People are quick to tell you what not to do in an interview, on the job, while dealing with clients, or during a conversation with management. Such advice can be discouraging. Wouldn't it be more helpful as well as motivating to be told what to do?
That's the point of this article––to offer you six steps to take that can result in a smashing and successful job interview for you. After you've read them over, copy the list so you can review it as often as needed, relax, and then walk into the job interview with confidence.
1. Arrive early—not merely on time. The interviewer may keep you waiting but you should not keep him or her waiting. It's also wise to allow time for unexpected traffic snarls, a coffee break and a restroom stop. And don't wing it when it comes to locating the correct building. Use a navigation system or print out directions from the Internet. If you have any doubts about the best route, call the company and ask for help.
2. Empty your pockets ahead of time. There is nothing more annoying that the noise of someone fiddling with keys or coins in a pants pocket while you're talking. Put any jingly items in your purse or briefcase until the interview is over. That goes for dangling earrings and clanking bracelets, as well.
3. Leave cigarettes and chewing gum at home or in your car. Be ready to focus your attention on the interviewer and his or her questions. Also avoid hard candy and cough drops. They can impede your speech when you try to suck and speak at the same time. If your mouth feels dry, sip plain water.
4. Avoid expectations. Focus on the moment, not on what you hope or want the moment to hold for you. Enter the interview room with a 'clean slate.' In other words, take it as it comes and make the best of it. You may be in for a pleasant surprise. Welcome it. You'll be meeting and speaking with someone who may be the key to your next job. Pay attention to what he or she is saying and respond in a friendly yet professional way.
5. Be ready. Arrive prepared to talk about the job you hope to get and your qualifications, as well as your previous work experience. Written notes can be helpful—especially if you tend to get nervous when speaking with someone in authority. And don't forget that it's all right for you to ask some questions too. Find out what you need to know in order to make an honest appraisal of the company and whether or not it's a good fit for you—even if the employer wants you.
6. Believe the best. Come into the interview with the attitude of a winner. Whether or not you are hired really doesn't matter as long as you do your best. At some point you will land the position that's ideal for you. Meanwhile, you'll be practicing your communication skills and presenting your true self. Step up to the opportunity and make the most of it.
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Author: Jimmy Sweeney
Job Interview "Secret" Gets You Hired Fast…
Showing posts with label Job Interview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Job Interview. Show all posts
March 4, 2013
January 29, 2013
Start the New Year With a WINNING Job Interview!
Holiday shopping, decorating, eating, and entertaining are over. It's time now to get down to business—the business of landing a job interview that will lead to the employment you've been preparing for.
Establish an Action Plan
Keep in mind that every outstanding job starts with an outstanding interview! Following is a list of action points to employ so you'll be ready when the hiring manager calls to request an appointment.
1. Take a look at yourself. What do you see? Pay attention to your strengths and weaknesses. Jot them down. Being realistic is the first step to being authentic when you're in the room with the hiring manager.
2. Take a look at your presentation. How about a new pair of shoes or polishing the ones you have? Consider a new suit/dress, accessories. You don't have to spend a fortune to be well groomed.
3. Take a look at your ability to speak clearly and succinctly. Practice speaking in front of the mirror or with a friend or into a tape recorder. Listen to the words you choose, the tenor and tone of your voice. Be friendly and confident in who you are.
4. Take a look at what you want from the employer. Remember you are interviewing him or her at the same time you are being interviewed. Does the company feel like a good fit for you? Does the job description match your skills and talents? If not, don't be afraid to say thank you and then move on.
5. Take a look at what you can bring to the job. Plan ahead. Let the hiring manager know about your unique gifts and your ideas for supporting the company's goals and objectives.
Even though a man or woman will be sitting across from you in an office, you can be in charge of yourself and how you come across. The hiring manager will be observing you as a person as well as a professional. Give him or her something to be excited about.
Share your background and experience, but also provide examples of how you have responded to others, especially in tricky situations or in times of stress. If you rose to leadership in a pinch, be sure to mention that. If you were able to bring peace and comfort to someone in need, speak about that too. If an idea you offered to management was incorporated be sure to share that as well. On-the-job experience is essential but personal behavior is also important—sometimes more so than job skills.
Tell the Truth—and Nothing But . . .
Following are some of the pointed questions you might be asked in an interview by an employer who is serious about hiring someone with skills, stamina, and social sensitivity.
1. Have you ever taken charge of a situation that was out of control? If so, how?
2. What is your primary professional goal if you should win this job?
3. How have you performed beyond the requirement of a job you held?
4. What would you advise a fellow employee who felt helpless in carrying out his or her duties?
5. What specifically have you done to resolve a problem with a difficult co-worker or superior?
6. What could you as an individual do to help promote the vision of our company and its financial objective?
Expect to provide details, dialogue, and a description of what occurred so the hiring manager will be clear about your ability to perform without question.
A Future Without Fear
Equipped with practical insight and emotional clarity, you can walk into any interview and establish a good rapport with the hiring manager.
Afterwards, all that's left is the question only you can ask and answer for yourself. "Is this the job for me?"
Happy New Year and happy job-hunting. Cheers to the position of your dreams in 2013!
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Jimmy Sweeney is the president of CareerJimmy and author of the brand new "Secret Career Document" job landing system. Job Interview "Secret" Gets You Hired Fast…
Establish an Action Plan
Keep in mind that every outstanding job starts with an outstanding interview! Following is a list of action points to employ so you'll be ready when the hiring manager calls to request an appointment.
1. Take a look at yourself. What do you see? Pay attention to your strengths and weaknesses. Jot them down. Being realistic is the first step to being authentic when you're in the room with the hiring manager.
2. Take a look at your presentation. How about a new pair of shoes or polishing the ones you have? Consider a new suit/dress, accessories. You don't have to spend a fortune to be well groomed.
3. Take a look at your ability to speak clearly and succinctly. Practice speaking in front of the mirror or with a friend or into a tape recorder. Listen to the words you choose, the tenor and tone of your voice. Be friendly and confident in who you are.
4. Take a look at what you want from the employer. Remember you are interviewing him or her at the same time you are being interviewed. Does the company feel like a good fit for you? Does the job description match your skills and talents? If not, don't be afraid to say thank you and then move on.
5. Take a look at what you can bring to the job. Plan ahead. Let the hiring manager know about your unique gifts and your ideas for supporting the company's goals and objectives.
Even though a man or woman will be sitting across from you in an office, you can be in charge of yourself and how you come across. The hiring manager will be observing you as a person as well as a professional. Give him or her something to be excited about.
Share your background and experience, but also provide examples of how you have responded to others, especially in tricky situations or in times of stress. If you rose to leadership in a pinch, be sure to mention that. If you were able to bring peace and comfort to someone in need, speak about that too. If an idea you offered to management was incorporated be sure to share that as well. On-the-job experience is essential but personal behavior is also important—sometimes more so than job skills.
Tell the Truth—and Nothing But . . .
Following are some of the pointed questions you might be asked in an interview by an employer who is serious about hiring someone with skills, stamina, and social sensitivity.
1. Have you ever taken charge of a situation that was out of control? If so, how?
2. What is your primary professional goal if you should win this job?
3. How have you performed beyond the requirement of a job you held?
4. What would you advise a fellow employee who felt helpless in carrying out his or her duties?
5. What specifically have you done to resolve a problem with a difficult co-worker or superior?
6. What could you as an individual do to help promote the vision of our company and its financial objective?
Expect to provide details, dialogue, and a description of what occurred so the hiring manager will be clear about your ability to perform without question.
A Future Without Fear
Equipped with practical insight and emotional clarity, you can walk into any interview and establish a good rapport with the hiring manager.
Afterwards, all that's left is the question only you can ask and answer for yourself. "Is this the job for me?"
Happy New Year and happy job-hunting. Cheers to the position of your dreams in 2013!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jimmy Sweeney is the president of CareerJimmy and author of the brand new "Secret Career Document" job landing system. Job Interview "Secret" Gets You Hired Fast…
December 18, 2012
How To Make Job Interview Anxiety Work For You
Most people sip hot tea, walk around the block a few times, practice Yoga, or take deep breaths to avoid the anxiety that accompanies a job interview. All of these are good techniques. However, experts such as Stephen Josephson, a psychologist in New York City who has treated professional athletes, actors, and musicians, claims in an article in The Wall Street Journal (June 19, 2012) that we need "some juice" in order to take action—whether in sports or in business. In other words, if you are too relaxed before an important event you may not do well. You may even appear lethargic to the people you want to impress or influence in your favor.
Stress vs. Anxiety
In our culture people tend to use both words interchangeably but actually they are not the same. Stress involves anger and frustration. Anxiety includes worry and fretting. It can be helpful to recognize the difference in yourself. Are you angry that a colleague received a call for a job interview and you didn't? Or do you feel frustrated that after submitting your resume and cover letter to ten different companies, not one resulted in an interview?
In either case you can benefit. Dial down your upset over the colleague and focus on what you want for your life. By putting your energy into your goals, instead of looking at someone else, you'll find yourself taking positive steps toward achieving your objective—landing a job interview for a position you want. Don't give up. Keep on until you succeed. If you need support along the way—such as writing a cover letter to get an interview, or asking a friend to do a practice a job interview with you––ask for it.
Don't Give In or Give Up
If you feel like giving up because no one has called you for an interview, consider looking at your cover letter and resume again and accepting some guidance to make it as powerful and professional as it can be.
