Job Interview Blog -Ingrid Fernandez

Source: http://www.jobopenings.net/interview_tips.htm

When attending a job interview, you need to make sure you prepared yourself correctly instead of just taking it on and seeing what happens the day of the interview. It's very important to sit down the night before and question yourself. Things like "what are your weaknesses?" and "what skills do you have that would benefit our company?" Employers are not just looking for someone who can come in and talk about themselves. They want to know what you can offer their company and how you will be an asset. Be prepared, arrive early, and make a good last impression are the 3 most important tips for a job interview. Your last impression is the one they remember and the one that they will most likely take into consideration. Interviews aren't that hard after all, but as my source says "Be yourself!" its the most important quality you have if the job is really for you.

Interviewing Success Tips

Job interviews are one of the most dreaded experiences in life, but with a little preparation and knowledge about what to expect and how to react, acing your interview will be easy! According to Employmentguide.com, there are six areas to focus on and prepare yourself for before stepping into an interview. 1) Research: Before you arrive at your interview, spend some time learning about the company you are interviewing for. Familiarize with the company's products and or services. Ask yourself what kinds of people work there. What types of hours does the job require? What are some of the day-to-day tasks that the job involves? It's also a good idea to write down any questions you may have about the company. That way you can ask the interviewer once the interview is complete. This shows extended interest and shows that you've done your research. 2) Practice: It may sound funny and even look funny, but there's nothing like practicing in front of a mirror or in front of a friend or family member. Standing in front of a mirror will allow you to see your own body language, so you'll know what looks natural and what doesn't. Ask your friends or family members to give you a trial interview, then ask them to critique your facial expressions, tone, diction, and body movements. Chances are they'll be honest and you'll feel comfortable performing in front of them. 3) Dress to Make a Good First Impression: There is nothing like the primacy effect (a first impression). First impressions can be the make or break moment for your future with a company. It is always smart to dress conservatively in business attire. Even if the dress code is casual where you are applying, it is a good idea to show them how you look in your best attire. The website suggests that wearing dark clothing gives a more professional vibe. It also says that you should avoid wearing flashy jewelry, excessive perfume, and flamboyant clothing. Don't forget to shower before your interview either! 4) Be Conscious of Good Interview Etiquette: These are the do's and dont's of an interview and should be quite obvious. Make sure you are on time, even a little early. Be aware of your body language (make sure your handshake is firm and confident). Keep the interview positive. Even when asked your strengths and weaknesses, reveal weaknesses that can be improved upon and that you are willing to work on especially if they conflict with job requirements. 5) Be Prepared to Ask the Interviewer Questions: This is where #1 kicks into play. Researching a company's background gives you insight for your future as at first an applicant and then as an employee. It isn't a good idea to turn the tables on the interviewer, but it is always appropriate to ask specific questions about the position (i.e. additional questions about the business, qualifications for the position, company codes of conduct, requirements, etc.)
6) Follow Up with a Thank You Note: Last, but not least it is important that you make your interest in the company known. Make sure the interviewer knows how pleased you were to have the chance to interview with him or her and thank them for their time. Being polite and professional always makes a good impression.

Each of these 6 tips comes down to 3 key points; be prepared, be professional, and be polite. These are the best ways to make the right impression, make you stand out, and nail you the job!

Job Interview Tips by Bryan Scott

A job interview is something that everyone will have to go through eventually in life. It can be something that is either a very stressful activity or something that you go in to well informed and prepared to impress the person interviewing you. Obviously it is better to go in well prepared, I will be giving you some tips to prepare you. First you have to make sure you practice so you are prepared to answer the types of questions you will encounter in an interview. a good tip is to "practice interview answers with a friend or a mirror." Secondly you will need to "dress conservatively and appropriately" it is important to look memorable but you want to be sure you are remembered in a positive light. Obviously you will need to "know how to get to your interview" it is important to have accurate directions so you aren't late. Which brings me to my next tip. "Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early" this will show the interviewer you are reliable and punctual. "Bring a notebook and pen, along with extra copies of your resume." Finally "eat a sensible meal before your interview." Its always easier to think on a full stomach. Follow these tips and you will have a successful stress free interview.

