Showing posts with label Interview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Interview. Show all posts
2/22/13
1/29/13
Screening Saver: Preparing for a Phone Interview After a Face-To-Face
Just when you thought that the nerve-wreck stage of being tested by some corporate bigwig is over, your landline rung, and surprise, it's the HR who gave you the cold handshake last week! Bet you didn't miss him. But what's worse, he said that the line will be directed to your prospective corporate manager who 'wanted' to hear from you.
Grunt. You haven't thought of preparing for a phone interview, especially when you've just gotten over the face-to-face. But of course you're not into messing the chance of your lifetime just because it bushwhacks right out of the phone.
If you've been through the sneaky situation of ambush employer calls, you'd better learn from it. Not because a job interview has just ended also means that you can sit back and just wait for the results. If you still haven't encountered any, then lucky you, you still have time to get ready. Here's your 5-step chance to avoid aftershocks:
1. Anticipate the call
The best way in preparing for a phone interview is to expect that it will come. Don't fall into the trap of lazy thinking. Assume that your prospects will call you anytime after you've given them your contacts. No, don't even cling to the possibility that they won't, just because it comforts you. Keep alert and start listing answers for possible questions that they might toss in the line.
2. Ask them to ring you after some minutes
If it's an ambush call, it will be better if you politely ask the interviewer to ring you after some minutes. Give yourself some time to practice your voice and recollect your thoughts. Get the copy of your resume, stand up, and shift your psyche to the serious, corporate mode. Doing some warm ups before you finally answer the phone will boost your chance of striking a good conversation to a very great extent. No matter what others tell you, a few minutes will be critical to your success in the job application.
3. Find an unobstructed place
You must hear your own breath before you can say that your environment is ready enough for the interview. In times like this, you can't afford to have a communication barrier on your end of line. The television can literally ruin the career of your life. So if you don't want to screw up, mute everything in the room. If that isn't possible from wherever you're standing right now, find one quiet place outside. Breathe slowly and wait for the call.
4. Pace yourself, talk a bit slower
It's harder to process the sound signals from the phone, so take time delivering your answers. You have to be sure of speaking clear because the way you hear yourself in actual is not the way that your employer will hear you from the line. Keep your voice loud and pace slower than normal. It won't only give your employers a time to decode what you have just said, it also gives you time to think on how you will say your answers.
5. Tune in for the next step
Express your enthusiasm for the job opportunity and ask for what will come next. Tell that you would like to help if there is still any information needed before you can move on to the next phase. Preparing for a phone interview is effective when you shoo away the butterflies in your stomach and have the gall to project a lively communicator through the line.
Nelson Mullins is a former corporate hiring and recruitment expert who regularly writes articles on resumes, resume writing, personality development, and career in general. He is a father of three who also enjoys photography and biking. Nelson believes that while the employment world continues to be a rat race for applicants, it is important to always be equipped with new ideas on sustaining career growth and opportunities.
1/17/13
The Five-Step Recovery for an Interview Gone Wrong
Ever got that frustrated feeling after blowing up an important conversation? Forgive yourself; it does happen even to the best people in their fields.
For job applicants, they so often find themselves unable to move on after an interview has gone wrong. It bugs you, and drowns your spirit every time you remember the things you said. Just thinking of the foolish things you said makes you want to bang your head on the wall. But hey, whichever makes you look stupid.
After screwing up the chance of your life, the best thing to do is not to screw up the second one by walking out with such a sourly look. No, you may not get another shot for the same company again, but at least you maintained the professional poise as you say bye-bye.
If you're ready to move on from the embarrassing memory, then you might start taking these baby steps to recovering from a bad interview:
1. Segregate the good from the bad
You may be as sure as hell that you blew up, but that doesn't mean that every word and every gesture you made is bad, bad, and bad. Assessing what happened should not be an enumeration of everything that has been horrible. Make two columns: one for the things you've messed up and another for the things you've done great. In that way, you will know what to keep up in the next opportunity, and know by heart what you should avoid. Rewind what happened in your mind and this time, picture yourself talking the way you should have done it.