Either way you'll be taking a step forward. You'll be pushing stress aside and putting moderate anxiety to work for you by revving you up for the next opportunity that comes your way. The Nike slogan, "Just do it!" boils it all down to the most important thing you can do—taking action—doing what you said you want to do—landing a job interview and then showing up prepared and ready to express your best self personally and professionally to the hiring manager.
Ace the Meeting
If your hands perspire or your heart pounds or your stomach lurches as you walk through the door to the interview room, take it as a good sign of healthy anxiety ready to work for you. Light to moderate anxiety can actually help you perform well and produce the result you want. Excitement and healthy anticipation drive you to do your best, to make the most of the opportunity that may not come along again.
"Being willing to feel some anxiety and not running away from it is huge," says Josephson.
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Author: Jimmy Sweeney, President of CareerJimmy and Author of the new, Job Interview "Secret".
Stress vs. Anxiety
In our culture people tend to use both words interchangeably but actually they are not the same. Stress involves anger and frustration. Anxiety includes worry and fretting. It can be helpful to recognize the difference in yourself. Are you angry that a colleague received a call for a job interview and you didn't? Or do you feel frustrated that after submitting your resume and cover letter to ten different companies, not one resulted in an interview?
In either case you can benefit. Dial down your upset over the colleague and focus on what you want for your life. By putting your energy into your goals, instead of looking at someone else, you'll find yourself taking positive steps toward achieving your objective—landing a job interview for a position you want. Don't give up. Keep on until you succeed. If you need support along the way—such as writing a cover letter to get an interview, or asking a friend to do a practice a job interview with you––ask for it.
Don't Give In or Give Up
If you feel like giving up because no one has called you for an interview, consider looking at your cover letter and resume again and accepting some guidance to make it as powerful and professional as it can be.
Either way you'll be taking a step forward. You'll be pushing stress aside and putting moderate anxiety to work for you by revving you up for the next opportunity that comes your way. The Nike slogan, "Just do it!" boils it all down to the most important thing you can do—taking action—doing what you said you want to do—landing a job interview and then showing up prepared and ready to express your best self personally and professionally to the hiring manager.
Ace the Meeting
If your hands perspire or your heart pounds or your stomach lurches as you walk through the door to the interview room, take it as a good sign of healthy anxiety ready to work for you. Light to moderate anxiety can actually help you perform well and produce the result you want. Excitement and healthy anticipation drive you to do your best, to make the most of the opportunity that may not come along again.
"Being willing to feel some anxiety and not running away from it is huge," says Josephson.
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Author: Jimmy Sweeney, President of CareerJimmy and Author of the new, Job Interview "Secret".
November 14, 2012
Celebrate the Holidays With a Job-Winning Interview!
Whether you light a pine tree for Christmas, a Menorah for Hanukkah, or kinara candles for Kwanzaa, the holiday season for each of us can be a bit overwhelming. Shopping, decorating, gift-wrapping, cooking, baking, and entertaining consume our time and thoughts.
This year, however, you may want to consider taking the following three steps to achieve a happy and restful season:
Slow down. You don't have to do it all yourself. Enlist the help of family and friends with cooking, gift-wrapping, and mailing.
Simplify. Let go of some of the time-consuming rituals so you can relax and enjoy the celebrations. Order gifts online. Set up a potluck. Pay a teen to clean up.
Stop! Take a breather—and while you're resting, make a list (and check it twice!) of where you are now and where you want to be a year from now.
If being employed in a new position is on that list, remember that every great job starts with a terrific interview. Start thinking about what you'll bring to this meeting: your appearance, your ability to speak with confidence, and your skills and work experience that will grab a hiring manager's attention. Use some of the spare time you have during the holidays to make a plan so that when you're called for an interview you'll be ready.
Take Charge
Keep in mind that today's hiring manager is more interested in who you are as a person than who you are as a professional. Behavior-based interviewing is now the norm. Employers are looking at a candidate's previous performance as an indicator of future behavior. They're not only interested in your resume, but also in the way you interact with others and how you respond when part of a team. They want to know what they can expect if they hire you and how you'll handle tricky situations that call for calm and confident leadership. It will be up to you to convince them that you're the one for this job.
Tell the Truth
Following are some of the hard-edged questions and directives you could face in a behavior-based interview. Answer each one honestly to the best of your ability.
1. Tell me about a time you took charge of a situation that was out of control.
2. Give an example of a goal you set at work and how you achieved it.
3. Have you performed beyond the requirement of the job you held? If so, how?
4. If you made a mistake in judgment how would you handle it with management?
5. How have you dealt with difficult co-workers or customers?
Be prepared to provide details, dialogue, and a description of what occurred and how you resolved it.
Trust in Yourself—A Three-Point Review
1. Recognize your good qualities and review them often in your mind.
2. Jot down a few experiences that illustrate situations and times when you successfully resolved conflict, stood up for the truth despite criticism, or used your creativity to negotiate a challenging relationship.
3. Take your emotional pulse. If you're smiling and feeling comfortable and well suited to the job in question, go for it. If you feel stressful, confused, or overwhelmed, consider setting this opportunity aside and looking for a job more appropriate to your skills and experience.
Once you're clear in your mind that this is the job you want, you'll be able to walk into any interview and establish a good rapport with the hiring manager. Following that, all that's left is the question only you can ask and answer for yourself. "Is this the job for me?"
Happy holidays! May you land the interview that will lead to the job you really want.
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Author: Jimmy Sweeney, President of CareerJimmy and Author of the new, Job Interview "Secret"
This year, however, you may want to consider taking the following three steps to achieve a happy and restful season:
Slow down. You don't have to do it all yourself. Enlist the help of family and friends with cooking, gift-wrapping, and mailing.
Simplify. Let go of some of the time-consuming rituals so you can relax and enjoy the celebrations. Order gifts online. Set up a potluck. Pay a teen to clean up.
Stop! Take a breather—and while you're resting, make a list (and check it twice!) of where you are now and where you want to be a year from now.
If being employed in a new position is on that list, remember that every great job starts with a terrific interview. Start thinking about what you'll bring to this meeting: your appearance, your ability to speak with confidence, and your skills and work experience that will grab a hiring manager's attention. Use some of the spare time you have during the holidays to make a plan so that when you're called for an interview you'll be ready.
Take Charge
Keep in mind that today's hiring manager is more interested in who you are as a person than who you are as a professional. Behavior-based interviewing is now the norm. Employers are looking at a candidate's previous performance as an indicator of future behavior. They're not only interested in your resume, but also in the way you interact with others and how you respond when part of a team. They want to know what they can expect if they hire you and how you'll handle tricky situations that call for calm and confident leadership. It will be up to you to convince them that you're the one for this job.
Tell the Truth
Following are some of the hard-edged questions and directives you could face in a behavior-based interview. Answer each one honestly to the best of your ability.
1. Tell me about a time you took charge of a situation that was out of control.
2. Give an example of a goal you set at work and how you achieved it.
3. Have you performed beyond the requirement of the job you held? If so, how?
4. If you made a mistake in judgment how would you handle it with management?
5. How have you dealt with difficult co-workers or customers?
Be prepared to provide details, dialogue, and a description of what occurred and how you resolved it.
Trust in Yourself—A Three-Point Review
1. Recognize your good qualities and review them often in your mind.
2. Jot down a few experiences that illustrate situations and times when you successfully resolved conflict, stood up for the truth despite criticism, or used your creativity to negotiate a challenging relationship.
3. Take your emotional pulse. If you're smiling and feeling comfortable and well suited to the job in question, go for it. If you feel stressful, confused, or overwhelmed, consider setting this opportunity aside and looking for a job more appropriate to your skills and experience.
Once you're clear in your mind that this is the job you want, you'll be able to walk into any interview and establish a good rapport with the hiring manager. Following that, all that's left is the question only you can ask and answer for yourself. "Is this the job for me?"
Happy holidays! May you land the interview that will lead to the job you really want.
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Author: Jimmy Sweeney, President of CareerJimmy and Author of the new, Job Interview "Secret"
September 13, 2012
How to Jump Start Your Job Search
In today’s competitive job market, it is important to find ways to stand out to potential employers. While experience and education are still highly sought after by employers, it is necessary to highlight these in a way that shows how they will be beneficial to a business or company. Additionally, because many jobs require specialized skills, it is becoming necessary to make sure that any documentation of experience is flexible enough to be tailored to reflect a job position’s specific needs. Searching for a job can be demanding and frustrating at times. Therefore, the following ideas will help anyone to jump start their job search so that they will have a better chance at being successful when attempting to secure a new position.
1. Revise Your Resume-One of the biggest mistakes that many people make when they are looking for a job is forgetting to update their resume. Obsolete skills should be omitted. This is especially true if they are not pertinent to the position. Additionally, if new skills have been learned or a person has recently attended school, then that information should be included.
2. Utilize Social Media-New technologies have made job networking easier than ever. However, many job seekers forget to take advantage of the benefits that social media can provide. Therefore, anyone searching for job should use social media sources to get insider information about a company, announce their job search or even post their resume where potential employers can see it easily.
3. Tailor Your Cover Letter-Many people make the mistake of sending out a cover letter that came straight off of a template. While these make good outlines for a letter, it is important to personalize cover letters to reflect each company’s mission. This not only helps a job candidate to stand out, but it also shows that a candidate is knowledgeable about the company to which they are applying.
