Interview tips: 10 tips to improve interview performance

Do you know how to make your case to an interviewer?

Follow these 10 interview tips to boost your chances of landing the job.

Carole Martin, Monster Contributing Writer

The day has come: You found an awesome job on Monster, applied, and got a call from a real-live human being who wants to meet with you. Congrats! But your work has only just begun. 

Even the smartest and most qualified job seekers need to prepare for their job interview. Why, you ask? Interview skills are learned, and there are no second chances to make a great first impression. These 10 interview tips will teach you how to answer interview questions and convince the hiring manager that you are the one for the job. 

Practice good nonverbal communication

It's about demonstrating confidence: standing straight, making eye contact and connecting with a firm handshake. That first nonverbal impression can be a great beginning—or quick ending—to your interview.

Dress for the job or company

Today's casual dress codes do not give you permission to dress as "they" do when you interview. It is important to know what to wear to an interview and to be well-groomed. Whether you wear a suit or something less formal depends on the company culture and the position you are seeking. If possible, call to find out about the company dress code before the interview.

Listen

From the very beginning of the interview, your interviewer is giving you information, either directly or indirectly. If you are not hearing it, you are missing a major opportunity. Good communication skills include listening and letting the person know you heard what was said. Observe your interviewer, and match that style and pace.

Don't talk too much

Telling the interviewer more than he needs to know could be a fatal mistake. When you have not prepared ahead of time, you may ramble when answering interview questions, sometimes talking yourself right out of the job. Prepare for the interview by reading through the job posting, matching your skills with the position's requirements and relating only that information.

Don't be too familiar

The interview is a professional meeting to talk business. This is not about making a new friend. Your level of familiarity should mimic the interviewer's demeanor. It is important to bring energy and enthusiasm to the interview and to ask questions, but do not overstep your place as a candidate looking for a job.

Use appropriate language

It's a given that you should use professional language during the interview. Be aware of any inappropriate slang words or references to age, race, religion, politics or sexual orientation—these topics could send you out the door very quickly.

Don't be cocky

Attitude plays a key role in your interview success. There is a fine balance between confidence, professionalism and modesty. Even if you're putting on a performance to demonstrate your ability, overconfidence is as bad, if not worse, as being too reserved.

Take care to answer the questions

When interviewers ask for an example of a time when you did something, they are asking behavioral interview questions, which are designed to elicit a sample of your past behavior. If you fail to relate a specific example, you not only don't answer the question, but you also miss an opportunity to prove your ability and talk about your skills.

Ask questions

When asked if they have any questions, most candidates answer, "No." Wrong answer. Part of knowing how to interview is being ready to ask questions that demonstrate an interest in what goes on in the company. Asking questions also gives you the opportunity to find out if this is the right place for you. The best questions come from listening to what you're asked during the interview and asking for additional information.

Don't appear desperate

When you interview with the "please, please hire me" approach, you appear desperate and less confident. Reflect the three Cs during the interview: cool, calm and confidence. You know you can do the job; make sure the interviewer believes you can, too.

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INTERVIEW DOS AND DON'TS

INTERVIEW DOS AND DON'TS

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

KNOW as much about your future industry, company, and future positions as much as possible.

KNOW about yourself, your present and past work as well as accomplishments. Prepare and take any supporting documents of your achievements to the interview.

KNOW how to pass "Screening Interviews" that are usually conducted over the phone. Talk clearly and confidently.

DRESS YOUR BEST:

Women should wear suits or dresses. For employers who allow business casual, you can wear a pants suit and blouse with pumps. 

Men should preferably wear dark suits with white or medium blue shirts, and ties.  For employers who allow business casual, wear slacks, shirts and sports jackets.

THE INTERVIEW DAY:

Be on time. If circumstances prevent you from arriving on time, call your interviewer on a cell phone.

Greet everyone in the company with respect. From the receptionist to the secretary, smile warmly and give a firm handshake to them.

Greet the interviewer with a smile and firm handshake. Begin trying to establish rapport with him/her.

Talk about yourself and work history. Emphasize your accomplishments. Let the employer know that you can do for them what was done for past employers.

Show knowledge about the company. What is the company's mission, products or services, profits or losses, new direction, etc.? 