2. Evaluate the Interviewer too
If you really felt uneasy during the conversation, chances are, you're not the only one with the problem. Does the hiring officer take you professionally? Aren't there any intimidating questions or very long awkward pauses after you answered? Your employers are also humans, or you might have encountered a clueless newbie HR. Don't completely put the blame to yourself. If you found some faults on the other side, rethink if you can deal with those if we suppose that you got hired by the company.
3. List the questions tossed to you
Of course, you will clearly remember the details during the conversation. Now it's your turn to remember the queries and list them. In that way, you are well prepared whenever it pops up in the future again. The biggest consolation you can have after the nightmare is that you will be able to know what to correct the next time it happens.
4. Send a thank-you letter and mention aside your apologies
Did we say, mention aside? That's the secret trick, make a brief apology for a thing that has obviously gone wrong during the interview, but don't get it detailed and don't make excuses. Simply say it, and then put everything in a positive light. Express your appreciation for their time, highlight in the letter your key strengths and lastly, tell that you will definitely appreciate if you would be given a second chance.
5. Keep in touch
Who cares about the clumsy past? If you cut the story right after you messed up, then there will be no chance of recovering your reputation. But if you keep the communication alive with the company by e-mails and LinkedIn, they might see that you weren't so awful and will have more time knowing about you as a professional. It's not the end of the world when an interview has gone wrong, it only meant that you started with the wrong foot.
Melinda Edwards works as a career consultant and has been invited in many forums and events on human resource management. She is also a time management expert who effectively performs her roles both as a career woman and a mother.
11/5/12
Telltale Signs an Interview Went Well
Have you ever felt wishing you've recorded the conversation after your interview? Never fret, you're not alone.
Most of job applicants today find it hard to figure out whether they nailed it or not, blame it on hazy nerve whirls and stomach butterflies. Of course, when you're sitting right next to an interviewer who (despite their clean looks,) will either end your agony or end your happy, confident days, there's only thought of survival. You prayed that you endure the conversation and the handshake. But now you pray that you could replay what actually happened in the room.
For the replay thing you wish, we can't do anything. However, the good news is that we could give you hints if you are on the employer's top pick or not. Here they are:
1. The interviewer eagerly tells you the good qualities of the company
Why this could be a hint: citing you how great it is to work in their company could be a form of marketing. They might be telling these because they want you to like not just the business itself but also the working environment inside.
2. He/she asks if you have pending applications to other companies
Asking about your employment or job hunting status may indicate interest in hiring you. However, in this stage, they are still weighing if there's a possibility that you might turn down their job offer.
3. You have been told many details about the job
Letting you know about the job you're applying for is common. However, if the person asking you takes the extra mile to explain further details to you, it might be a great hint that they are into hiring you.
4. They have checked or called your references
Time is precious, so why will the company spend it calling to a reference of an applicant they are not interested with? Surely, if they paid time to do further research about you, it means you are being valued as an applicant.
On the darker side, there are also signs an interview didn't went well. Here we spill it:
5. The person throwing questions frequently looks at the clock
Checking the time often means boredom. If your host looks at the clock too often, he might not be interested of focused on what you say. Sadly, you might not be qualified for the job.
6. You've been told that there are a lot of contenders for the position
This is not only done to inform you, sometimes, it is also done to hint that you have a small chance of getting the job.
7. The flow of conversation feels more like an interrogation
Hiring managers usually have the knack for smelling lies, especially the ones written in resumes. If you lied and felt like you are being grilled, it's no paranoia. Chances are, your employer has already found out.
Take account on the gestures of your host, these are windows to see whether you have the chance or not. Clearly, the indications mentioned above were not a hundred percent accurate, but watch closely anyway, in case you turn crazy replaying the conversation on your mind, looking for signs if an interview went well.
Melinda Edwards works as a career consultant and has been invited in many forums and events on human resource management. She is also a time management expert who effectively performs her roles both as a career woman and a mother.