4. Take a Writing Course-When the first impression that a hiring manager has of a potential job candidate is their resume and cover letter, it is important for it to contain proper grammar and spelling. Therefore, many people find it helpful to enroll in a writing course in order to brush up on their skills. Additionally, writing classes can be added to a resume to show that a person has pursued continuing their education.
5. Follow Up-Often-A person leaves a job interview or sends off a resume without ever following up. Sending a simple thank you letter or email can make the difference when a hiring manager is attempting to choose between two candidates with similar backgrounds. Follow up letters should be kept brief, and touch upon a few key points of why the job is right for the candidate. This can help a person to truly stand out from the crowd.
When a person begins to search for a job, it is important to put their best foot forward. Therefore, having a well-written resume and cover letter as well as taking advantage of social media resources can enable a person to score that interview that can lead to a promising career.
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Author: Nancy Parker was a professional nanny and she loves to write about wide range of subjects like health, Parenting, Child Care, Babysitting, nanny, www.enannysource.com etc. You can reach her @ nancy.parker015 @ gmail.com
1. Revise Your Resume-One of the biggest mistakes that many people make when they are looking for a job is forgetting to update their resume. Obsolete skills should be omitted. This is especially true if they are not pertinent to the position. Additionally, if new skills have been learned or a person has recently attended school, then that information should be included.
2. Utilize Social Media-New technologies have made job networking easier than ever. However, many job seekers forget to take advantage of the benefits that social media can provide. Therefore, anyone searching for job should use social media sources to get insider information about a company, announce their job search or even post their resume where potential employers can see it easily.
3. Tailor Your Cover Letter-Many people make the mistake of sending out a cover letter that came straight off of a template. While these make good outlines for a letter, it is important to personalize cover letters to reflect each company’s mission. This not only helps a job candidate to stand out, but it also shows that a candidate is knowledgeable about the company to which they are applying.
4. Take a Writing Course-When the first impression that a hiring manager has of a potential job candidate is their resume and cover letter, it is important for it to contain proper grammar and spelling. Therefore, many people find it helpful to enroll in a writing course in order to brush up on their skills. Additionally, writing classes can be added to a resume to show that a person has pursued continuing their education.
5. Follow Up-Often-A person leaves a job interview or sends off a resume without ever following up. Sending a simple thank you letter or email can make the difference when a hiring manager is attempting to choose between two candidates with similar backgrounds. Follow up letters should be kept brief, and touch upon a few key points of why the job is right for the candidate. This can help a person to truly stand out from the crowd.
When a person begins to search for a job, it is important to put their best foot forward. Therefore, having a well-written resume and cover letter as well as taking advantage of social media resources can enable a person to score that interview that can lead to a promising career.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Author: Nancy Parker was a professional nanny and she loves to write about wide range of subjects like health, Parenting, Child Care, Babysitting, nanny, www.enannysource.com etc. You can reach her @ nancy.parker015 @ gmail.com
August 8, 2012
How to Write the Perfect Thank You Note after an Interview
In today's job market, competition is stiffer than ever. You have to do everything you can to stand out in order to get the job.
One lost art of the job search is the practice of sending a thank you note after an interview. Doing so will allow you to show off your good manners by expressing appreciation for the time taken to interview you, but it will also give you the chance to set yourself apart from the other candidates and to make a final argument for why you should get the job.
Here's how you can write the perfect thank you note after an interview:
Personalize It
You should send a thank you note to each person you interviewed with, rather than a group note, and address each one personally. Mention specific items of interest that came up during your interview, if applicable. For example, you might mention how impressed you were by the company culture, or you might note that learning about the company's goals for the year made you realize even more how well-suited you are for the job.
Make Your Pitch
Your thank you note may be the last opportunity you have to make an impression and to state your case for being hired. Briefly restate why you think you are the best person for the job and include any information you may have omitted during the interview. You can touch on your qualifications or make an argument for why you are the best match for the job.
Keep it Brief
A thank you note is just that: A note. You should not send a lengthy letter outlining all your qualifications or making an impassioned case for why you should get the job. Get right to the point. Thank the interviewer for considering you, restate your qualifications and interest in the job, and close by letting the interviewer know you are looking forward to hearing more about the job.
While a thank you note is very brief and basic, it can be an important part of your job search. Few people write thank you notes, so sending one automatically sets you apart from your competition. Be sure to send it within 24 hours of your interview, and hand write it if possible. Taking the time to perform this small task may make a big difference in whether or not you get the job!
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Sarah Rexman is the main researcher and writer for bedbugs.org. Her most recent accomplishment includes graduating from Florida State, with a degree in environmental science. Her current focus for the site involves researching for her site, bedbugs.org and bed bugs in new york city
One lost art of the job search is the practice of sending a thank you note after an interview. Doing so will allow you to show off your good manners by expressing appreciation for the time taken to interview you, but it will also give you the chance to set yourself apart from the other candidates and to make a final argument for why you should get the job.
Here's how you can write the perfect thank you note after an interview:
Personalize It
You should send a thank you note to each person you interviewed with, rather than a group note, and address each one personally. Mention specific items of interest that came up during your interview, if applicable. For example, you might mention how impressed you were by the company culture, or you might note that learning about the company's goals for the year made you realize even more how well-suited you are for the job.
Make Your Pitch
Your thank you note may be the last opportunity you have to make an impression and to state your case for being hired. Briefly restate why you think you are the best person for the job and include any information you may have omitted during the interview. You can touch on your qualifications or make an argument for why you are the best match for the job.
Keep it Brief
A thank you note is just that: A note. You should not send a lengthy letter outlining all your qualifications or making an impassioned case for why you should get the job. Get right to the point. Thank the interviewer for considering you, restate your qualifications and interest in the job, and close by letting the interviewer know you are looking forward to hearing more about the job.
While a thank you note is very brief and basic, it can be an important part of your job search. Few people write thank you notes, so sending one automatically sets you apart from your competition. Be sure to send it within 24 hours of your interview, and hand write it if possible. Taking the time to perform this small task may make a big difference in whether or not you get the job!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sarah Rexman is the main researcher and writer for bedbugs.org. Her most recent accomplishment includes graduating from Florida State, with a degree in environmental science. Her current focus for the site involves researching for her site, bedbugs.org and bed bugs in new york city
August 1, 2012
How to Write an Effective Introductory Email
These days when you’re searching for a job it’s rare to actually go into an office and drop off a printed cover letter and resume. Since everything is moving to a more online-based approach you now have the added pressure of writing an email that doesn’t automatically get trashed. So how do you differentiate yourself from the thousands of other applicants that are applying online?
1. Address the email to a person: Do your homework. Don’t address the email “Dear Sir” or “To Whom It May Concern”. Instead spend some time researching the company and locate who is in charge of HR or who the office manager is. Addressing the email to an actual person shows that you took the time to actually research the company instead of just firing off an email to a job ad like so many other people did.
2. Avoid being too wordy: You have a resume for a reason. Even though you may want to hit all the high points of it in your email, you should avoid listing out every qualification and achievement that makes you a good fit for the position because your email will end up being too long. Anything that’s longer than two or three short paragraphs probably won’t get read.
3. Follow instructions: Many job listings will have very specific instructions listed in the ad, such as using a particular subject line, making sure to either paste the resume in the body of the email or attach it as a word document, or answering specific questions asked within the body of the ad. Many people will ignore these instructions because they didn’t read the ad carefully enough. Don’t be one of those people; it will immediately get you disqualified.
4. Proof-read your email: Spell check will only catch so much in an email; it’s up to you to go through and proof-read everything and make sure that you’re using the correct “there/they’re/their” and “you’re/your”, etc. Sending an email that has a lot of grammatical and spelling errors shows that you aren’t truly interested in obtaining the job.
5. Be professional: Because email is used so casually, people tend to make the mistake of maintaining a casual tone when seeking a potential job. To convey that you are a professional capable of the job you’re applying for, however, you need to drop the casual tone and assume a more business-like one. You aren’t talking to a friend here, you’re communicating with a potential employer.
Crafting the perfect email that will get you noticed for a potential job position is tricky. Always maintain a tone of respect, address the email to a real person, be clear and concise, and ensure that you’ve thoroughly read both the job ad and your corresponding email. These tips will help set you apart from all of the job applicants who treated their introductory email more casually than you did.
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Heather Smith is an ex-nanny. Passionate about thought leadership and writing, Heather regularly contributes to various career, social media, public relations, branding, and parenting blogs/websites. She also provides value to finding a nanny by giving advice on site design as well as the features and functionality to provide more and more value to nannies and families across the U.S. and Canada. She can be available at H.smith7295 [at] gmail.com.
1. Address the email to a person: Do your homework. Don’t address the email “Dear Sir” or “To Whom It May Concern”. Instead spend some time researching the company and locate who is in charge of HR or who the office manager is. Addressing the email to an actual person shows that you took the time to actually research the company instead of just firing off an email to a job ad like so many other people did.
2. Avoid being too wordy: You have a resume for a reason. Even though you may want to hit all the high points of it in your email, you should avoid listing out every qualification and achievement that makes you a good fit for the position because your email will end up being too long. Anything that’s longer than two or three short paragraphs probably won’t get read.
3. Follow instructions: Many job listings will have very specific instructions listed in the ad, such as using a particular subject line, making sure to either paste the resume in the body of the email or attach it as a word document, or answering specific questions asked within the body of the ad. Many people will ignore these instructions because they didn’t read the ad carefully enough. Don’t be one of those people; it will immediately get you disqualified.