Here is a video giving you 10 tips. Check it out.



Sources: http://www.askstudent.com/career/job-interview-review-tips-and-tactics/

Job Interview Do's and Dont's by Tyler Reavis

Interviews can be a nerve wracking process. Being evaluated for a position, especially one that you really want, makes most people a little uneasy. The good news is that arriving prepared for the interview can greatly alleviate your stress and help to ensure successful interview. It is important to know what you can do to stand out as a promising applicant and maybe more importantly, what not to do so that you don't bring your chances for acquiring the desired position to a crashing halt. I've amassed a few very good Do's and Dont's for job interviews from various internet sources that should help you have a successful and stress free interview every time.

Do: 1. Dress Appropriately: This one should be pretty obvious for most people. Dress professionally and neatly for the occasion. If in doubt, err on the side of conservatism. Avoid bright flashy colors and patterns. Grooming should be impeccable. A black or dark grey business suit is appropriate when applying for most professional positions.

2. Arrive on Time: On time in the business world is usually five to ten minutes early. Arriving at 1:00 pm for a 1:00 pm interview is arriving late in most settings. Keep in mind that you may have to fill out paperwork once you arrive prior to the set interview time. Make sure that you know the exact time and location of the interview and allow yourself enough time to get there, park, and stop in the restroom to "freshen up" before the interview.

3. Be Respectful and Courteous at All Times: This goes for everyone that you encounter in the office or workplace that you are being interviewed. The people that you encounter other than the interviewer may be your future co-workers or supervisors and their opinion may be solicited in the hiring process. Of course, you should treat the interviewer with respect and professionalism. Make good eye contact and offer a firm handshake. Address the interviewer by their title (Mr., Ms., Dr., Prof., etc) and their last name unless invited to do otherwise. Also make sure that you pronounce their name correctly. If you are unsure of the pronunciation, ask.

Don't: 1. Don't Chew Gum, Smell like Smoke, or Wear Strong Scents: This one doesn't require much explanation. If you smoke, wait to do so until after your interview. Smelling like smoke is unprofessional and unacceptable for an interview. Wearing perfume or cologne might be fine for a date, but not for an interview. Your scent should be neutral.

2. Don't Bring Company to your Interview: Arrive alone to your interview. Leave your pet, parents, spouse, friends, enemies and anyone else at home. They are not being interviewed. If you are not independant enough to arrive alone at an interview then you are probably not independent enough to have a job.

3. Don't ask about Salary: Don't ask the interviewer about salary, vacation time, benefits, bonuses, pensions, or even lunch breaks unless the interview asks you about the subject first or unless you are sure that the interviewer wants to hire you. If the interviewer asks you it is acceptable to give a realistic desire range based upon your research of industry averages but avoid giving an exact number. Also indicate that you are not just interested in salary. Express your interest in working for the company and the opportunities that it will afford you for professional development and learning.

These are just a few tips. Many others could be added to this list. Below are some of the resources that I used to compile this list with many other great Do's and Dont's.

Sources:

Robert Half Interview Tips - Do's and Dont's

Virginia Tech- Interview Do's and Dont's

DiversityInc: 5 Job Interview Do's and Dont's

Job Interview Tips by Michael Hirsch

Do's and Don't's on Job Interviews. Appearance is number one, you have to be presentable in all the aspects. If not the interviewer will think you do not take them serious. Make sure you know where the interview will take place and give yourself enough time to get there ten minutes before. Do some research on the company and what type of interview it will be so you are prepared. Make a first impression with a respectful and educated greeting and a firm hand shake. Bring copies of your resume, but sell yourself as well. Make eye contact, stress your research about the company and achievements, let them know how you can help the company and also come prepared with intelligent questions. Avoid controversy topics, do not ask about salary or any benefits until you get an offer, do not chew gum, smoke, answer cell phone or comment about you negative aspects. End the interview by letting the interviewer know that you want the job and ask what is the next process. Take notes after interview, and write a thank you letter to each interviewer within twenty-four hours. Remember to follow up.