9/30/12
How to Write an Interview Winning CV
Clearly put your contact details at the top
If an employer is going to offer you an interview then they are going to need to know how to contact you. Before you start writing the main bulk of your CV, you are going to need to write your contact details. Make sure that the first section of your CV clearly shows your name and surname, date of birth, your address, your telephone number(s), your email address, and any other ways a company can contact you. This will ensure that an employer has many ways to contact you, improving your chances of them getting in touch with you.
Next, put a summary of your skills
Businesses are busy and they are likely to receive hundreds of applications for a single job. Often, they will not have the time to read every last detail on your CV. You can give yourself an advantage by putting a bullet point list of your skills after your contact details. Employers will like the fact that you have saved them time, and if your skills match what they're looking for, then they'll be much more likely to give your CV a proper look.
Put your career objectives
A potential employer is going to want to know what your aspirations are. Ultimately, they want to know that you're applying for the right job. You don't need to write your life story up until now. In fact, doing this will probably put them off of reading the rest. Instead, make a nice concise paragraph that explains what you want to achieve and what the job could do for you. It is wise to alter the objective section for each job if you're applying for several jobs that are slightly different to each other.
List your education
You're going to need to put your professional qualifications in here, dating right back to high school. It's not just your academic qualifications that need to go in here either. If you have other recognised achievements then they should also go in to this section.
Show your work experience
Any previous jobs you have had need to go in this section. If you have been working a long time then you should only put your last two or three jobs in this section. If you have any large gaps in your work history (a few months or more), then it can be worth highlighting why that is the case.
Highlight your personal interests
It is always worthwhile putting a paragraph about your hobbies and interests. This lets a potential employer know a little bit about you as a person and not just as a professional.
There you have it, a few key tips to writing a killer CV. Now, not all of us are great writers, so if you'd like help with your CV then EtcEtc are an online company that can help you with CV writing. They also post many new jobs in the South West of England.
8/14/12
How to Write an Interview Winning CV
Clearly put your contact details at the top
If an employer is going to offer you an interview then they are going to need to know how to contact you. Before you start writing the main bulk of your CV, you are going to need to write your contact details. Make sure that the first section of your CV clearly shows your name and surname, date of birth, your address, your telephone number(s), your email address, and any other ways a company can contact you. This will ensure that an employer has many ways to contact you, improving your chances of them getting in touch with you.
Next, put a summary of your skills
Businesses are busy and they are likely to receive hundreds of applications for a single job. Often, they will not have the time to read every last detail on your CV. You can give yourself an advantage by putting a bullet point list of your skills after your contact details. Employers will like the fact that you have saved them time, and if your skills match what they're looking for, then they'll be much more likely to give your CV a proper look.
Put your career objectives
A potential employer is going to want to know what your aspirations are. Ultimately, they want to know that you're applying for the right job. You don't need to write your life story up until now. In fact, doing this will probably put them off of reading the rest. Instead, make a nice concise paragraph that explains what you want to achieve and what the job could do for you. It is wise to alter the objective section for each job if you're applying for several jobs that are slightly different to each other.
List your education
You're going to need to put your professional qualifications in here, dating right back to high school. It's not just your academic qualifications that need to go in here either. If you have other recognised achievements then they should also go in to this section.
Show your work experience
Any previous jobs you have had need to go in this section. If you have been working a long time then you should only put your last two or three jobs in this section. If you have any large gaps in your work history (a few months or more), then it can be worth highlighting why that is the case.
Highlight your personal interests
It is always worthwhile putting a paragraph about your hobbies and interests. This lets a potential employer know a little bit about you as a person and not just as a professional.
There you have it, a few key tips to writing a killer CV. Now, not all of us are great writers, so if you'd like help with your CV then EtcEtc are an online company that can help you with CV writing. They also post many new jobs in the South West of England.
8/10/12
How to Write an Interview Winning CV
Clearly put your contact details at the top
If an employer is going to offer you an interview then they are going to need to know how to contact you. Before you start writing the main bulk of your CV, you are going to need to write your contact details. Make sure that the first section of your CV clearly shows your name and surname, date of birth, your address, your telephone number(s), your email address, and any other ways a company can contact you. This will ensure that an employer has many ways to contact you, improving your chances of them getting in touch with you.