4. Proof-read your email: Spell check will only catch so much in an email; it’s up to you to go through and proof-read everything and make sure that you’re using the correct “there/they’re/their” and “you’re/your”, etc. Sending an email that has a lot of grammatical and spelling errors shows that you aren’t truly interested in obtaining the job.
5. Be professional: Because email is used so casually, people tend to make the mistake of maintaining a casual tone when seeking a potential job. To convey that you are a professional capable of the job you’re applying for, however, you need to drop the casual tone and assume a more business-like one. You aren’t talking to a friend here, you’re communicating with a potential employer.
Crafting the perfect email that will get you noticed for a potential job position is tricky. Always maintain a tone of respect, address the email to a real person, be clear and concise, and ensure that you’ve thoroughly read both the job ad and your corresponding email. These tips will help set you apart from all of the job applicants who treated their introductory email more casually than you did.
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Heather Smith is an ex-nanny. Passionate about thought leadership and writing, Heather regularly contributes to various career, social media, public relations, branding, and parenting blogs/websites. She also provides value to finding a nanny by giving advice on site design as well as the features and functionality to provide more and more value to nannies and families across the U.S. and Canada. She can be available at H.smith7295 [at] gmail.com.
June 18, 2012
How to Make the Best Impression on Your Job Interview
Job interviews have to be one of the most nerve-racking experiences a person goes through. Being put on the spot is hard enough on its own, but knowing that you’re competing against several other qualified candidates in hopes to obtain the ultimate prize – the job position – makes your first impression and every question and answer you give and receive after that absolutely critical. So how do you ace a job interview? While there is no cookie cutter answer because every employer is different, these five steps will put you on the fast track toward securing a good first impression:
1. Always arrive early – You should always arrive at the office where you’re interviewing early. Arriving at the exact time of the interview means you’ll walk into the actual interview itself late. Your interviewer is more than likely on a tight schedule with other interviews and you don’t want to keep them waiting. Instead arrive about 10 minutes early so that you can be seated and interviewing on schedule. Heed the phrase, “early is on time, and on time is late”.
2. Enter with a firm handshake and a smile – First impressions are everything. Give your interviewer a firm handshake and a smile when you first enter the room. A firm handshake exudes an air of confidence, even if you’re actually as nervous as can be, and a smile shows that you’re approachable and amiable, which are two good characteristics to have in any situation and will help diffuse some of your nerves.
3. Make frequent eye contact – Maintaining eye contact while you’re interviewing also shows that you’re confident in your approach; however you need to break eye contact from time to time as well. Staring at your interviewer the entire time you’re there can make things a little uncomfortable.
4. Do your research and ask questions – This can’t be said enough: research the company you’re interviewing at before you go! Find out as much as you can ahead of time so that you are well-informed and you can answer intelligently when they ask you if you know anything about the company (a question that almost always comes up). Ask any questions you have before you leave as well, this is as much about you interviewing the company as it is about them interviewing you.
5. Thank your interviewer – Be sure to thank your interviewer when you leave. This may sound like a no-brainer, but it’s something that people frequently forget because they are flustered and nervous. Remember, your interviewer is taking time out of their day to see you, and you should acknowledge that with gratitude.
In today’s uncertain economy bringing your “A” game to interviews is crucial to succeeding. Confidence, even when it’s faked, helps breed more confidence.
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This Guest post is by Christine Kane, a graduate of Communication and Journalism. She enjoys writing about a wide-variety of subjects including internet service for different blogs. She can be reached via email at: christi.kane00 @ gmail.com
1. Always arrive early – You should always arrive at the office where you’re interviewing early. Arriving at the exact time of the interview means you’ll walk into the actual interview itself late. Your interviewer is more than likely on a tight schedule with other interviews and you don’t want to keep them waiting. Instead arrive about 10 minutes early so that you can be seated and interviewing on schedule. Heed the phrase, “early is on time, and on time is late”.
2. Enter with a firm handshake and a smile – First impressions are everything. Give your interviewer a firm handshake and a smile when you first enter the room. A firm handshake exudes an air of confidence, even if you’re actually as nervous as can be, and a smile shows that you’re approachable and amiable, which are two good characteristics to have in any situation and will help diffuse some of your nerves.
3. Make frequent eye contact – Maintaining eye contact while you’re interviewing also shows that you’re confident in your approach; however you need to break eye contact from time to time as well. Staring at your interviewer the entire time you’re there can make things a little uncomfortable.
4. Do your research and ask questions – This can’t be said enough: research the company you’re interviewing at before you go! Find out as much as you can ahead of time so that you are well-informed and you can answer intelligently when they ask you if you know anything about the company (a question that almost always comes up). Ask any questions you have before you leave as well, this is as much about you interviewing the company as it is about them interviewing you.
5. Thank your interviewer – Be sure to thank your interviewer when you leave. This may sound like a no-brainer, but it’s something that people frequently forget because they are flustered and nervous. Remember, your interviewer is taking time out of their day to see you, and you should acknowledge that with gratitude.
In today’s uncertain economy bringing your “A” game to interviews is crucial to succeeding. Confidence, even when it’s faked, helps breed more confidence.
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This Guest post is by Christine Kane, a graduate of Communication and Journalism. She enjoys writing about a wide-variety of subjects including internet service for different blogs. She can be reached via email at: christi.kane00 @ gmail.com
June 5, 2012
After the Job Interview—What's Next?
You've left the job interview and now you may wonder what comes next. On the one hand, you don't want to sit around waiting for the hiring manager to get back to you. On the other hand, you don't want to appear rude by contacting him or her too quickly.
Some company representatives appreciate a job candidate who expresses interest and enthusiasm, but they don't want to be bombarded with follow-up questions. You're not the only interviewee, so you can imagine how overwhelming it would be to receive a steady flow of emails from eager candidates wanting to know the result of their interviews. Also keep in mind that companies each have their own hiring timetable. You might hear from one in two weeks and from another in two months, depending on personnel, business, vacation, and scheduling conflicts.
Some companies may conduct second interviews before making a job offer, so that's another possibility to consider. There is no one way such proceedings occur. Small firms may be known for quick decisions as the number of employees is limited and when there is a vacancy it must be filled right away. Large organizations may have the luxury of taking more time to conduct interviews before making the final selection.
Try This . . .
As a job candidate it can be a challenge to know what to do and when. Here is a no-fail strategy that is always appropriate. Write a simple thank you note in your own hand (not an email) and send it to the interviewer within twenty-four hours of the time you met. This fast turn-around is impressive in itself because it is rare for people to follow up so quickly. That will put your name ahead of the pack and it will also demonstrate your thoughtfulness. Simple and sincere wording will do the job. Example:
Dear Ms. Jones:
It was a pleasure to meet with you today. Thank you for inviting me in for an interview for the position of administrative assistant. I appreciated your kind and friendly manner and the questions you asked that helped clarify what you are looking for in the person you hire. I am very interested in filling this position, and assure you that I will do my very best to promote the company's goals and to contribute to the company's profits if I am the one you select.
However, regardless of the outcome, I'm grateful for this opportunity to present myself, and to talk about my skills and experience. I wish you the best and look forward to hearing from you soon.
Warm regards,
Your Name
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Author: Jimmy Sweeney, President of CareerJimmy and Author of the new, Job Interview "Secret"
April 26, 2012
From Job Interview to Job Offer: 7 Sizzling Strategies
Why do some people get hired and others not and do you have any control over the outcome?
I say, "Yes, but first you need to learn and practice what I call the "sizzling seven"—strategies that can turn a job interview into a job offer.
Sizzling Strategy Number 1: Polish Your Resume
Don't even think of presenting a resume with typos and long-winded sentences or inaccurate information. Read it again. Review it again. Repeat the process again.
Sizzling Strategy Number 2: Plan Ahead
This includes setting out your wardrobe, shoes, and accessories the night before so you can leave in plenty of time to arrive early. Ladies, leave dangling earrings at home to avoid them swinging as you speak. And men, empty your pockets so you won't be tempted to play with your change. Wear clean comfortable shoes and conservative but attractive clothing—business suit or sport coat and trousers for men and a pants suit or skirt and jacket for women. This might seem obvious but you'd be surprised at how many people appear in a professional setting in jeans and flip-flops. Example: "American Idol" hopefuls!
Sizzling Strategy Number 3: Know the Company
What could be more embarrassing than walking into an interview at ABC Corporation and not knowing anything substantial about the company? It would be 'good-bye' before you even finish saying 'how do you do?' A bit of homework ahead of time will pay off handsomely.
Sizzling Strategy Number 4: Prepare Real Life Examples
Jot down some anecdotes from your current or previous employment, volunteer experience, or community service. If you are quick to solve problems, bring a sane response to a conflict, or deal successfully with difficult coworkers or customers, be sure to talk about this. When asked a question, respond with a real-life illustration that will show rather than merely tell.
Sizzling Strategy Number 5: Think Before You Speak
It's okay to pause, to reflect for a second, and to take your time answering a question. Avoid blurting out your faults. On the other hand you don't want to inflate your abilities either. Be honest. If you learned from a mistake it's fine to admit that. Share how you were able to turn around something you regretted or how you handled a challenging situation to the benefit of everyone involved.