When in doubt, stress and reiterate your accomplishments or achievements.

Make the interview a two-way street! Today, an interview is a conversation. Don't passively sit by and let the interviewer do all the talking.

Focus on the job and not the money or benefits. 

AFTER THE INTERVIEW:

Send a "thank you note" to the interviewer. Outline what you discussed and further emphasize your possible contributions to the company.   

When you get an offer, skillfully negotiate your salary. Go up on the Internet and see what people in your field are earning in certain positions. 

The Dos Ø      Do be on time Ø      Do dress appropriately Ø      Do think about removing body piercing / "read" the industry you are approaching Ø      Do turn off your cell phone Ø      Do keep your personal life/problems to yourself Ø      Do give firm handshakes Ø      Do arrive prepared – know names of who you are interviewing with and information about the company Ø      Do keep your cool, but don't act too cool either. i.e. Don't have the cool-factor going, don't act like you know everything The Don'ts Ø      Don't talk about why you didn't get along at your last job Ø      Don't swear Ø      Don't come in and give conditions and restrictions Ø      Don't' wear too much perfume/cologne Ø      Don't use slang words Ø      Don't have body odor, bad breath, cigarette smoke Ø      Don't flirt Ø      Don't chew bubble gum

Rehearse. Practice in front a mirror or your parents. Now that you've made it this far, you want to ensure your best chances for a successful job interview. Be punctual. It's better to arrive early than to arrive late. Take traffic and parking into consideration and be sure to leave yourself lots of extra time. First impressions are very important Consider the position when deciding what to wear. If you are unsure, dress professionally. Make sure not to wear strong perfumes or colognes as some people find these offensive. Arrive to a job interview alone. If you are coming with someone, have that person wait in the car. Do not let them come in with you. Relax. Don't be stressed. Act like you are comfortable even if you're not. Breathe well and consider your responses before speaking. Be confident. Don't be shy about your achievement and skills. At the same time, be sure not to sound conceited. Consider ahead of time some possible questions that could be asked. Consider your strengths and weaknesses, and your strongest accomplishments. Think about why you should be hired over someone else. Come prepared with an extra copy of your resume and your references. Offer a solid handshake firm and dry (no sweaty palms!). Do not get thrown off by odd questions. Some companies may ask you a question like, "If you were a car, what kind of car would you be?" Always consider the possible significance and answer as honestly as possible. If the question is unclear, don't be afraid to clarify. You don't want to waste your time and the employer's time answering a question that you aren't clear on. Understand the job description before the interview. Know what will be expected of you so that you can relate examples and skills specifically to the position. Look the interviewer in the eye. Eyes can often say as much as words, if not more. If you look at the floor, you may look like you have something to hide. Avoiding eye contact also shows a lack of confidence. Be aware of your body language. Remember to smile. Consider how you are sitting or standing. Avoid crossing your arms. Answer questions as accurately and efficiently as possible. Remember not to ramble and answer only the question that is being asked with the most thorough answer possible. Be professional. Do not address the interviewer by their first name unless you are instructed to do so. Always shake hands with the interviewer at the beginning and the end of the interview. Remember to keep the content of your answers professional. Be honest. Do not lie about your experiences or misrepresent yourself. Be prepared to relate your personal experience to the position. Consider ahead of time your previous experiences and how they may relate to the position you are applying for. Listen. Take notes if it helps. Be polite. Do not interrupt the interviewer and do not chew gum. Make sure the interviewer feels he or she is in control. Do not start directing the interview yourself by asking questions too early or going off topic. At the same time, if the interviewer is not driving the interview forward, take some initiative and help move the interview along. Do not talk negatively about your current employer. This comes across as very unprofessional. Be ready to ask questions if necessary. Many employers will end by asking if you have any questions. Don't be afraid to ask questions about the position or the company. Find out when a response is expected. Do not be afraid to ask about the next step. You can also ask that they call even if you do not get the position. If it is a phone interview, remember the interviewer can't see you, so your tone of voice is extremely important. Try to smile because this, as corny as it may seem, will make your voice sound happier. Be sure to send out a thank you letter within a couple of days. Ask the interviewer for a business card in order to get his/her address. What TO DO During the Interview Play Detective: If the client does not begin by describing the scope of the project or responsibilities of the assignment and what skills and attributes he or she is looking for, ask! Make sure you understand what is important to the interviewer about the position before you begin discussing your background, skills, and experience. Ask the Right Questions: Come with prepared questions, and take notes during the interview. Most interviewers will give you an opportunity to ask questions. Asking informed, open-ended questions shows your interest in the company and in the assignment. Here are several suggestions: Can you tell me more about the projects this department has worked on over the past year? What is your vision for your team/department? What challenges do you face in the next three to six months? What is your management style? Sell Your Skills: Match your skills to the client’s problems and concerns. Pay close attention. Present a logical, concise description of your experience that matches the client’s need. Describe your functional duties, responsibilities, and accomplishments. Discuss hardware and software environments. It’s All in the Attitude: Managers want to work with people who are interested in working at their companies and on their projects—people who have a positive and upbeat attitude and who ask good questions. Keep Responses to the Point: Be a good listener and be interested. Stay on track, and be direct and concise with each answer. Then stop. Most interviewers have a number of pre-set questions they wish to cover in a limited amount of time. Don’t over-explain. Gain Agreement: Answer the client’s questions openly and honestly, being positive about yourself and your skills. Translate experiences you have had into benefits the client will gain if he or she selects you for the position. Ensure you have communicated well with the client and that you are able to fulfill the client’s expectations by saying, “Based on the description of the opportunity and what’s required to be a success, I am very excited about this opportunity and feel I am very qualified to assist you. How do you feel?” You might also ask: ”How do you view my role on this team?” What NOT to Do During the Interview Don’t Ask the Wrong Questions: Don’t ask about vacation or sick time. Don’t ask about benefits. This information will be provided to you later and is not appropriate during the first interview. Asking these questions gives the impression that those issues are the most important to you. Don’t Discuss Compensation During an Interview: Don’t get into specifics about compensation—there are many variables involved in achieving compensation that’s fair to you and your employer. The proper and appropriate way to answer the question about money is to say, “Mr./Ms. [Interviewer Name], I am currently making [your present compensation]; however, what is most important to me is the opportunity and the company. Based on what you have shared with me so far, I am really interested in this opportunity. If you are interested in me, I would like to entertain your strongest offer.” If they insist on discussing it, provide a range, not a specific number. Avoid Negative Comments: If you have any negative feelings or concerns, discuss them with your MATRIX Associate after the interview. Keep an open mind during the interview, and wait until after the visit to make a decision about the opportunity.

