview

Written By Jimmy Sweeney
Job Interview "Secret"

Put your best foot forward.
Make a good first impression.
Look your interviewer in the eye.

Pretty standard fare, you might be thinking. You've heard these tips numerous times. But have you considered what they mean and how important they really are? If not, here are some reasons to do so for each one.

Not-So-Secret Secret #1: Put Your Best Foot Forward

The wording here is a bit odd. It implies that we have three or more feet. It would make more sense and be grammatically correct to say: "Put your better foot forward." But knowing what it means is what really matters: To start on a journey or task with purpose and gusto. In other words walk into your interview with a determined step, a smile on your face, a friendly handshake, and expectancy in your mind and heart. Be your best self and trust that your authenticity will compel the interviewer to take a good look at YOU, in person and on paper.

Not-So-Secret Secret #2: Make a Good First Impression

It has been said again and again that the first impression is the last impression. How can that be true? People judge one another by what they see and hear first. It stays with them, regardless of what happens next. So it's worth your time to express your true self rather than to try to impress with affectation and showmanship. Hiring managers are looking for authentic individuals who are honest, open-faced, quick to smile and shake hands firmly, ask intelligent questions, and speak openly about their qualifications for the job in question. Be positive and optimistic. Show your appreciation for the opportunity, get to the point of how you can benefit the company with your skill set, and avoid throwing verbal stones at previous employers or co-workers.

Not-So-Secret Secret #3: Look Your Interviewer in the Eye

You've probably heard the saying, "The eyes are the windows to the soul." And you know it's true when you encounter other people. Our eyes sometimes say more than our words. So when you're in an interview, look the hiring manager in the eye. Listen and focus on what he or she is saying. And when it's your turn to respond, hold your gaze and avoid distracting gestures such as playing with coins in your pocket or flicking your fingernails. One way to lose points fast is to look over the interviewer's shoulder or glance around the room or stare at the floor when you and he or she are engaged in conversation.

The next time you're preparing for a job interview, review these three not-so-secret secrets, put them into practice, and the wait for those three magic words, "WOW…You're Hired!"
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Jimmy Sweeney is the president of CareerJimmy and author of the
brand new "Secret Career Document" job landing system.
Jimmy is also the author of several career related books and
writes a monthly article titled, "Job Search Secrets."

Create Your Own 'Secret Career Document' To Land
Any Job You Desire In The Next 27 Days…
Guaranteed. Click here to learn how!http://pes2004.wowhired.hop.clickbank.net

Reproduction of A Story-Poem

What you have to do here is to tell in your own words the story which is told in a poem. Therefore, the first thing is to read the poem as a story, so that you know what the story is; and the next is, to tell the same story in your own words and your own way.

HINTS

1. Read the whole poem through, slowly and carefully. If after the first reading, the story is not clear to you, read the poem again, until you are confident about the meaning of the poem.

2. Write down briefly the main facts of the story, in order to help yourself in your narration. Do not leave out any important point.

3. Now, try to write out the story in simple, straightforward English, mentioning the incidents of the story in their natural order.

4. Use your own words in telling the story. Do not just copy the language of the poem. Write the story using simple, plain words.

5. When you have finished writing the story, read the poem once again to see if you have left out any important fact or have stated any point wrongly.

6. Finally, proofread your composition, so that there is no mistake in spelling, grammar and punctuation. Also, see that your sentences are properly constructed, and that the whole composition reads well.

The Secret to Writing a 'Must-Read' Cover Letter!

Written By Jimmy Sweeney
Amazing Cover Letter Creator

Want to draw attention to your cover letter?
So much so that the hiring manager can't put it down?

Here 's the secret. Meet the employer's needs. Show him or her how you, the job seeker, can benefit his or her company––if you're hired to fill the open position.