Sizzling Strategy Number 6: Follow Up With a Thank You Note
Regardless of the outcome of the interview, be sure to express your appreciation at the end of the meeting and with a handwritten note as soon as possible. This will show your thoughtfulness as well as your desire to keep in touch. You may not get the job. But that doesn't have to change who you are. If you make a good impression with your kindness, honesty, and professionalism you may be the one the hiring manager thinks of when a new position opens. I know a college professor who lost out to someone with more experience, but three months later he won a position at the same school when the previous employee retired.
Sizzling Strategy Number 7: Create Some Questions
When the interviewer asks if you have any questions, that's your chance to voice yours. Avoid going blank because you haven't come prepared. Ask for the information you need to make up your mind about whether or not this company is one you want to work for if the offer comes in. Find out about the working conditions and environment, the chance for promotions, and the specific duties you'd be expected to carry out. Save the questions about salary and benefits for the meeting that will come after you've been offered the job.
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Written By Jimmy Sweeney President of CareerJimmy and Author of the new, Job Interview "Secret"
I say, "Yes, but first you need to learn and practice what I call the "sizzling seven"—strategies that can turn a job interview into a job offer.
Sizzling Strategy Number 1: Polish Your Resume
Don't even think of presenting a resume with typos and long-winded sentences or inaccurate information. Read it again. Review it again. Repeat the process again.
Sizzling Strategy Number 2: Plan Ahead
This includes setting out your wardrobe, shoes, and accessories the night before so you can leave in plenty of time to arrive early. Ladies, leave dangling earrings at home to avoid them swinging as you speak. And men, empty your pockets so you won't be tempted to play with your change. Wear clean comfortable shoes and conservative but attractive clothing—business suit or sport coat and trousers for men and a pants suit or skirt and jacket for women. This might seem obvious but you'd be surprised at how many people appear in a professional setting in jeans and flip-flops. Example: "American Idol" hopefuls!
Sizzling Strategy Number 3: Know the Company
What could be more embarrassing than walking into an interview at ABC Corporation and not knowing anything substantial about the company? It would be 'good-bye' before you even finish saying 'how do you do?' A bit of homework ahead of time will pay off handsomely.
Sizzling Strategy Number 4: Prepare Real Life Examples
Jot down some anecdotes from your current or previous employment, volunteer experience, or community service. If you are quick to solve problems, bring a sane response to a conflict, or deal successfully with difficult coworkers or customers, be sure to talk about this. When asked a question, respond with a real-life illustration that will show rather than merely tell.
Sizzling Strategy Number 5: Think Before You Speak
It's okay to pause, to reflect for a second, and to take your time answering a question. Avoid blurting out your faults. On the other hand you don't want to inflate your abilities either. Be honest. If you learned from a mistake it's fine to admit that. Share how you were able to turn around something you regretted or how you handled a challenging situation to the benefit of everyone involved.
Sizzling Strategy Number 6: Follow Up With a Thank You Note
Regardless of the outcome of the interview, be sure to express your appreciation at the end of the meeting and with a handwritten note as soon as possible. This will show your thoughtfulness as well as your desire to keep in touch. You may not get the job. But that doesn't have to change who you are. If you make a good impression with your kindness, honesty, and professionalism you may be the one the hiring manager thinks of when a new position opens. I know a college professor who lost out to someone with more experience, but three months later he won a position at the same school when the previous employee retired.
Sizzling Strategy Number 7: Create Some Questions
When the interviewer asks if you have any questions, that's your chance to voice yours. Avoid going blank because you haven't come prepared. Ask for the information you need to make up your mind about whether or not this company is one you want to work for if the offer comes in. Find out about the working conditions and environment, the chance for promotions, and the specific duties you'd be expected to carry out. Save the questions about salary and benefits for the meeting that will come after you've been offered the job.
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Written By Jimmy Sweeney President of CareerJimmy and Author of the new, Job Interview "Secret"
March 26, 2012
3 things you never say during an interview
If you’re preparing for an interview, you should know that there are a host of things not to say. Most of the things you shouldn’t say are common sense: no cursing, no slang, no inappropriate jokes, and so forth. But most people wouldn’t think of being rude during an interview, because there’s a potential job on the line and those don’t come along often these days.
However some interviewees don’t know where to draw the line with certain questions and topics. I’d say that the three most dangerous topics during a job interview are money, previous employment, and whatever company is conducting the interview at that time. So I’d like to address each of these topics in the context of a job interview so you know what not to say.
Negative comments about your former employer
When you’re in an interview setting, both you and the person conducting the interview know that you want a job. So there’s no reason that you need to badmouth your previous (or current) employer in order to make your intention clear. Nor do you need to make fun of your previous employer in an effort to look cool or unaffected by leaving them. This kind of behavior is typically looked down upon by interviewers because it makes you look immature and unable to discuss your job history in a positive light. It also begs the question of whether or not you’d do the same thing if you ever left the company conducting the interview.
Blunt questions about pay and benefits
The worst thing you could do in an interview is ask about money from the start. You need to understand that there is a purposeful and structured quality to all job interviews, with certain topics taking priority over others. The subject of payment won’t come up at all until the interviewer thinks that you’re a qualified candidate for the job, and that moment might not even come up during your first interview. During your first interview, the potential employer will try to understand how your skills could fit in with the rest of the company. It’s more or less a discussion of your worth ethic, experience, and character. So if you ask about money up front, the only thing the interviewer will know about your character is that you have money on the brain. And that’s not a good thing.
Questions about the company’s basic structure
Interviewers expect some level of preparedness from you, and that includes knowing a bit about your potential employer. If you’re being interviewed by a restaurant, you should know something about their cuisine and some of the more popular items on the menu. If you’re interviewing at a law firm, you should at least express some interest in their area of law even if you don’t know anything about it. If you just feign ignorance about everything the company does, you run the risk of looking ill informed or downright disinterested, neither of which is attractive to a company looking for new hires. So make sure to do some research before you go in for the interview!
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This guest post is contributed by Angelita Williams, who writes on the topics of online courses. She welcomes your comments at her email Id: angelita.williams7 @gmail.com.
However some interviewees don’t know where to draw the line with certain questions and topics. I’d say that the three most dangerous topics during a job interview are money, previous employment, and whatever company is conducting the interview at that time. So I’d like to address each of these topics in the context of a job interview so you know what not to say.
Negative comments about your former employer
When you’re in an interview setting, both you and the person conducting the interview know that you want a job. So there’s no reason that you need to badmouth your previous (or current) employer in order to make your intention clear. Nor do you need to make fun of your previous employer in an effort to look cool or unaffected by leaving them. This kind of behavior is typically looked down upon by interviewers because it makes you look immature and unable to discuss your job history in a positive light. It also begs the question of whether or not you’d do the same thing if you ever left the company conducting the interview.
Blunt questions about pay and benefits
The worst thing you could do in an interview is ask about money from the start. You need to understand that there is a purposeful and structured quality to all job interviews, with certain topics taking priority over others. The subject of payment won’t come up at all until the interviewer thinks that you’re a qualified candidate for the job, and that moment might not even come up during your first interview. During your first interview, the potential employer will try to understand how your skills could fit in with the rest of the company. It’s more or less a discussion of your worth ethic, experience, and character. So if you ask about money up front, the only thing the interviewer will know about your character is that you have money on the brain. And that’s not a good thing.
Questions about the company’s basic structure
Interviewers expect some level of preparedness from you, and that includes knowing a bit about your potential employer. If you’re being interviewed by a restaurant, you should know something about their cuisine and some of the more popular items on the menu. If you’re interviewing at a law firm, you should at least express some interest in their area of law even if you don’t know anything about it. If you just feign ignorance about everything the company does, you run the risk of looking ill informed or downright disinterested, neither of which is attractive to a company looking for new hires. So make sure to do some research before you go in for the interview!
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This guest post is contributed by Angelita Williams, who writes on the topics of online courses. She welcomes your comments at her email Id: angelita.williams7 @gmail.com.
March 12, 2012
How to Handle Salary Questions in an Interview
Salary is one of the most important questions that you will tackle in your job search. Not only is it one of the trickiest questions to answer in the interviewing process, but your answer can influence whether or not you get the job and, if you do, whether you are paid fairly or not. When potential employers ask about your salary expectations, they are trying to gage if they can afford to hire you. If you name a salary that is too high, you risk pricing yourself out of consideration. If you name a salary that is very low, you risk being offered far less than what you are worth -- and far less than the employer may have been prepared to give you. To ensure that you can get the most leverage in salary negotiations while also staying in the running for the position, here are some tips for how to handle questions about salary in an interview:
Don't Name a Number
When you are asked about your salary expectations or your salary history, it is important to avoid naming any numbers. Whoever names a number first when discussing salary will lose ground in the negotiation process. Therefore, you want your employer to propose a figure first. If you are asked about salary expectations, simply say, "I am willing to negotiate salary" or "Salary is important, but I would prefer to talk about it we decide that I am a good fit for the job." If you are asked about your salary history, explain that you would be happy to provide it once an offer has been made.
Focus on the Job
One of the best ways to avoid naming a specific number or range for salary is to focus on the job. When asked about salary, say "I would love to talk more about what the expectations for the job are first." Not only will you avoid capping your salary potential, but you'll also learn more about the job to determine an appropriate compensation range.
Choose a Range
If the interviewer becomes insistent in asking about salary, choose a range rather than providing a specific number. Start the range at the lowest acceptable salary, and cap it at your ideal salary. Offering a range shows that you are flexible, and it gives you some room to negotiate for a higher salary.