Conducting your Job Search on the Internet

Conducting your Job Search on the Internet

I.                   Why the Internet?

A.   Provides a specific search for the preferred job.

B.    Less Messy

C.   More up to date than the newspaper

D.   Allows you to view the job posting date.

E.    The majority of postings will allow you to electronically respond to the advertisement immediately via email.

F.    Provides a variety of job search engines (different search sites), rather than one newspaper.

II.                List of Job Search Engines

A.   www.monster.com

B.    www.headhunter.net

C.   www.nettemps.com

D.   www.hotjobs.com

E.    www.dice.com

F.    www.bostonworks.com

G.   www.craigslist.com

H.   www.brassring.com

III.             Conducting a Internet Job Search

A.   Open your internet access site

B.    Choose the job search engine you would like to use

C.   Type the address of the search engine on the top of the page in the “address line” (i.e. www.monster.com)

D.   Double click on search jobs

E.    You will now be in the “Monster Job Search” page.

F.    You will see a window called  “Enter Key Words”

G.   Enter some of the skills you would like to use in your next position, or the position title you would like to have.  (For example:  If I were to do a job search for an administrative assistant, I might type the words “administrative, word, excel”)

H.   Next you will be asked to “Enter Location”,  here, is where you specify WHERE you would like to find a job.  There are a couple of cities listed in each state, so choose the city that is closest to the town you would like your job to be located.  (NOTE)  If you want to search for a job in more then one area or state, hold down the Control Key “Ctrl” and click each area you are interested in.  For example, if I was looking for a job within 25 miles of Woburn, I would click on “Massachusetts, Boston North, Boston, and Framingham/Worcester” .