Next, put a summary of your skills
Businesses are busy and they are likely to receive hundreds of applications for a single job. Often, they will not have the time to read every last detail on your CV. You can give yourself an advantage by putting a bullet point list of your skills after your contact details. Employers will like the fact that you have saved them time, and if your skills match what they're looking for, then they'll be much more likely to give your CV a proper look.
Put your career objectives
A potential employer is going to want to know what your aspirations are. Ultimately, they want to know that you're applying for the right job. You don't need to write your life story up until now. In fact, doing this will probably put them off of reading the rest. Instead, make a nice concise paragraph that explains what you want to achieve and what the job could do for you. It is wise to alter the objective section for each job if you're applying for several jobs that are slightly different to each other.
List your education
You're going to need to put your professional qualifications in here, dating right back to high school. It's not just your academic qualifications that need to go in here either. If you have other recognised achievements then they should also go in to this section.
Show your work experience
Any previous jobs you have had need to go in this section. If you have been working a long time then you should only put your last two or three jobs in this section. If you have any large gaps in your work history (a few months or more), then it can be worth highlighting why that is the case.
Highlight your personal interests
It is always worthwhile putting a paragraph about your hobbies and interests. This lets a potential employer know a little bit about you as a person and not just as a professional.
There you have it, a few key tips to writing a killer CV. Now, not all of us are great writers, so if you'd like help with your CV then EtcEtc are an online company that can help you with CV writing. They also post many new jobs in the South West of England.
8/3/12
How to Write an Interview Winning CV
Clearly put your contact details at the top
If an employer is going to offer you an interview then they are going to need to know how to contact you. Before you start writing the main bulk of your CV, you are going to need to write your contact details. Make sure that the first section of your CV clearly shows your name and surname, date of birth, your address, your telephone number(s), your email address, and any other ways a company can contact you. This will ensure that an employer has many ways to contact you, improving your chances of them getting in touch with you.
Next, put a summary of your skills
Businesses are busy and they are likely to receive hundreds of applications for a single job. Often, they will not have the time to read every last detail on your CV. You can give yourself an advantage by putting a bullet point list of your skills after your contact details. Employers will like the fact that you have saved them time, and if your skills match what they're looking for, then they'll be much more likely to give your CV a proper look.
Put your career objectives
A potential employer is going to want to know what your aspirations are. Ultimately, they want to know that you're applying for the right job. You don't need to write your life story up until now. In fact, doing this will probably put them off of reading the rest. Instead, make a nice concise paragraph that explains what you want to achieve and what the job could do for you. It is wise to alter the objective section for each job if you're applying for several jobs that are slightly different to each other.
List your education
You're going to need to put your professional qualifications in here, dating right back to high school. It's not just your academic qualifications that need to go in here either. If you have other recognised achievements then they should also go in to this section.
Show your work experience
Any previous jobs you have had need to go in this section. If you have been working a long time then you should only put your last two or three jobs in this section. If you have any large gaps in your work history (a few months or more), then it can be worth highlighting why that is the case.
Highlight your personal interests
It is always worthwhile putting a paragraph about your hobbies and interests. This lets a potential employer know a little bit about you as a person and not just as a professional.
There you have it, a few key tips to writing a killer CV. Now, not all of us are great writers, so if you'd like help with your CV then EtcEtc are an online company that can help you with CV writing. They also post many new jobs in the South West of England.
7/13/12
How to Write an Interview Winning CV
Clearly put your contact details at the top
If an employer is going to offer you an interview then they are going to need to know how to contact you. Before you start writing the main bulk of your CV, you are going to need to write your contact details. Make sure that the first section of your CV clearly shows your name and surname, date of birth, your address, your telephone number(s), your email address, and any other ways a company can contact you. This will ensure that an employer has many ways to contact you, improving your chances of them getting in touch with you.
Next, put a summary of your skills
Businesses are busy and they are likely to receive hundreds of applications for a single job. Often, they will not have the time to read every last detail on your CV. You can give yourself an advantage by putting a bullet point list of your skills after your contact details. Employers will like the fact that you have saved them time, and if your skills match what they're looking for, then they'll be much more likely to give your CV a proper look.
