Your Job Interview "Manners" Matter!

Job Interview "Secret"

Manners are not only important at the dinner table (use your napkin, please), on the telephone (listen as well as speak), in a theater (refrain from talking during the performance), but also during a job interview. Yet many job seekers forget the importance of being polite. They jingle the change in their pocket, click their tongue, stare at the wall or at their lap, or cut in when the hiring manager is speaking.

Nerves can throw you off. Your heart races, your palms perspire, your mouth goes dry. You may even forget what you want to say. But none of these experiences are reasons to forget your manners. To give yourself the 'edge' when it comes to sitting across from a potential employer, review the following polite practices and then go over them with a spouse or friend before the in-person meeting.

Arrive ahead of time. It may be fashionable to come late to a cocktail party but it's bad manners to walk into an interview after the agreed-upon time. Always arrive at least ten minutes early so you can freshen up, catch your breath, sit quietly in the lobby reviewing your notes.

Maintain good eye contact. You probably know what it's like to speak with someone who is shifty-eyed. You might wonder what he has up his sleeve or what she is hiding. Looking a man or woman in the eye when speaking is not only polite, it's good business practice. It assures the other person of your sincerity and genuine interest. And it will remind him or her to return the eye contact.

Listen well. Focus your mind and take in what the interviewer is saying. If you miss a detail or don't understand what is said, ask politely for it to be repeated. It may help to have a small notepad and pen in your hand. Jot down items that are of importance to you. You might even tell the interviewer ahead of time that you'll be taking notes because you don’t want to miss anything. That too, is a sign of good manners. You're letting the other person know that you're serious about the job in question.

Say thank you. At the close of the interview, be sure to shake hands and express in warm words how much you appreciate the time and the information you received. Remember, everyone likes to be acknowledged and thanked. Those who express gratitude will not be forgotten because it is so rare for people today to share genuine thanks. Then follow up with a thank you note in your handwriting. That will seal the deal and give you a good chance of winning a second interview—or even the job itself.
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Written by Jimmy Sweeney, the president of CareerJimmy and author of the brand new "Secret Career Document" job landing system.

Research the Company–Before the Interview

...by Jimmy Sweeney
Job Interview "Secret"

Suppose you're looking for a job as the manager of a retail stationery store. Or you have your eye on a position as an executive assistant in a law firm or a sales representative for a shoe manufacturer. Whatever profession attracts you, you will enhance your chance of landing the job you want if you research the company––before the interview. Decide now to learn as much as you can about the organization. Then show up on time for the interview, prepared and eager to talk specific details.

HOW to do your research

1. Visit the company's web site for a description, purpose statement, and details about the organization and its mission. Also do a Google or Yahoo search for articles and reviews about the firm you're targeting.

2. Consult the Thomas Register of American Manufacturers or other source available at your public library.

3. Make a list of items you want to know about, including: benefits, history, advancement opportunities, financial status, leadership, community involvement, strategic plans/goals.

4. Call the human resources department of the company for which you'll be
interviewed and ask for company brochures, new employee packets, etc.

5. Consult publications such as Forbes, Fortune, Business Week, Wall Street Journal and others for their 'best of' and 'worst of' lists that provide unbiased
information about a variety of companies.

The better prepared you are the more confident you'll feel while talking with the hiring manager––and the better he or she will feel about you for having taken the time to learn about the company.
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Jimmy Sweeney is the president of CareerJimmy and author of the brand new "Secret Career Document" job landing system.

You've Landed The Job Interview! … Now What?

...by Jimmy Sweeney
Job Interview "Secret"

Congratulations, you've landed an interview for a position you'd love. You're eager to make a good impression. You hope to be offered the job. To get the result you want, be sure to ask questions––during the interview. Plan ahead. Think about what you'd like to know. Then jot down a list of questions on those topics. Here are some examples:

1. May I give you an example of something I believe I can to bring to your company if given the opportunity to fill this position?
2. What are the main qualifications you're looking for in the person you'll chose to hire?
3. When do you expect to hire a person for this job?

How To "Close" The Interview

Once the interview is over, wrap up your time with a friendly closure.

1. Express your thanks.
2. Exchange business cards.
3. Offer to provide more information, if needed.
4. Look the hiring manager in the eye and shake hands firmly.
5. Ask for the opportunity to fill this position.
6. Follow up with a written thank you note.

Be clear. Be calm. Be courteous. The more professional and prepared you are when you go into an interview, the greater your chance of achieving your goal––a job offer!
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Jimmy Sweeney is the president of CareerJimmy and author of the brand new "Secret Career Document" job landing system.