I.       Next, you will be asked to select a “Job Category”, you have two choices here…  You may enter “select all” (this will list all the jobs that have the key words you have specified in the job description) OR you may select the types of jobs you are interested in.  HOWEVER, if you decide to select a specific occupation or occupations (just hold the control key down), the jobs in your occupation will only show up in your search if they contain your “buzz” words.  Sometimes it’s safe to just use “Select All”. If you have a numerous amount of Jobs come up in your search, then you can filter them down by selecting a Job Category.

J.      Next you will be asked how you would like the computer to “Sort Results By”.  You will be given the option of “Date” or “Key word Relevance”.  ALWAYS choose “Date”.  (this will list all the job postings in descending order from most recent to outdated)

K.   Your last step…  Double click Get Results.

A.  Now you have your list of Job Results.  (You will see that each job shows    you the DATE it was posted, the JOB TITLE, the COMPANY, and the LOCATION of the position.

B.    You may scan down your list of Job Postings and double click on each Job Title you are interested in.

C.   Each of the Job Titles will be Blue in color.

D.   Every time you click on a Job Title, a large description of the job will appear on the screen.  Read the job description.  If you are interested in the job, you may want to print it out for your keeping.  Also, keep a log of your own of all the jobs you are interested in, the names of the companies, and the contact information.

E.    This screen will also give you the option to Apply Now.  You may apply to the position by double clicking the “Apply Now” button and filling out the required information.  HOWEVER, you must be a member of Monster to Apply electronically.  (We will go over this at the end of the seminar).  But for now, just take the Company name, job title and Location, and start with that.  A phone number, fax number or email address may be included in the description and this will make your company contact a little easier, but if they are not included… Befriend your yellow pages, www.yellowpages.com, or 411 to find the phone number of your company.  When you call your company, ask for the name, number, and email address of the correct person to send resumes to for this position.

F.    Once you see the description of one of your jobs, and you wish to go back to your list of job positions, simply click the button at the top left hand of your computer screen < BACK

G.   At the bottom of the screen, you may see Page 1 –2 –ect….next, this simply means that there is more then one page of job listings to view, and once you have viewed all the listings on that particular page, click Next, this will bring you to the following list of jobs.

H.   When you are done looking at all your job postings, click the X  box at the top right hand of your computer screen.

I.       You have completed your job search, Congrats!

Facebook and Professional Networking

If you do decide to use the social networking sites for professional networking, here are some suggestions on how best to utilize it:

·         First, make a decision whether to keep Facebook social or expand your use.

·         If you decide to use Facebook for professional networking, take a close look at your Profile and decide what you want business contacts or prospective employers to see - and what you don't.

·         Create a simple profile (or clean up with your existing one) with minimal graphics and widgets.

·         Limit the photos you post.

·         Post content relevant to your job search or career.

·         Use Facebook email to build relationships with your Friends.

·         Choose your Friends wisely. Remember your Friends may be able to see information about your other Friends in your Profile.

Finally, "To be taken professionally, be very, very careful what you share with the world (remember 'The Emperor Has No Clothes' story). People seem to forget that everyone can see what you’re really not wearing."

CAREER COACHING QUESTIONS

Ten Big Questions

Please take the time to answer these questions. Use as much space as you want; write freely and without self consciousness. The purpose of these questions is to expand you! Email your responses to these questions to me at drmarcy@time2succeedcoaching.com.

1. What are your strongest beliefs about yourself and the world right now? Do you want to update any of these?

2. What gifts do you have that you’d like to make available to the world?

3. When in your life did you feel most creative?

4. When in your life were you most committed to something/someone?

5. What are the greatest accomplishments of your life?

6. About what have you taken the strongest stand?

7. What is the most important lesson you have learned to date? What bit of wisdom would you share with the world now?

8. Where do you get your energy from?

9. How might you sabotage this coaching process?

10. How will you know how effective coaching has been for you?

STAR Interview Technique

STAR INTERVIEW TECHNIQUE

Situation
Task
Action
Result


Situation: Big picture, politics

What were the things had to be done?
What did you do?
What happened?