Put the Ball in Their Court
Rather than pen yourself in with your own salary range, when you are asked about salary expectations, ask the employer what the salary band is for the position or what has been budgeted for the position. Many employers have job family levels or performance tiers. Find out where your job lies, and you will have a better idea of your negotiating range.
Learning how to best answer questions of salary in the hiring process can be quite tricky, but this skill is very important to your long-term financial and career success. Remember to keep your answer flexible so that you have some negotiating room, and do your best to avoid naming a specific figure before your employer does. You'll have more leverage later to negotiate for the best salary you can get.
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About the Author:
Heather Green is a freelance writer for several regional magazines in North Carolina as well as a resident blogger for onlinenursingdegrees.org. Her writing experience includes fashion, business, health, agriculture and a wide range of other topics. Heather has just completed research on associates degree in nursing and online nursing programs in nc.
Don't Name a Number
When you are asked about your salary expectations or your salary history, it is important to avoid naming any numbers. Whoever names a number first when discussing salary will lose ground in the negotiation process. Therefore, you want your employer to propose a figure first. If you are asked about salary expectations, simply say, "I am willing to negotiate salary" or "Salary is important, but I would prefer to talk about it we decide that I am a good fit for the job." If you are asked about your salary history, explain that you would be happy to provide it once an offer has been made.
Focus on the Job
One of the best ways to avoid naming a specific number or range for salary is to focus on the job. When asked about salary, say "I would love to talk more about what the expectations for the job are first." Not only will you avoid capping your salary potential, but you'll also learn more about the job to determine an appropriate compensation range.
Choose a Range
If the interviewer becomes insistent in asking about salary, choose a range rather than providing a specific number. Start the range at the lowest acceptable salary, and cap it at your ideal salary. Offering a range shows that you are flexible, and it gives you some room to negotiate for a higher salary.
Put the Ball in Their Court
Rather than pen yourself in with your own salary range, when you are asked about salary expectations, ask the employer what the salary band is for the position or what has been budgeted for the position. Many employers have job family levels or performance tiers. Find out where your job lies, and you will have a better idea of your negotiating range.
Learning how to best answer questions of salary in the hiring process can be quite tricky, but this skill is very important to your long-term financial and career success. Remember to keep your answer flexible so that you have some negotiating room, and do your best to avoid naming a specific figure before your employer does. You'll have more leverage later to negotiate for the best salary you can get.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
About the Author:
Heather Green is a freelance writer for several regional magazines in North Carolina as well as a resident blogger for onlinenursingdegrees.org. Her writing experience includes fashion, business, health, agriculture and a wide range of other topics. Heather has just completed research on associates degree in nursing and online nursing programs in nc.
January 10, 2012
What's in YOUR Job Seeker "Tool Bag"?
A doctor goes to the office with his medical bag.
A pilot boards an airplane with his flight bag.
A schoolteacher enters the classroom with her book bag.
And a job seeker should face a potential employer with an interview tool bag that is well stocked, in good working order, and ready to use. The following "3 C's" are essential to every job seeker's tool bag... don't leave home without them!
Tool #1: Courtesy
Approach the employer with a warm smile, a sincere handshake, and look him or her in the eye. Consider that man or woman a new friend—someone to respect, appreciate, and listen to. Take a deep breath and be yourself. In other words, be polite, kind, and attentive.
Tool #2: Clarity
Come prepared with clear examples that demonstrate your experience and skills on the job. In other words, if you are hoping to land a position as an administrative assistant, talk about what you've done professionally that equips you for this new job. Do you have a couple of true-life stories about times when you 'saved the day' or took charge in a crisis or helped your superior finish a project in the nick of time or earned a reward for completing a difficult task without assistance? Hiring managers don't want to listen to a laundry list of boring statistics. They are looking for real flesh-and-blood experiences that indicate what you can and will do if you are hired. And they want to hear these stories spoken clearly and concisely.
Tool #3: Commitment
Impress the hiring manager by reciting the company's mission statement! Speak to your dedication and enthusiasm for helping the leadership team attain their goals. Be sure the employer knows you are committed to the organization's philosophy and follow-through and that you'll do your part and more to support these ideals while doing your job and while interacting with other employees. State what you want and need and what you can and will do to advance the company and increase profits.
With the "3 C's" working for you, you'll increase your chances of a new job offer immensely.
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Written By Jimmy Sweeney
President of CareerJimmy and Author of the new,
Job Interview "Secret"
A pilot boards an airplane with his flight bag.
A schoolteacher enters the classroom with her book bag.
And a job seeker should face a potential employer with an interview tool bag that is well stocked, in good working order, and ready to use. The following "3 C's" are essential to every job seeker's tool bag... don't leave home without them!
Tool #1: Courtesy
Approach the employer with a warm smile, a sincere handshake, and look him or her in the eye. Consider that man or woman a new friend—someone to respect, appreciate, and listen to. Take a deep breath and be yourself. In other words, be polite, kind, and attentive.
Tool #2: Clarity
Come prepared with clear examples that demonstrate your experience and skills on the job. In other words, if you are hoping to land a position as an administrative assistant, talk about what you've done professionally that equips you for this new job. Do you have a couple of true-life stories about times when you 'saved the day' or took charge in a crisis or helped your superior finish a project in the nick of time or earned a reward for completing a difficult task without assistance? Hiring managers don't want to listen to a laundry list of boring statistics. They are looking for real flesh-and-blood experiences that indicate what you can and will do if you are hired. And they want to hear these stories spoken clearly and concisely.
Tool #3: Commitment
Impress the hiring manager by reciting the company's mission statement! Speak to your dedication and enthusiasm for helping the leadership team attain their goals. Be sure the employer knows you are committed to the organization's philosophy and follow-through and that you'll do your part and more to support these ideals while doing your job and while interacting with other employees. State what you want and need and what you can and will do to advance the company and increase profits.
With the "3 C's" working for you, you'll increase your chances of a new job offer immensely.
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Written By Jimmy Sweeney
President of CareerJimmy and Author of the new,
Job Interview "Secret"
October 21, 2011
Pack Your Job Interview With a Dose of "DOUBLE-H"…
Most job seekers over-focus on the job itself. Will the hiring manager like them? Will they answer questions correctly? Will they be hired? Of course these are legitimate concerns worth considering, but two essential elements are often neglected––Humility and Humanity. So if you're serious about landing the perfect job for you, be sure to pack your interview with both of these important characteristics.
HUMILITY
This trait is often misunderstood. Some people think it means scraping and bowing and basically letting people walk all over them. But this is not true. To be humble means to hold a respectful view of yourself and others, to show interest, to be kind and courteous, and to avoid coming across as self-centered and intrusive. Humility is one of the most important attributes you can express in a job interview. Right away the hiring manager will see that you are a person who is reasonable, kind, concerned with others as well as with yourself, willing to compromise when necessary, able to lead without bullying, and true to the company and to yourself when on the job.
During the interview you can exhibit humility by listening attentively to the hiring manager, answering questions honestly, showing interest in the company and its objectives, and paying attention to the cues you notice when the interviewer speaks.
HUMANITY
To be human is to be real, to show your strengths and your weaknesses. In other words, if you failed to achieve a certain goal in your current employment, be willing to share that experience and then talk about how you remedied it. No one expects perfection. And job seekers who present only their victories will not be convincing, because everyone has a down side. The hiring manager knows that. Being authentic is so rare in our culture that it will be refreshing to an interviewer to meet someone who is willing to be true to himself or herself. That does not mean you should play the victim or focus on your failures. Simply acknowledge them, when appropriate, and then talk about what you learned from them. Such a conversation will show the hiring manager that you are an overcomer, instead of an overachiever––who at some point is bound to crash.
Pack your interview with humility and humanity and the job that is just right for you will appear without worry or fear.
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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."
P.S. Join 5,379 job seekers that are using the "sneakiest" job interview secret of all time...a customizable, fill-in-the-blanks, "Secret Career Letter" that will make you stand out from the crowd like never before -- DURING your next job interview. I promise you've never seen anything like this before and it's PROVEN to work job search miracles in this tough economy over and over again, as incredible as that may sound...it's true...
Job Interview Secret
HUMILITY
This trait is often misunderstood. Some people think it means scraping and bowing and basically letting people walk all over them. But this is not true. To be humble means to hold a respectful view of yourself and others, to show interest, to be kind and courteous, and to avoid coming across as self-centered and intrusive. Humility is one of the most important attributes you can express in a job interview. Right away the hiring manager will see that you are a person who is reasonable, kind, concerned with others as well as with yourself, willing to compromise when necessary, able to lead without bullying, and true to the company and to yourself when on the job.
During the interview you can exhibit humility by listening attentively to the hiring manager, answering questions honestly, showing interest in the company and its objectives, and paying attention to the cues you notice when the interviewer speaks.
HUMANITY
To be human is to be real, to show your strengths and your weaknesses. In other words, if you failed to achieve a certain goal in your current employment, be willing to share that experience and then talk about how you remedied it. No one expects perfection. And job seekers who present only their victories will not be convincing, because everyone has a down side. The hiring manager knows that. Being authentic is so rare in our culture that it will be refreshing to an interviewer to meet someone who is willing to be true to himself or herself. That does not mean you should play the victim or focus on your failures. Simply acknowledge them, when appropriate, and then talk about what you learned from them. Such a conversation will show the hiring manager that you are an overcomer, instead of an overachiever––who at some point is bound to crash.