Put your career objectives
A potential employer is going to want to know what your aspirations are. Ultimately, they want to know that you're applying for the right job. You don't need to write your life story up until now. In fact, doing this will probably put them off of reading the rest. Instead, make a nice concise paragraph that explains what you want to achieve and what the job could do for you. It is wise to alter the objective section for each job if you're applying for several jobs that are slightly different to each other.
List your education
You're going to need to put your professional qualifications in here, dating right back to high school. It's not just your academic qualifications that need to go in here either. If you have other recognised achievements then they should also go in to this section.
Show your work experience
Any previous jobs you have had need to go in this section. If you have been working a long time then you should only put your last two or three jobs in this section. If you have any large gaps in your work history (a few months or more), then it can be worth highlighting why that is the case.
Highlight your personal interests
It is always worthwhile putting a paragraph about your hobbies and interests. This lets a potential employer know a little bit about you as a person and not just as a professional.
There you have it, a few key tips to writing a killer CV. Now, not all of us are great writers, so if you'd like help with your CV then EtcEtc are an online company that can help you with CV writing. They also post many new jobs in the South West of England.
7/5/12
All the Right Moves- The Right Body Language on a Job Interview
No matter how stunning your resume and cover letter are, if you don’t do well in the interview, you’re most likely not going to get the job. Being a little nervous is one thing, but showing up to an interview a completely different person than your resume says you are is quite another.
So how do you maintain the professional, capable, calm and collected person that you sold on paper? Brush up on your speaking and communication skills, maybe study some potential questions from employers… and then make sure that you convey the right message with your body language. I don’t mean to move seductively or try to hypnotize with your body by dancing on desks…. But you should be able to engage your interviewer, appear professional and most of all, exude lots of confidence to show what a shoe in you are for the job.
Here are a few don’ts to get you started:
Don’t cross your arms. This is a move that is often frowned upon in general- it’s even advised not to do this if you’re trying to pick up a guy or girl in a bar because it’s sort of a defensive move. You’re saying that you’re reserved and trying to remain closed off from the world when you are shielding your body like this. Of course you’re not trying to go home with your interviewer (that’s a different article) but if you appear closed off or standoffish, you’re not going to send a good message. Don’t even think about putting your hands in your pockets. Hello, five year old boy! Do you really think that someone is going to take you seriously when you pull this “shy” move? Keep your hands at your sides or casually on your lap! Don’t lean away. If you’re leaning toward the door or away from your interviewer, you may be unknowingly sending a message that says “I want to get away” or “I’m so not interested in what you have to say.” Common sense would tell you that these are not messages you want to send on a job interview. Leaning in a little towards your interviewer conveys interest and focus. Don’t touch yourself. Of course you’re not going to masturbate in front of the interviewer (well, I hope not) but you should also keep the touching of any part of yourself to a minimum. Keep your mind out of the gutter already, that’s not what I mean. If you touch your nose, it is kind of like a “tell” that says you’re not being completely truthful. Kind of ironic, considering Pinocchio’s tell was his nose growing every time he told a lie. Rubbing your head or neck says that you’re bored…. So does staring at the floor. It’s ok to scratch an itch, of course. Don’t sit there stiff as a board, either… just be mindful of what you’re doing. Don’t be a slouch or jitterbug. It’s ok to slouch back and relax when you’re at home on your couch, but in an interview? It appears totally unprofessional. Sit up straight, soldier. You are confident, not doubtful, remember? Also, if you cross your legs, it’s fine, but don’t start nervously shaking your leg or wiggling your foot. We all do this sometimes when our legs are crossed. It’s usually because we’re impatient or bored. You guessed it- not things that you want to say to on a job interview!Now that you know what not to do on a job interview, it should be easier to avoid. Just remember that you want to be confident (but not cocky), professional and prove that you weren’t lying on that excellent resume of yours. Good luck and work that body language!