How well do they understand the issues?

They are not going to let go off the hook.

Organized approach. Talk to me about it.

Every bullet on the resume incorporates the STAR story and the key selection criteria.

What are the responsibilities of the hiring managers?

Behavioral
Past behavior
Predicted future performance

If they have done it before, they can do it again.

Open ended questions.

Situational
Tell me about a time when…

Never what you would do.. what did you do

Multi dimensional perspective.

What really makes them think

Were they successful?
RESUME

QUESTION KEY SELECTION CRITERIA
(Job Description)

Those three should be linked.

Accomplishments should be on the resume.

Bullet point – Details

Tie in the resume to job description


- Skill
- Knowledge
- Attitude

Tells who you are

Work ethic
Team player
Honest
Reliable
Likable
Excited

Answer the question, not over kill

Preparation for The Interview

Preparation for the Interview

Three Types of Questions
1. Can you do the job? Skills and experience
2. Will you fit? Is the chemistry right?
3. Can we deal with your career compensation issues?
a. Why are you qualified?
b. What are your strengths?
c. What are your weaknesses?

Would you hire someone you did not trust? Body Language/Eye Contact
Would you hire someone who did not have credibility?

Trust and Credibility Key to success on an interview
Always answer a question with evidence…
Conduct a skills inventory on yourself. Prioritize them.
Match your skills to the requirements of the job.
Leave your own personal needs out of the equation.
4. Let the interviewer finish the question
Pause
Answer the question
Test the interviewers interest level – “I know we are running out of time’
“I know you are busy”
5. 20% presentation – 80% evidence and results
6. Opportunity and Responsibility
Career / Compensation Issues
What are you looking for salary-wise?
Where do you want to be three years from now?
· Job Content Interesting and Challenging
· Opportunity for more responsibility
· Salary will be commensurate with that responsibility
Everything you say comes from within.
Educational (Make notes in the blank spaces)

Related course-work
Major
Minor
Electives
GPA
GPA in minor
Activities
Fraternity/Sorority

Accomplishments
Educational
Extra Curricular
Publications

Honors & Awards
Strengths/ Weaknesses
When developing your skills inventory, it is imperative that when you state a specific skill or attribute that you can support that point to the following:
How?
When?
Where?
Why?
What did I learn from that?
How did I gain from that?
Did I reach a goal?
Did I accomplish something?
Did I reach an objective?
Did I pass a milestone?
Did I make a contribution?
Was I effective?
Did I finish what I started?




Skills Inventory Development:
Esoteric skills and Work related experience: Vocabulary/Lingo (50 words or phrases)
Technical – i.e. Engineering Credit Training, Attorney, Physician
Esoteric – i.e. Trading, Engineering, Accounting, Computer Science, etc.


Checklist
Generic Skills:
Communications Verbal/ Written
Management Potential
Supervisory
Management
Decisiveness
Project Management (has a beginning and an end)
Time Management
Organizational
Planning (non-functional)
Operations
Administrative (Paper flow, Record keeping, Bureaucracy)
Financial (Finance, Accounting budgets, Short term planning, Strategic planning)
Accounting (CPA requirements, Cost accounting, Managerial Accounting)
Analytical
Quantitative
Qualitative
Follow-through
Creativity
Computer literacy (Programming, using software i.e. Microsoft Office Suite, Lotus, dBase, etc.)
Computer hardware (PCs, LANs, Network, Mainframes, etc.)
Consultative/ Advisory
People handling skills
Political skills
Selling
Marketing
Learning skills/ Quick study
Educational – work related studies
Avocations, hobbies, athletics, other interests,…



Strengths (list your 3 strongest skills)
1.______________________________________
2_______________________________________
3.______________________________________


Weaknesses (list 3 real weaknesses)
1.________________________________________
2_________________________________________
3.________________________________________


Chemistry/Checklist (Circle 10 -12)
Hard working
Strong work ethic
Disciplined
Leadership
Tenacious
Responsible
Industrious
Determined
Motivated
Decisive
Personal
Easy to get along with
Outgoing/ extraverted
Careful
Shy/ introverted
Timely
Eager to learn