Pack your interview with humility and humanity and the job that is just right for you will appear without worry or fear.
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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."
P.S. Join 5,379 job seekers that are using the "sneakiest" job interview secret of all time...a customizable, fill-in-the-blanks, "Secret Career Letter" that will make you stand out from the crowd like never before -- DURING your next job interview. I promise you've never seen anything like this before and it's PROVEN to work job search miracles in this tough economy over and over again, as incredible as that may sound...it's true...
Job Interview Secret
August 18, 2011
Do THIS Before Your Next Job Interview
Marathon runners practice with friends before the big race. Speech contestants practice their speech in front of friends before the competition. Musicians practice with friends and colleagues before a concert. Savvy job seekers do the same.
Never walk into an interview cold. Warm up with a friend or fellow job seeker first.
DEVELOP QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Before the practice session study the mission statement of the company you're interested in, the job description of the position you're aspiring to, and the responsibilities involved. Then create questions around that information. Your practice partner can help you there. Next, prepare your answers, including real-life examples from your current work experience so that when you're faced with questions, you have specific details you can refer to on the spot.
DRESS THE PART
Treat the practice session with the same respect and professionalism you would the real thing. This includes dressing appropriately – a suit and tie or sport coat and slacks for men, a pants suit or tailored dress for women. Be sure to polish your shoes and avoid heavy-scented perfumes or after-shave lotions. Select conservative jewelry, avoiding dangling earrings and clunky bracelets that distract. You'll want to keep the hiring manager's attention on what counts - you and your qualifications for the job.
ASK FOR AN HONEST CRITIQUE
Following your practice interview, ask your friend to critique your appearance, attitude, attention span, answers to questions, and to give you his or her overall impression of how you did. In other words, would your friend hire you? This information will be invaluable to you as you can make changes where necessary and keep in place what worked well.
The popular adage, 'practice makes perfect' may not always be true, but 'practice leads to progress' is true all the time. And progress will soon lead you to the job of your dreams.
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Jimmy Sweeney is the president of CareerJimmy and author of the brand new "Secret Career Document" job landing system. Visit our friends at Job Interview "Secret" and discover Jimmy Sweeney's breakthrough strategy that will have you standing out from the competition like a Harvard graduate at a local job fair… DURING your next job interview.
Never walk into an interview cold. Warm up with a friend or fellow job seeker first.
DEVELOP QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Before the practice session study the mission statement of the company you're interested in, the job description of the position you're aspiring to, and the responsibilities involved. Then create questions around that information. Your practice partner can help you there. Next, prepare your answers, including real-life examples from your current work experience so that when you're faced with questions, you have specific details you can refer to on the spot.
DRESS THE PART
Treat the practice session with the same respect and professionalism you would the real thing. This includes dressing appropriately – a suit and tie or sport coat and slacks for men, a pants suit or tailored dress for women. Be sure to polish your shoes and avoid heavy-scented perfumes or after-shave lotions. Select conservative jewelry, avoiding dangling earrings and clunky bracelets that distract. You'll want to keep the hiring manager's attention on what counts - you and your qualifications for the job.
ASK FOR AN HONEST CRITIQUE
Following your practice interview, ask your friend to critique your appearance, attitude, attention span, answers to questions, and to give you his or her overall impression of how you did. In other words, would your friend hire you? This information will be invaluable to you as you can make changes where necessary and keep in place what worked well.
The popular adage, 'practice makes perfect' may not always be true, but 'practice leads to progress' is true all the time. And progress will soon lead you to the job of your dreams.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jimmy Sweeney is the president of CareerJimmy and author of the brand new "Secret Career Document" job landing system. Visit our friends at Job Interview "Secret" and discover Jimmy Sweeney's breakthrough strategy that will have you standing out from the competition like a Harvard graduate at a local job fair… DURING your next job interview.
July 11, 2011
3 Little-Known Secrets To "WOW" Them On Your Next Job Interview
Just the thought of a pending job interview can bring on a case of nerves! But if you follow these 3 little-known secrets, you can turn a worrisome experience into a super-successful one.
Secret #1: BE INTENTIONAL
Before the interview starts, ask yourself this important question. "Do I want this job? If so, what am I willing to do to get it?" It takes more than wishful thinking or hoping to land the position you want and feel qualified for. You must be able to convince the interviewer that you are the one for this job—not by being pushy or arrogant but by showing your intention through a warm, friendly, and professional manner. This includes paying attention to what is being said, referring to the company's mission statement and how it matches your own objectives, and by seeing the hiring manager as a person, not just a means to a job. In short, be confident, yet caring too.
Secret #2: BE INFORMATIVE
Enter the room prepared with engaging examples that illustrate your job skills and experience. Have several catalogued in your mind so that when the hiring manager asks you questions, you can refer immediately to a little story that shows rather than merely tells how you handled a situation. For example, mention the result you achieved when leading a sales meeting or establishing a budget for your department or handling a difficult client. A hiring manager will perk up when he or she hears that you are someone who makes things happen for a company in a positive way. And it always impresses when you can show how you made or saved money positively contributing to the company's bottom line…after all, it always comes down to the bottom line.
Secret #3: BE INSPIRING
It really is within your power to move to the top of the hiring manager's list of job candidates. When you are prepared with true-life experiences, show interest in what's going on around you, comment on something you notice in the office, or a detail shared in conversation, you will be inspiring. Few job seekers think about what it means to connect with the interviewer as a person because they are too focused on themselves—and the job they want.
Apply these 3 little-known job interview 'secrets' with passion and you will soon hear these 3 words. "WOW, you're hired!"
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Author: Jimmy Sweeney
Create Your Own 'Secret Career Document' To Land
Any Job You Desire In The Next 27 Days…
Guaranteed. Click here to learn how!
Secret #1: BE INTENTIONAL
Before the interview starts, ask yourself this important question. "Do I want this job? If so, what am I willing to do to get it?" It takes more than wishful thinking or hoping to land the position you want and feel qualified for. You must be able to convince the interviewer that you are the one for this job—not by being pushy or arrogant but by showing your intention through a warm, friendly, and professional manner. This includes paying attention to what is being said, referring to the company's mission statement and how it matches your own objectives, and by seeing the hiring manager as a person, not just a means to a job. In short, be confident, yet caring too.
Secret #2: BE INFORMATIVE
Enter the room prepared with engaging examples that illustrate your job skills and experience. Have several catalogued in your mind so that when the hiring manager asks you questions, you can refer immediately to a little story that shows rather than merely tells how you handled a situation. For example, mention the result you achieved when leading a sales meeting or establishing a budget for your department or handling a difficult client. A hiring manager will perk up when he or she hears that you are someone who makes things happen for a company in a positive way. And it always impresses when you can show how you made or saved money positively contributing to the company's bottom line…after all, it always comes down to the bottom line.
Secret #3: BE INSPIRING
It really is within your power to move to the top of the hiring manager's list of job candidates. When you are prepared with true-life experiences, show interest in what's going on around you, comment on something you notice in the office, or a detail shared in conversation, you will be inspiring. Few job seekers think about what it means to connect with the interviewer as a person because they are too focused on themselves—and the job they want.
Apply these 3 little-known job interview 'secrets' with passion and you will soon hear these 3 words. "WOW, you're hired!"
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Author: Jimmy Sweeney
Create Your Own 'Secret Career Document' To Land
Any Job You Desire In The Next 27 Days…
Guaranteed. Click here to learn how!
May 30, 2011
Make Your Job Interview "Notes" Work For You
The moment you're invited for a job interview, begin your preparation. Jot down notes related to the following:
• Facts about the company.
• Skills and abilities you can bring to the job.
• Specific experiences that illustrate your value as an employee.
• Hidden talents—such as crisis leadership and effective communication.
You don't have to write out a one-sided presentation, just a few jottings that will help you be clear and concise when you speak to the hiring manager during the job interview.
Some job seekers prefer to 'wing' it. They're certain their sparkling personality and engaging smile will do the work for them. Not so. Even though it's important to be friendly and outgoing, an employer is primarily interested in how you are going to best fit into the job opening. And they usually want to hear about what you've accomplished in your previous employment or how you rose to a challenge and overcame it with success.
Help When Needed!
The notes you prepare and refer to while talking with the interviewer will help you over the rough spots when you feel nervous or forgetful or anxious. You can simply glance at the card or small sheet of paper in your hand or lap, and then pick up from where you left off without missing a beat.
You might wonder if it would be best to memorize the facts rather than putting them in note form. This is a possibility, of course, but it's still a good idea to have the notes in a handy place in case you need them. Job seekers often 'go blank' just when they want to share something important. Rather than risk such embarrassment, be prepared with notes to get you through, if needed.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Author: Jimmy Sweeney is the president of CareerJimmy and author of the brand new "Secret Career Document" job landing system
• Facts about the company.
• Skills and abilities you can bring to the job.
• Specific experiences that illustrate your value as an employee.
• Hidden talents—such as crisis leadership and effective communication.
You don't have to write out a one-sided presentation, just a few jottings that will help you be clear and concise when you speak to the hiring manager during the job interview.
Some job seekers prefer to 'wing' it. They're certain their sparkling personality and engaging smile will do the work for them. Not so. Even though it's important to be friendly and outgoing, an employer is primarily interested in how you are going to best fit into the job opening. And they usually want to hear about what you've accomplished in your previous employment or how you rose to a challenge and overcame it with success.