For example:

I found out through my friend, Rob Johnson, your company CPA, that you are interested in hiring someone to expand your sales territory in the northwest by garnering new customers prior to the release of your new math textbook for junior high school students, Mathematics for the 21st Century. I'd love to take on this challenge, as I have a master's degree in Mathematics as well as experience in sales. I opened ten new accounts in less than six months while employed by Babcock and Taylor Text-book Company in Florida.

I'd welcome getting together with you in person to talk about how your priorities for this position and my expertise can come together to benefit your company.

Thank you for the opportunity to introduce myself. I'm enthusiastic about meeting in person to see the possibilities of filling this particular opening at your company.

I will follow up with a phone call by the end of the week. You can contact me by phone or email as well. I am available for an interview most afternoons at your convenience. Thank you again for your time and consideration.

Sure-fire Success

When it comes to cover letters, this example, which you can tailor to the specific organization you're writing to, cannot be ignored. Everyone wants to succeed. You want to receive an interview that leads to a job. And the hiring manager wants to interview a man or woman who fits the position now available. If you demonstrate how you can meet that need, you will be called for an interview.

REMEMBER: Hiring managers need you to do their job. They must hire people to fill the openings at their company. Make them look good by showing them the benefits you can bring in a friendly and professional manner.

Let your cover letter work for you, not against you. Don't be afraid to ASK for what you want and remember to focus on what the employer needs. In turn, he or she will give you what you want—an interview for a new job.
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Jimmy Sweeney is the president of CareerJimmy and author of the brand new, Amazing Cover Letter Creator. Jimmy is also the author of several career related books and writes a monthly article titled, "Job Search Secrets."

"In just 3½ minutes you will have an Amazing Cover Letter guaranteed to cut through YOUR competition like a hot knife through butter!"

The Gerund

A Gerund is that form of the verb which ends in –ing, and has the force of a Noun and a Verb.

Read the following sentence:

Reading is her favourite pastime.

The word reading is formed from the verb read, by adding ing. Here, it is used as the subject of a verb, and hence does the work of a Noun. It is, therefore, a Verb-Noun, and is called a Gerund.

More examples of Gerund:

1. Playing cards is not allowed in the conference hall.

2. She likes reading poetry.

3. Ron is fond of hoarding money.

In sentence 1, the Gerund, like a noun, is the subject of a verb, but like a verb, it also takes an object, thus clearly showing that it has also the force of a verb.

In sentence 2, the Gerund, like a noun, is the object of a verb, but, like a verb, it also takes an object, thus clearly showing that it has also the force of a verb.

In sentence 3, the Gerund, like a noun, is governed by a preposition, but, like a verb, it also takes an object.

As both the Gerund and the Infinitive have the force of a Noun and a Verb, they have the same uses. Thus, in many sentences, either of them may be used; as,

Teach me to dance.
Teach me dancing.

Compare the following 2 sentences:

1. Do you mind my sitting here?
2. Do you mind me sitting here?

In the first sentence, the word preceding the gerund is in the possessive case, while in the second sentence, it is in the objective case. We can use either the possessive case or objective case of nouns and pronouns before gerunds.

Use of the Gerund

1) Subject of a verb; as

Hunting deer is not allowed in this city.

2) Object of a transitive verb; as,

Stop dancing.

3) Object of a preposition; as,

Maria was punished for telling a lie.

4) Complement of a verb; as,

What I most dislike is smoking.

How to Write Business Letters

Business Letters - Business Letters are much more formal in style than friendly letters. These letters should be clear and to the point. Use certain forms of polite expressions, and at the same time avoid certain phrases of business "jargon". There are different types of Business Letters, including

- Letter of Inquiry
- Letter of Reply
- Letter of Order
- Letter of Acknowledgment
- Letter of Giving Instruction
- Letter of Claim
- Letter of Adjustment
- Letter of Sales
- Letter of Application
- Letter of Advertisement
- Letter to Newspapers

Let us today discuss about Letters of Application and Letters to Newspapers.