The Interview

FIRST IMPRESSIONS…. You do not have a second chance to make first impression.
1. What is the purpose of the interview?
a. Identification of qualifications / skills
b. Fit/ Chemistry
c. Career and compensation expectations
2. Roles that one takes on that one might not be trained for
a. SELLING
b. DEBATING
3. Selling steps
KNOWLEDGE
a. Product knowledge
b. Belief in product
c. Develop trust and credibility in buyer
1) How well do your know yourself? – Skills database
2) Confidence
3) Does the interviewer believe it?
PREPAREDNESS
a. Know buyer’s needs/ wants (Job Description)
b. Analyze those needs
1) Set priorities
2) Write job description
c. Address the needs of the buyer. Prepare mental or written outline of your presentation.
d. The seller’s needs never come before those of the buyer.
4. Debating
a. General statement supported by evidence
b. Presentation
5. Philosophy
a. Content of the job (day to day activities & functions)
b. Opportunity to take on more responsibilities
c. Compensation


The bottom line comes down to:
Can you answer the question “Can you do the job?”
1. Do you understand the position you are applying for?
2. Why are you qualified for this position?
3. What do you bring to the party?
4. What do you put on the plate?
5. What are your strengths? (How would you describe your attributes?)
6. What are your weaknesses?
Where do you come up short?
What would you like to improve about yourself?
7. Why are you looking for a job?
8. Why are you interested in this job?
9. How much are you earning?
10. How much do you want to earn?
11. If you could design the ideal situation for yourself, what would it be? Why?
12. What are your immediate goals?
13. Where do you see yourself three years from now? Five years from now?
14. What do you see as your major accomplishments?
15. How have you made a contribution?
16. How would this entity benefit in hiring you?
17. What do you do? What have you done?

COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

While the job interview can be nerve-wracking, there is a lot you can do to prepare. Knowing what to expect and planning your answers can help you make a winning impression.


Tell me about yourself
This is a common question—and sometimes the hardest. It is a broad, general question, and the worst thing you can do is giving a broad, general answer.

So how do you make the most of this question? Use it as a springboard to introduce the topics you want to discuss. Decide in advance what you want the interviewer to know: your favorite job experience, your most valuable activities in college, your goals and dreams. Focus your answer by picking one or two things and then use specific details to bring the topic alive.

Make a short, organized statement of your education end professional goals. Then, briefly describe your qualifications for the job and the contributions you could make to the organization.

You need to have a short statement prepared in your mind. Limit it to work related items. Talk about things you have done and jobs you have held that relate to the position you are interviewing for.
Example:
I am a hard worker and I think I generally have good organizational skills. In college, I led a team of designers to create the web site for each of the university's volunteer organizations.
Why did you decide to pursue this career?
Questions like this one do double duty. On the one hand, they allow you to foreground your most relevant and impressive achievements, such as honors coursework or special research projects. On the other hand, this kind of question also allows you to talk more generally about "what makes you tick"—what motivates you and how you make decisions. The key, as always, is to focus your answer by picking a few specific events and providing details so your answer does not become too vague.
Example:
I have always been interested in math, but I also wanted a secure career that had a strong practical bent. I did a little research and decided to look into accounting. By the time I applied to college, I was sure accounting was what I wanted. I attended State University because they have a really strong accounting program. I also had a great opportunity to serve as President of the Accounting Club.

What have you gained from your work experiences?
Since the employer has already read your resume, avoid simply listing your past jobs. Instead, pick one or two work experiences and think about them in detail. What were your duties? What particular activities, events or crises stick out in your memory? Use these specific details to think about what you learned while doing that job.
Example:
My work at the community pool really helped me develop my interpersonal skills and learn how to lead people. When I was teaching swimming, it was up to me to give my students a sense of confidence and motivation—and to keep them safe while doing it.
What difficulties have you faced on the job?
Even if you have had bad work experiences, you should never use the interview as a chance to lay blame or complain about a past job or employer. Instead, turn a negative into a positive. Describe problems as challenges, and focus on solutions rather than the difficulties.
Example:
While working at the daycare center, I had to balance a lot of competing demands—from the parents, the children, the teachers and the administration. It really taught me how to view all sides of any situation, and how to prioritize my time. I found that differences of opinion usually occur because two people cannot see both sides of the situation. I learned to see the other person's side and explain my position.