Help When Needed!
The notes you prepare and refer to while talking with the interviewer will help you over the rough spots when you feel nervous or forgetful or anxious. You can simply glance at the card or small sheet of paper in your hand or lap, and then pick up from where you left off without missing a beat.
You might wonder if it would be best to memorize the facts rather than putting them in note form. This is a possibility, of course, but it's still a good idea to have the notes in a handy place in case you need them. Job seekers often 'go blank' just when they want to share something important. Rather than risk such embarrassment, be prepared with notes to get you through, if needed.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Author: Jimmy Sweeney is the president of CareerJimmy and author of the brand new "Secret Career Document" job landing system
March 21, 2011
Use THIS Job Interview "Gem" For Magical Results!
An employer calls to set up an interview. Just what you've wanted. You feel your excitement build, but maybe you feel apprehensive too and worried a little about the questions he or she will ask you regarding the prospective job. How can you prepare for such a meeting when you don't know what to expect?
One thing is all you need to know. ALL questions will point back to the essential, but unvoiced, question. "What can you do for our company?"
Answer it to yourself in the most convincing and truthful manner possible and then you'll be on track to having a magical interview experience. Even though the hiring manager may not come right out with those words, they will be in his or her mind.
Your credentials and skills, important as they are, will not matter if you can't honestly express how you will use them to benefit the company. So be prepared to talk about the positive solutions you've come up with in your previous employment, as well as your ability to lead in a crisis, get along with management, and motivate and encourage fellow employees.
You will be assessed not only for your talent but for your ability to relate to people and get along with your team mates, all of which contributes to the basic concern—what you can bring to the company that will improve the morale, raise the bottom line, and produce products and services that build the organization's reputation.
HOW to ANSWER!
Start by being yourself.
• Smile, shake hands, and create good eye contact.
• Listen carefully to the questions asked, so you'll be able to answer accurately.
• Indicate your knowledge of the company by referring to what you know.
• Provide three good examples of what you can do for the company.
The night before your interview, write down a few notes and have them ready to refer to at the right moment. This is your chance to step out, display your ability, and receive a job offer.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
author: Jimmy Sweeney is the president of CareerJimmy and author of the brand new "Secret Career Document" job landing system.
One thing is all you need to know. ALL questions will point back to the essential, but unvoiced, question. "What can you do for our company?"
Answer it to yourself in the most convincing and truthful manner possible and then you'll be on track to having a magical interview experience. Even though the hiring manager may not come right out with those words, they will be in his or her mind.
Your credentials and skills, important as they are, will not matter if you can't honestly express how you will use them to benefit the company. So be prepared to talk about the positive solutions you've come up with in your previous employment, as well as your ability to lead in a crisis, get along with management, and motivate and encourage fellow employees.
You will be assessed not only for your talent but for your ability to relate to people and get along with your team mates, all of which contributes to the basic concern—what you can bring to the company that will improve the morale, raise the bottom line, and produce products and services that build the organization's reputation.
HOW to ANSWER!
Start by being yourself.
• Smile, shake hands, and create good eye contact.
• Listen carefully to the questions asked, so you'll be able to answer accurately.
• Indicate your knowledge of the company by referring to what you know.
• Provide three good examples of what you can do for the company.
The night before your interview, write down a few notes and have them ready to refer to at the right moment. This is your chance to step out, display your ability, and receive a job offer.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
author: Jimmy Sweeney is the president of CareerJimmy and author of the brand new "Secret Career Document" job landing system.
January 19, 2011
Go the 'Extra Mile' With a Post Job Interview Thank You!
There are thank you notes that cover basic etiquette, the kind that will get you by. "Thank you for meeting me to discuss the administrative assistant position at your company. I enjoyed speaking with you. Sincerely . . . "
And then there are thank you letters that go the extra mile, the kind that not only express appreciation but also engage the interest of the hiring manager. You'll want to write one of those if you hope to be remembered, called back for a second interview, and considered a person of character and thoughtfulness.
Take Note On The Thank You Note…
Such letters are written in the job candidate's own handwriting, not typed, and not sent as an e-mail attachment. Take the time to sit down and write a professional yet friendly thank you note that expresses your gratitude and also includes a small but timely 'informational gift.'
Such a gift is not a coffee card or clothing store certificate. An informational gift could be an article, a tip, a web site, or a contact name and phone number that relates to something you and the interviewer discussed. That might be golf or jazz or quilting or some other shared interest. One job candidate noticed the interviewer's passion for impressionist art. In his thank you note he provided a link to an article about Cezanne masterpieces.
It takes so little to be above average. You can move to the top of the hiring manager's list of job candidates with a thoughtful post interview thank you letter that goes the extra mile.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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."
And then there are thank you letters that go the extra mile, the kind that not only express appreciation but also engage the interest of the hiring manager. You'll want to write one of those if you hope to be remembered, called back for a second interview, and considered a person of character and thoughtfulness.
Take Note On The Thank You Note…
Such letters are written in the job candidate's own handwriting, not typed, and not sent as an e-mail attachment. Take the time to sit down and write a professional yet friendly thank you note that expresses your gratitude and also includes a small but timely 'informational gift.'
Such a gift is not a coffee card or clothing store certificate. An informational gift could be an article, a tip, a web site, or a contact name and phone number that relates to something you and the interviewer discussed. That might be golf or jazz or quilting or some other shared interest. One job candidate noticed the interviewer's passion for impressionist art. In his thank you note he provided a link to an article about Cezanne masterpieces.
It takes so little to be above average. You can move to the top of the hiring manager's list of job candidates with a thoughtful post interview thank you letter that goes the extra mile.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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."
December 2, 2010
How To Prepare For An Interview: The Basics
Preparing for an interview can be extremely stressful. You want to be able to speak intelligently and concisely about your past experiences. You want to impress your interviewer with how you handle unexpected questions. And you want to appear charming and confident. In all the worry about your answers to various practice interview questions, however, it's easy to forget some of the basic preparations you should make before the interview day. If you can take care of the basics, you'll save yourself some unnecessary stress so you can focus on the actual interview without any worry.
Find Out The Logistics
As soon as you set up the interview, you should gather information. Ask for as specific instructions as possible so you don't have to worry about that minutes before the interview starts. For example, some interviewers will tell you to call when you arrive and they'll come down to get you. Ask about parking. Ask about the building, whether or not you'll have to check in with a guard in the lobby. Also, ask for the names and positions of the people who will interview you. Having an idea as to the specific process that morning and whom you'll speak with can help you both prepare and relax a little the night before your big day.
Get Clear Directions
Before you leave the house to go to your interview, you should know exactly how to get to the interview site. Have directions clearly written down and know the way traffic works around the site, especially if you have a morning interview and need to deal with rush hour traffic. If you can, drive to the interview site the day before as a practice run.
Save The Interviewer's Phone Number
You should also save the phone number of the person who contacted you about the interview. This number will be your lifeline should there be an emergency the day of your interview. For example, if you have car trouble, call this person as soon as possible. Making sure you communicate with your prospective employee will show them that you are calm and collected in stressful situations. After you've told them of the trouble, apologize and politely ask to reschedule.
Follow Your Eating And Drinking Routine
Before a big interview, you should also stick as close as possible to your usual eating routine. The night before an interview is not a good time to try out that new Indian restaurant down the street. Save that meal for your celebratory dinner when you land the job. Likewise, try not to drink too much coffee the morning of the interview. The idea here is that you don't do anything that would cause you physical discomfort, like a grumbling stomach, during the interview that could be distracting.
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This guest post is contributed by Kate Willson, who writes about career, education, college life at top online colleges. She welcomes your comments at her email Id: katewillson2@gmail.com
Find Out The Logistics
As soon as you set up the interview, you should gather information. Ask for as specific instructions as possible so you don't have to worry about that minutes before the interview starts. For example, some interviewers will tell you to call when you arrive and they'll come down to get you. Ask about parking. Ask about the building, whether or not you'll have to check in with a guard in the lobby. Also, ask for the names and positions of the people who will interview you. Having an idea as to the specific process that morning and whom you'll speak with can help you both prepare and relax a little the night before your big day.
Get Clear Directions
Before you leave the house to go to your interview, you should know exactly how to get to the interview site. Have directions clearly written down and know the way traffic works around the site, especially if you have a morning interview and need to deal with rush hour traffic. If you can, drive to the interview site the day before as a practice run.
Save The Interviewer's Phone Number
You should also save the phone number of the person who contacted you about the interview. This number will be your lifeline should there be an emergency the day of your interview. For example, if you have car trouble, call this person as soon as possible. Making sure you communicate with your prospective employee will show them that you are calm and collected in stressful situations. After you've told them of the trouble, apologize and politely ask to reschedule.
Follow Your Eating And Drinking Routine
Before a big interview, you should also stick as close as possible to your usual eating routine. The night before an interview is not a good time to try out that new Indian restaurant down the street. Save that meal for your celebratory dinner when you land the job. Likewise, try not to drink too much coffee the morning of the interview. The idea here is that you don't do anything that would cause you physical discomfort, like a grumbling stomach, during the interview that could be distracting.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
This guest post is contributed by Kate Willson, who writes about career, education, college life at top online colleges. She welcomes your comments at her email Id: katewillson2@gmail.com
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