Source:
http://www.quintcareers.com/interviewing-dos-donts.html

Conducting An Interview by Brett Trucksess

I chose to focus on how to successfully conduct an interview as a potential employer. After reviewing a website I found at http://managementhelp.org/evaluatn/intrview.htm, I was interested to find that when conducting an interview, one should focus on using some or all of the six categories of questions. These six categories include, behavioral, opinion, feeling, knowledge, sensory, or background questions. Behavioral questions usually seek to find information about what the person has done or continues to do in their daily lives like hobbies or great experiences. Opinion questions are asked in order to find what the job candidate thinks about a particular topic that has at least two possible alternatives. Feeling questions look to find out about a persons emotions, what they value, and how conscious they are of their feelings in and out of the work place. Knowledge questions in an interview are used to find out simply if that person has the intelligence to maintain the position. Sensory questions ask the interviewee to respond using examples of how they saw, heard, felt, smelled, or tasted something. Finally, the last type of question that could be asked during an interview is a background question. Background questions usually are basic questions like age, race, hometown, nation of origin, etc. By using these six different types of questions, an interviewer has the opportunity to gain the information they need to make a hiring decision.

Job Interview Tips - Youtube clip and summary by Juan Arnez

Take one minute to watch the Youtube clip above. Although basic, the tips mentioned in the video can really help you before going on a job interview. The first tip "Know why you want the job" is a good start. The person conducting the interview is going to want to know WHY you are there and what goals you have in the company. This goes right into Tip # 3 which states "Think like an employer". This is crucial, since you put yourself in the company's position and begin to ask yourself some questions. I hope these tips come in handy and more importantly make you look at a job interview from a different angle.

Brett Diamond Job Interview Tips Toondoo

Hello First Bloggers, I have created a toondoo for you all to enjoy and learn from. The comic is short but informative on this weeks topic. Job interviews are very important and must be well prepared for. As i did a search, i found information on how to prepare. As the comic shows, it is best to learn about the company you are being interview for. Who would want to hire someone who does not know what they will be doing? It is also a smart idea to know the interviewers name, and use that while being interviewed. The interviewer will find more interest if he/she can see that you have done your proper research. Many times, people may get nervous during an interview and that will only cause trouble. The more calm you stay, the easier you will talk and be able to answer any questions you are asked. As kevin stated in his post, it is important to leave with a strong impression. Always give a firm handshake, with full eye contact, and follow up with a thank you card. 

Source Citation:                                                                                                                                                                 Doyle, Alison. "Job Interview Tips - Interview Tips and Advice." About.com Job Searching - Job Search and Employment Guide. 30 Mar. 2009 

Kevin Varnes Voki Job interview tips

Job Interview Tips (Kevin Varnes 1st blogger)

Hello all! I am going to mention some important points about job interviews. I think we can all agree that a job interview can make us all very nervous and uneasy. There are some things that we can do to alleviate those feelings. The first thing which I hope everyone knows to do is dress to impress. I would have to say in all formal business interviews a suit or jacket should be required. Now I can't really speak for the ladies but I am sure a business suit will do just fine. There is truth to first impressions when interviewing for a job. Making sure you are well groomed is also a plus. These points are obvious and I hope everyone follows them. A couple of other quick points to remember are to be prepared for the interview. Make sure you have a few copy's of your resume and a pen with you. It also helps to do some research on the company you are interviewing for in case questions about the company are thrown your way. It is important to be on time which means five to 10 minutes early. During the interview remain calm and look the person in the eye and remain attentive. After the interview a firm handshake is always a plus. A final important tip after the interview is to make sure you follow up with a thank you card. I hope these simple tips will help us all to succeed in our future!