What is your greatest weakness?
The key to answering this question is the same as the last: turn a negative into a positive. Do not try to come up with a character flaw or personal weakness. Instead, rephrase the question for yourself: "How do I want to improve to become better in my career?" Identify areas in which you want more training or guidance.
Example:
I would like to get more experience as a manager. In the past, I have really enjoyed supervisory roles, but I know there is so much more I could learn to make me a better manager. I would like to build on that foundation and develop more skills.
Why do you want to work here or What about our company interests you?
Few questions are more important than these; so it is important to answer them. Answer them clearly and with enthusiasm. Show the interviewer your interest in the company. Share what you learned about the job, the company and the industry. Talk about how your professional skills will benefit the company.


Why did you leave your last job?
The interviewer may want to know if you had any problems on your last job. If you did not have any problems, simply give a reason, such as: relocated away from job; company went out of business; laid off, temporary job; no possibility of advancement; wanted a job better suited to your skills.
If you did have problems, be honest. Show that you can accept responsibility and learn from your mistakes. You should explain any problems you had (or still have) with an employer, but don't describe the employer in negative terms. Demonstrate that it was a learning experience that will not affect your future work.
What are your best skills?
If you have sufficiently researched the organization you should be able to imagine what skills the company values. List them, and then give examples where you have demonstrated these skills.

What is your major weakness?
Be positive; turn a weakness into strength. For example, you might say: "I often worry too much over my work, sometimes I work late to make sure the job is done well".


Do you prefer to work by yourself or with others?
The ideal answer is one of flexibility. However, be honest. Give examples describing how you have worked in both situations.

What are your career goals? Or what are your future plans?
The interviewer wants to know if your plans and the company's goals are compatible. Let him know that you are ambitious to plan ahead. Talk about your desire to learn more and improve your performance, and be specific as possible about how you will meet the goals you have set for yourself.
What salary are you expecting?
This is a question you should not answer directly. Instead simply state where you are currently giving your base salary and bonus. Tell the interviewer you are looking for a strong opportunity where you can grow.
You should always keep in mind that it is a nasty game that you will probably lose if you answer first. Try to avoid the answer and instead try to ask questions like "Can you tell me the range for this position?" If not say that it can depend on details of the job and then give a wide range.

What is your greatest Strength?
You should highlight your communication skill, problem solving skills, your ability to work better under pressure, your ability to focus on projects and your leadership skills.



What is your Dream Job?
Never talk of more than one job. Always be sure of the job, which you are being interviewed. If you talk and show interest in other jobs, you would plant the suspicion that you would be dissatisfied if hired.



Use these questions as a guide as you prepare. But do not assume every question will show up, and do not try to memorize answers. Instead, use them to help you review your experiences and plan some possible answers. When you get to your interview, relax and draw upon your preparation as you respond to your interviewer. Hopefully, the last question you will have to answer is "When can you start

Conducting your Job Search on the Internet

Conducting Your Job Search on the Internet


I. Why the Internet?
A. Provides a specific search for the preferred job.
B. Less Messy
C. More up to date than the newspaper
D. Allows you to view the job posting date.
E. The majority of postings will allow you to electronically respond to the advertisement immediately via email.
F. Provides a variety of job search engines (different search sites), rather than one newspaper.

II. List of Job Search Engines
A. www.monster.com
B. www.headhunter.net
C. www.nettemps.com
D. www.hotjobs.com
E. www.dice.com
F. www.bostonworks.com
G. www.craigslist.com
H. www.brassring.com