Landon Long is the founder of InterviewMastermind.com and a recognized expert on the topic of psychology-based job interview tips for job seekers all over the world.
If you are jobless and can't figure out how to write a resume no matter how hard you try, here is the secret that's helped over 20,000 job seekers! Watch your FREE VIDEO right now and learn a proven Jedi Mind Trick to get attention in today’s uber-competitive job market!
Interview Tips at eWeek
There's a nice article over at eWeek entitled 10 Avoidable IT Interview Flubs. They are called IT interview flubs just because it's eWeek, but 9 out of 10 can be applied to pretty much any kind of job interview. All of these tips sum up what I think is the key to any job interview: be modest yet confident. Don't talk too much, but you must convey that you're knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with.
Read more ...
It's definitely a thin line to walk. Too many times I've seen a qualified candidate miss out on a job because of just one of these annoying flubs. So don't be too much of anything during a job interview, the most well rounded (and grounded) candidate will usually get the job.
5/5/12
5 Resume Writing Tips To Help You Land That Interview
One of the most important tools in your job hunting arsenal is your resume - a poor resume will see your application in the trash can moving faster than a skydiver who forgot his parachute... a good resume will likely get you noticed and maybe even see you into an interview or two...but a great resume will not only get you through the door for more interviews, but can also help overshadow other applicants pushing them right out of the picture.
What do you think that does for your chances in the interview?
Your resume really only has one particular goal, and that is to get you past the review and into the interview seat. your resume should sell you, it should make you stand out as the only logical choice for the job.
Here are 5 resume writing tips that you can use to help get you over the first hurdle and get you sitting right in that interview hot seat.
Resume Writing Tip #1: First Impressions Do Count - Everyone knows this when it comes to in-person communication, but how many of us think the same thing about writing emails, or writing a resume? Just like you will dress smart, make yourself as presentable and dress-appropriate as possible, your resume should follow a style guide too.
Use concise sentences. Keep the resume clean and clutter free. Make use of White space. Structure your resume such that the pertinent information comes first and hits home, and follow-up with the standard resume filler material.
Resume Writing Tip #2: Focus On The Needs Of The Employer - Don't waste your time writing about irrelevant job histories and hobbies that have no bearing on the position being applied for. Your employer is looking for the best fit for the position, so craft your resume around what they are looking for.
Resume Writing Tip #3: Be Specific - Don't ramble. Don't write anything that detracts from what is important and relevant to the job you are after. Don't use a generic resume for every position you apply for. Tweak it to make it specific to the position you are seeking.
Resume Writing Tip #4: Tease The Employer - where possible, try to hint at highly relevant skills and experience without giving all of the details. Tease the employer, pique their curiosity so that they sub-consciously feel a need to learn more about this applicant, about you!
How will they find out more? By inviting you for an interview...
Resume Writing Tip #5: Your Resume Is A Sales Ad - Too often resumes turn into an employment history with a section for a ton of skills, some relevant, some not. Your resume has a single goal - to get you an interview. Think about it from the consumer point of view (where the employer is the consumer, and you are the product) - would you opt to buy a product that kind of, sort of, meets your needs, or something that is exactly what you were looking for?
Now, there are many more tips and pieces of advice i could give you on writing a resume, but these 5 should give you a good overview of the kind of angles you need to consider when you are writing a resume specifically to get to the interview (bonus tip #6, in case you missed it already, is that getting the interview is the only reason for writing a resume...).
To learn more about crafting your own resume to blow the employer away and get you into that interview seat, check out my Top 10 Resume Writing Tips article.
John Robertson is the creator of http://www.onlinejobsinformation.org/ and writes about online job hunting based on years of personal experience.
4/25/12
Interview Tactics and Resume Samples for College Students
After the tiresome years in school, college students are now getting ready to penetrate the corporate world. However, these students should first pass the corporate world's "rite of passage" - the job interview.
Interview is the gateway toward a successful and rewarding corporate life. It helps in gauging a student's potentials and capacities while ensuring that the student, who is a future employee, is emotionally prepared to undertake the requirements of the job.