Letters of Application – If you are writing a letter applying for employment, remember the following points:

a) A short introduction stating whether you are answering an advertisement or applying on your own responsibility.

b) A background of your education and experience.

c) Tell the employer how you can help his/her company.

d) ASK for an interview clearly and directly.

While writing a letter of application, use the same form as used in business letters.

Letters to Newspapers - These letters should always be addressed to "The Editor", and they usually end with "Yours faithfully".

The form of Salutation is Sir/ Dear Sir.

If you write such a letter and do not want your name to be published, you can sign your name with words like "Interested", "Anxious", "Indignant", "One who knows", etc. Otherwise, you must mention your name and address (in a covering letter) to the Editor, because a respectable newspaper usually does not publish anonymous letters.

The art of letter-writing, therefore, is no mere ornamental accomplishment, but something that every educated person must acquire for practical reasons. So, regular practice in letter writing will help you master the art.

The Correct Use of Some Adjectives

An Adjective is defined as a word used with a noun to add something for its meaning.

The correct use of some Adjectives

Some, Any

To express quantity or degree, some is used normally in affirmative sentences, whereas any is used in negative or interrogative sentences.

Rebecca will buy some bananas.
I will not buy any mangoes.
Has he brought any mangoes?

Note: Any can be used after if in affirmative sentences.

If you need any help, give me call.

Some is used in questions which are offers/ requests or which expect the answer "yes".

Offer – Will you have some custard?

Request – Could you lend her some money?

I expect you did – Did you buy some clothes?

Each, Every

Each and every are similar in meaning, but every is stronger word than each; it means, 'each without exception'. Each directs attention to the individuals forming any group and is used only when the number in the group is limited and definite. Every directs attention to the total group and is used when the number is indefinite.

Every chair was taken.
Ten girls were seated on each bench.

Little, A little, The little

Little = not much (i.e. hardly any)

David showed little concern for his nephew.

A little – some though not much.

A little tact would have saved the situation.

The little – not much, but all there is.

The little information she had was not quite reliable.
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Cover Letter Tip: "Thank You" Magic

As you write your cover letter to prospective employers, be sure to tuck in a few words of gratitude for the opportunity to introduce yourself and your skills, even as you ask for an interview for the job you want.

"Gratitude is the rosemary of the heart,"
according to 19th century American writer, Minna Antrim.

Keep in mind that the hiring manager has no obligation to respond to your cover letter. But if you sprinkle your letter with a bit of 'rosemary' he or she won't be able to resist contacting you. Why? Because you will be among the very few who are more concerned with gratitude than greed. You will display your good heart and your interest in others, not just yourself. This small addition to any cover letter will put you in a class by yourself and it will be a signal that you are someone who would be a welcome addition to the company staff.

Some Ways to Say 'Thank you' Within Your Cover Letter

Use clear and simple language in your cover letter to convey your appreciation while at the same time displaying your talent and skills for the job you are interested in.

1. Thank you for taking a moment to consider my cover letter and resume. I appreciate how busy you are.
2. I appreciate the time you give to prospective employees such as me. I do not take it for granted.
3. I welcome a chance to talk with you about my skills and your expectations. Thank you for this opportunity to hear about your company and to share how I might fit into your plans.
4. I appreciate the job application guidelines you provided online. I'd like very much the opportunity to express my thanks in person for making it easy to introduce myself and my background and to find out how I can contribute to your company.

Avoid gushing or being sentimental. Focus on clarity and sincerity. You have what it takes to land the job you want. Make gratitude a high priority and you will succeed.
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Written by Jimmy Sweeney, the president of CareerJimmy and author of the brand new, "Amazing Cover Letter Creator." Jimmy is also the author of several career related books and writes a monthly article titled, "Job Search Secrets."

Visit Jimmy on the web at Amazing Cover Letters for your "instant" cover letter today. In just 3½ minutes you will have an amazing cover letter guaranteed to cut through YOUR competition like a hot knife through butter!