III. Conducting a Internet Job Search
A. Open your internet access site
B. Choose the job search engine you would like to use
C. Type the address of the search engine on the top of the page in the “address line” (i.e. www.monster.com)
D. Double click on search jobs
E. You will now be in the “Monster Job Search” page.
F. You will see a window called “Enter Key Words”
G. Enter some of the skills you would like to use in your next position, or the position title you would like to have. (For example: If I were to do a job search for an administrative assistant, I might type the words “administrative, word, excel”)
H. Next you will be asked to “Enter Location”, here, is where you specify WHERE you would like to find a job. There are a couple of cities listed in each state, so choose the city that is closest to the town you would like your job to be located. (NOTE) If you want to search for a job in more then one area or state, hold down the Control Key “Ctrl” and click each area you are interested in. For example, if I was looking for a job within 25 miles of Woburn, I would click on “Massachusetts, Boston North, Boston, and Framingham/Worcester” .
I. Next, you will be asked to select a “Job Category”, you have two choices here… You may enter “select all” (this will list all the jobs that have the key words you have specified in the job description) OR you may select the types of jobs you are interested in. HOWEVER, if you decide to select a specific occupation or occupations (just hold the control key down), the jobs in your occupation will only show up in your search if they contain your “buzz” words. Sometimes it’s safe to just use “Select All”. If you have a numerous amount of Jobs come up in your search, then you can filter them down by selecting a Job Category.
J. Next you will be asked how you would like the computer to “Sort Results By”. You will be given the option of “Date” or “Key word Relevance”. ALWAYS choose “Date”. (this will list all the job postings in descending order from most recent to outdated)
K. Your last step… Double click Get Results.

A. Now you have your list of Job Results. (You will see that each job shows you the DATE it was posted, the JOB TITLE, the COMPANY, and the LOCATION of the position.
B. You may scan down your list of Job Postings and double click on each Job Title you are interested in.
C. Each of the Job Titles will be Blue in color.
D. Every time you click on a Job Title, a large description of the job will appear on the screen. Read the job description. If you are interested in the job, you may want to print it out for your keeping. Also, keep a log of your own of all the jobs you are interested in, the names of the companies, and the contact information.
E. This screen will also give you the option to Apply Now. You may apply to the position by double clicking the “Apply Now” button and filling out the required information. HOWEVER, you must be a member of Monster to Apply electronically. (We will go over this at the end of the seminar). But for now, just take the Company name, job title and Location, and start with that. A phone number, fax number or email address may be included in the description and this will make your company contact a little easier, but if they are not included… Befriend your yellow pages, www.yellowpages.com, or 411 to find the phone number of your company. When you call your company, ask for the name, number, and email address of the correct person to send resumes to for this position.
F. Once you see the description of one of your jobs, and you wish to go back to your list of job positions, simply click the button at the top left hand of your computer screen < BACK
G. At the bottom of the screen, you may see Page 1 –2 –ect….next, this simply means that there is more then one page of job listings to view, and once you have viewed all the listings on that particular page, click Next, this will bring you to the following list of jobs.
H. When you are done looking at all your job postings, click the X box at the top right hand of your computer screen.
I. You have completed your job search, Congrats!

HRLink Consulting Inc.

HRLink Consulting Inc.
Universal Human Resources Consulting & Staffing

HRLink Consulting is a Human Resources Consulting and Staffing firm operating its business since April 2005, started in Greater Boston Area and now serves in nationwide to leverage human resources expertise and best practice knowledge gained through higher education and practical business experience in more than 15 years. HRLink creates customized, high impact solutions and organizational strategies which minimize operational and financial risk and enhances bottom-line results for our clients.

Our HR Support Services:
RECRUITMENT
TEMPORARY & CONTRACT PLACEMENTS
SUCCESSION PLANNING AND TALENT REVIEW
360 DEGREE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
HR OUTSOURCE
HR & MANAGEMENT COACHING
TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT (FROM CERTIFIED TRAINERS & FACILITATORS)
EMPLOYEE RELATIONS & MOTIVATIONAL EVENTS
EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION PROGRAMS
BUSINESS SUPPORT ON MERGERS, ACQUISITIONS & START-UPS

Our Career Planning Services:
INTERVIEW AND JOB SEARCH STRATEGIES
RESUME AND COVER LETTER WRITING / EDITING
JOB SEARCH CAMPAIGN PLANNING
CAREER COACHING
GROUP AND INDIVIDUAL CONSULTATIONS


Please contact for detailed information:

Esra Oziskender, MS/HRM
Founder / President
(845) 652-0694
esra@hrlinkconsulting.com


www.hrlinkconsulting.com

BOOST Your career and business!!!