ComputerHunter.org

 

7 Steps to Interviews that Win the Job


These days, interviews don't come easily. When you get The Call, make the most of your time -- and go for it!

1. Investigate the company's culture, markets, and finances. But resist the temptation to show off what you've researched: "I just read that you're about to embark on a new product line") unless you have a question directly related to your career.

2. Look like you belong. Learn the company's dress code and err on the side of conservatism. When you're seeking a senior position based on industry experience, you'll be expected to know the rules without being told.

3. Take charge of the interview! The most successful interviews feel like friendly conversations. When your interviewer has an agenda (such as the infamous "stress interview") stay relaxed. Think of playing a game.

4. Assume everyone you meet will provide feedback to the decision-maker. Some companies hand out comment forms to receptionists, security guards and potential peers who take you to lunch.

5. Communicate interest and enthusiasm, even if you're not sure you're ready to commit. You'll rarely have all the facts until you're looking at an offer.

6. Bring extra copies of your correspondence from this company as well as your resume, references, writing samples, portfolio and current business cards. Interviewers lose documents and conversations move in unexpected directions.

7. Create a relaxed, positive attitude by devising a realistic game plan. When your career isn't riding on a single interview, you'll have fun and make a confident, relaxed impression.

8. Write a thank you letter within forty-eight hours. Create a low-key sales letter, emphasizing how your qualifications match the company's needs. Present yourself as a resource, not a supplicant.

9. After you write the letter, forget about the interview. Email or phone only if you've received a competing offer with a deadline.

Occasionally you may make points with follow-up mailings. A sports team public relations applicant sent puzzles, games and press releases -- and she got the job. Use your intuition.

10. Keep notes of what you learned from the process. What worked? What would you do differently?

As soon as you begin your new job, develop a career plan and a safety net before you need one.

About The Author

Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D., is an author, speaker and career/business consultant, helping midlife professionals take their First step to a Second Career. http://www.cathygoodwin.com.

"Ten secrets of mastering a major life change" mailto:subscribe@cathygoodwin.com

Contact: cathy@cathygoodwin.com 505-534-4294







Google News - Top Stories

Wall Street Journal

How Jesse Helms Made a Difference
Wall Street Journal - 5 hours ago
By JOHN FUND If Ronald Reagan was the sunny and optimistic face of modern conservatism, the uncompromisingly defiant exemplar of it was Jesse Helms, who died yesterday at age 86.
Video: A Look Back At Jesse Helms CBS
Ex-Sen. Jesse Helms dies at 86 Philadelphia Inquirer
Boston Globe - Chicago Tribune - The Associated Press
all 2,234 news articles


BBC News

Colombia Defense Minister Denies Paying Ransom
Voice of America - 1 hour ago
By VOA News Colombia's defense minister has denied reports that his government paid a ransom for the release of 15 rebel-held hostage earlier this week.
Video: Film emerges of mission to free Farc hostages - 04 July 08 AlJazeeraEnglish
Colombia Releases Video of Jungle Rescue New York Times
AFP - Times Online - BBC News - guardian.co.uk
all 6,338 news articles


Twin fires raging along California's central coast
Washington Post - 4 hours ago
By AMANDA FEHD AP BIG SUR, Calif. -- A pair of out-of-control wildfires roared along California's central coast Friday, chewing through opposite ends of a parched forest and threatening a total of more than 4500 homes.
Video: Wind Keeps California Wildfires Raging AssociatedPress
Hot weather returns, complicating firefighting efforts San Jose Mercury News
Chicago Tribune - Bloomberg - WLOS - The Associated Press
all 1,078 news articles


ABC News

Back From AU Summit, Mugabe Sets Terms For Power-Sharing Talks
Voice of America - 14 hours ago
By Ntungamili Nkomo, Blessing Zulu & Benedict Nhlapho Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, seemingly unfazed by African Union and international pressure to compromise with the opposition on power-sharing, said today that he would only negotiate with the ...
Q&A: Zimbabwe's disputed election guardian.co.uk
EU to consider Zimbabwe sanctions PRESS TV
AFP - Xinhua - Times Online - United Press International
all 5,172 news articles


Voice of America

Antiwar Demonstrators Interrupt Annual Naturalization Ceremony at ...
Washington Post - 9 hours ago
By Karin Brulliard CHARLOTTESVILLE, July 4 -- President Bush kicked off the Fourth of July at the hilltop estate of one of the nation's Founding Fathers, where he welcomed dozens of new American citizens from 30 countries.
Video: Bush Invokes Jefferson on July 4 AssociatedPress
An emotional Bush at last Fourth of July as president Los Angeles Times
CNN - FOXNews - Kentucky.com
all 870 news articles

Google
 

Copyright © 2006 Computer Hunter - A Division of Arthur´s Job Base