Before a student or any individual is able to get a job interview, he must first create a resume. For newly graduates who have the slightest idea in creating application documents, resume samples for college students can be used to create interesting and effective documents.
First Job Calls
Once your application document captures the attention of a prospective employer, the student applicant is then called in for an interview. However, be reminded that receiving an interview is no guarantee that the student will get the job. This is just the initial step in introducing himself/herself to the hiring manager.
In order to make the most out of the given opportunity, the applicant must be ready and be well-oriented for the interview. Here are some tactics that an applicant can use during a job search:
· Do your research
When setting out for a job interview, it is important that a job candidate is well-oriented with the company. He must have a good knowledge and understanding of the company's business and industry. This can be thoroughly executed by researching and conducting a simple analysis of the prospective company.
· Be presentable
There is no perfect way to sabotage your career than to come to an interview wearing your day clothes and flip flops. Since interviews are formal engagements, it is a must that you wear your best corporate attire. Be sure to check yourself out in the mirror before you introduce yourself to the hiring manager.
· Be punctual
Never show up late on interviews. Apart from creating a positive impression, being on time also gives you enough opportunity to prepare for your first encounter with the hiring manager.
· Be formal
Be courteous. It is important that you start your meeting right by offering a firm handshake. Maintain a good posture and eye contact since these simple gestures can give hiring managers an idea on how you behave and work with people.
Also, make sure to avoid slangs, slurs, and curses during interviews. These mannerisms can do you no good and may even ruin your image as a professional.
These might be basic instructions in dealing with an interviewer. However, you might be surprised on how many job applicants flunk their interviews because of these seemingly "simple" tips.
Remember that job application is a serious thing. It even determines whether or not you'll be able to get your dream job or work for a prestigious company. Nonetheless, by prepping up yourself with a powerful resume and interview skills, you can increase your chances of obtaining a job offer. All it takes is a good research skill, determination, and a good collection of resume samples for college students and you're all set for an exciting job search.
3/20/12
All the Right Moves- The Right Body Language on a Job Interview
No matter how stunning your resume and cover letter are, if you don’t do well in the interview, you’re most likely not going to get the job. Being a little nervous is one thing, but showing up to an interview a completely different person than your resume says you are is quite another.
So how do you maintain the professional, capable, calm and collected person that you sold on paper? Brush up on your speaking and communication skills, maybe study some potential questions from employers… and then make sure that you convey the right message with your body language. I don’t mean to move seductively or try to hypnotize with your body by dancing on desks…. But you should be able to engage your interviewer, appear professional and most of all, exude lots of confidence to show what a shoe in you are for the job.
Here are a few don’ts to get you started:
Don’t cross your arms. This is a move that is often frowned upon in general- it’s even advised not to do this if you’re trying to pick up a guy or girl in a bar because it’s sort of a defensive move. You’re saying that you’re reserved and trying to remain closed off from the world when you are shielding your body like this. Of course you’re not trying to go home with your interviewer (that’s a different article) but if you appear closed off or standoffish, you’re not going to send a good message. Don’t even think about putting your hands in your pockets. Hello, five year old boy! Do you really think that someone is going to take you seriously when you pull this “shy” move? Keep your hands at your sides or casually on your lap! Don’t lean away. If you’re leaning toward the door or away from your interviewer, you may be unknowingly sending a message that says “I want to get away” or “I’m so not interested in what you have to say.” Common sense would tell you that these are not messages you want to send on a job interview. Leaning in a little towards your interviewer conveys interest and focus. Don’t touch yourself. Of course you’re not going to masturbate in front of the interviewer (well, I hope not) but you should also keep the touching of any part of yourself to a minimum. Keep your mind out of the gutter already, that’s not what I mean. If you touch your nose, it is kind of like a “tell” that says you’re not being completely truthful. Kind of ironic, considering Pinocchio’s tell was his nose growing every time he told a lie. Rubbing your head or neck says that you’re bored…. So does staring at the floor. It’s ok to scratch an itch, of course. Don’t sit there stiff as a board, either… just be mindful of what you’re doing. Don’t be a slouch or jitterbug. It’s ok to slouch back and relax when you’re at home on your couch, but in an interview? It appears totally unprofessional. Sit up straight, soldier. You are confident, not doubtful, remember? Also, if you cross your legs, it’s fine, but don’t start nervously shaking your leg or wiggling your foot. We all do this sometimes when our legs are crossed. It’s usually because we’re impatient or bored. You guessed it- not things that you want to say to on a job interview!Now that you know what not to do on a job interview, it should be easier to avoid. Just remember that you want to be confident (but not cocky), professional and prove that you weren’t lying on that excellent resume of yours. Good luck and work that body language!
