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The Interview |
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Prepare |
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Interview preparation is one of the most important
aspects of a successful job search. Before each
interview you should research the employer to see how
your skills fit with the company. Are you a good fit?
Are they a company you'll be satisfied working for?
Ask the tough questions now before the interviewer
does:
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What are some things you would
like to avoid in a job and why? |
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What would you say was the most
important thing you are looking for in a job and
why? |
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Can you pinpoint any specific
things in your past experience that affected your
present career objectives? |
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What kind of things do you feel
most confident in doing? |
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How would you describe yourself
as a person? |
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In your work experience, what
have you done that you consider truly creative?
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What was your most difficult
decision in the past six months? |
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How do you keep up with what is
going on in your industry or profession? |
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Describe your most significant
success and failure over the past two years? |
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What are you're standards of
success in your job? |
Source: Indiana University Bloomington Libraries
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Be Positive |
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Nothing derails a potential relationship like
insecurity. Thoughts such as "they'll never hire me",
"I look terrible", "this interview won't be good"
will telegraph to your interviewer and become
self-fulfilling. Concentrate on projecting that you
will get the job, that you do look sharp and that
you're going to excel at the interview. |
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First Impressions Count |
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Your interview starts the second you step foot in the
door. The first impression you give will be what's
remembered – and often will determine whether you're
asked back for a second interview. Dress
conservatively and make sure everything's looks
perfect. |
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Be Enthusiastic |
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Employers not only want to hire staff who can do the
work, but also staff that enjoy what they do and make
the workplace a pleasant place to be. In your
interview your tone of voice and responses will
demonstrate your interest in the position and the
enthusiasm you'll bring to work everyday. Make sure
this comes forward. |
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Emphasize your Strengths, Minimize your Weaknesses |
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The goal of every interview is to identify the
strengths and weaknesses of each candidate to
determine the right person for the job. You should be
prepared to not only explain your successes, but also
to explain those times when success was elusive.
Prepare ahead of time by identifying difficult
questions which might be asked and write concise,
accurate and straightforward answers. This
preparation will prevent you from being caught
off-guard and potentially losing the job. |
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Ask Questions |
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Remember: not only is the employer interviewing you –
you should also be interviewing them to determine if
the company and the position are right for you. By
asking questions you'll leave with a better
understanding of the job. In addition, the questions
you ask will show your interest in the position and
your ability to communicate effectively in stressful
situations. |
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Don't Discuss Money |
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The moment conversation turns to money you run the
risk of being eliminated as a job candidate. The
purpose of the interview should be to see if the
employer and candidate are a good fit. If the topic
comes up, focus on the opportunity and leave the
question of compensation for a later time. |
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Ask for the Job |
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The interview is almost over and you've decided that
you're a good fit for the position and the company.
Don't simply thank the interviewer for the
opportunity to discuss the position! Instead take a
moment to say that you would be a great fit for the
position. Ask directly how well they feel you fit and
close the conversation by asking what the next step
is. Most candidates simply don't express a strong
interest in jobs they interview for which leaves an
excellent opportunity open for the ones who do. |
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Take Notes |
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Nothing is more instructive than experience. After
the interview, take a few moments to reflect on the
conversation. Make notes about areas that went well,
but also identify things that could be improved for
your next interview. |
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Follow Up |
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In today's hectic, impersonal business culture a
simple handwritten note following your interview will
leave a strong positive impression with your
interviewer. In the note, thank the interviewer for
their time, reiterate your interest in the position
and reinforce the key strengths you offer. Be brief
and make it well written. |
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