Landon Long is the founder of InterviewMastermind.com and a recognized expert on the topic of psychology-based job interview tips for job seekers all over the world.
If you are jobless and can't figure out how to write a resume no matter how hard you try, here is the secret that's helped over 20,000 job seekers! Watch your FREE VIDEO right now and learn a proven Jedi Mind Trick to get attention in today’s uber-competitive job market!
3/16/12
All the Right Moves- The Right Body Language on a Job Interview
No matter how stunning your resume and cover letter are, if you don’t do well in the interview, you’re most likely not going to get the job. Being a little nervous is one thing, but showing up to an interview a completely different person than your resume says you are is quite another.
So how do you maintain the professional, capable, calm and collected person that you sold on paper? Brush up on your speaking and communication skills, maybe study some potential questions from employers… and then make sure that you convey the right message with your body language. I don’t mean to move seductively or try to hypnotize with your body by dancing on desks…. But you should be able to engage your interviewer, appear professional and most of all, exude lots of confidence to show what a shoe in you are for the job.
Here are a few don’ts to get you started:
Don’t cross your arms. This is a move that is often frowned upon in general- it’s even advised not to do this if you’re trying to pick up a guy or girl in a bar because it’s sort of a defensive move. You’re saying that you’re reserved and trying to remain closed off from the world when you are shielding your body like this. Of course you’re not trying to go home with your interviewer (that’s a different article) but if you appear closed off or standoffish, you’re not going to send a good message. Don’t even think about putting your hands in your pockets. Hello, five year old boy! Do you really think that someone is going to take you seriously when you pull this “shy” move? Keep your hands at your sides or casually on your lap! Don’t lean away. If you’re leaning toward the door or away from your interviewer, you may be unknowingly sending a message that says “I want to get away” or “I’m so not interested in what you have to say.” Common sense would tell you that these are not messages you want to send on a job interview. Leaning in a little towards your interviewer conveys interest and focus. Don’t touch yourself. Of course you’re not going to masturbate in front of the interviewer (well, I hope not) but you should also keep the touching of any part of yourself to a minimum. Keep your mind out of the gutter already, that’s not what I mean. If you touch your nose, it is kind of like a “tell” that says you’re not being completely truthful. Kind of ironic, considering Pinocchio’s tell was his nose growing every time he told a lie. Rubbing your head or neck says that you’re bored…. So does staring at the floor. It’s ok to scratch an itch, of course. Don’t sit there stiff as a board, either… just be mindful of what you’re doing. Don’t be a slouch or jitterbug. It’s ok to slouch back and relax when you’re at home on your couch, but in an interview? It appears totally unprofessional. Sit up straight, soldier. You are confident, not doubtful, remember? Also, if you cross your legs, it’s fine, but don’t start nervously shaking your leg or wiggling your foot. We all do this sometimes when our legs are crossed. It’s usually because we’re impatient or bored. You guessed it- not things that you want to say to on a job interview!Now that you know what not to do on a job interview, it should be easier to avoid. Just remember that you want to be confident (but not cocky), professional and prove that you weren’t lying on that excellent resume of yours. Good luck and work that body language!
Landon Long is the founder of InterviewMastermind.com and a recognized expert on the topic of psychology-based job interview tips for job seekers all over the world.
If you are jobless and can't figure out how to write a resume no matter how hard you try, here is the secret that's helped over 20,000 job seekers! Watch your FREE VIDEO right now and learn a proven Jedi Mind Trick to get attention in today’s uber-competitive job market!
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