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Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Tips and Techniques to win a job in Job interview?

Well, a few quick hits for you.
Personally, I don't think "winning" a job is about the "tricks" or "tips" you might employ. Sure, smiling and looking someone in the eye and sitting up straight and dressing well are nice. But none of those things tell me, the employer, that you will be a good hire for my company. Here are my "tips".
Spend time thinking about the real skills you have. What was the last thing that you taught yourself to do? How did you tackle a subject or issue that was something tough for you, and how well did you succeed? Describe a problem you solved, and what resources you used. Have you spent time thinking about the company or organization that you want to work for? What are their needs? How would you help them succeed?

If you can both describe and do those things, you're a potential asset to an employer. Otherwise ... well, if smiling and being polite were all that an employer wanted, we wouldn't have to do many interviews. We could just have people sit in a lobby, smile for a camera, say "please" and "thank you" and then randomly hire one of those smiles. Many people who will give you "interview tips" are telling you the most fundamental basics. They're things that might tip the scales if everything else was equal ("Gee, I have two possible candidates for the job, and they're exactly identical except for "A" smiled when she talked. Guess I'll choose her."), but guess what? Everything is NEVER exactly equal about candidates.
Another pointer: If asked what YOU expect to get out of the job or why you think you’d be the best person for the job, please don't just mention all the things this job will do for YOU. I hate it when someone says "I want to work for you because I plan to open my own business some day, and the skills I learn here will really help me then" (yes, it happens all the time). That's a fine ambition, but I'm not in business to help you. Even if that's your plan, what will you do during those few years you stick around that makes my company or organization better off than it was before we hired you?
-Yes, the first 5 minutes of presentation are key. From a firm handshake, polished shoes...the little details count.
-Go to the interview with a resume hard copy regardless if they already have one. Make it into a package with the company logo on the front and even use the company colors within the text of the resume. Say Nike would be orange and Pepsi would be blue....you get the idea
- Always dress to impress. on your resume, list more achievements or awards than job duties. Inform all of your references that they might get a call so they can say the best about you. Be articulate. Try to relax, and not to figgidy. Think about the interviewer’s underwear’s.
-Have 3 questions prepared and ask them....people who go to interviews without questions shows lack of interest.
-Always shop the company you are interviewing with. You might see some bad things and you need to bite your tongue here. Take the good things and mention them...i.e. "I was in your Robson Street location and was impressed with the visual presentation".
-And at the end, don't be shy....ask for the job. Don't look desperate...do it with confidence. When you shake their hand good-bye take a good firm grip and look them in the eye. "Well, I am looking forward to hearing form you as I would really like to be a part of the team. When will I hear from you? "
-Don't be shy to ask if you can take notes throughout the interview. It shows good process and listening as well. Don’t write an essay...just bullet points that they put out there. You need to be in good eye contact still so don't let this distract you from your main goal. This might be for more senior roles.
-Research the company, print everything out and put it in a folder. Make sure you show them your work and tell them that you have done a lot of research into companies and that they are the one that you want to work for. Then have a list of questions to ask the interviewer. If they ask you before they start if you have any questions, the worst thing you can do is say no. Make it more a conversation than a question and answer session. Be passionate! And don't forget to send a thank you note immediately after you leave the interview.
Be prepared. Know the organization you are interviewing with and be able to include that knowledge in the interview conversation if necessary. Understand the position/job and how your particular experience and skills match up. Bring samples of your work if applicable and a couple copies of your resume. Finally, understand that most people who conduct interviews aren't particularly good at it (regardless of what you'll read on the job interview sites) -- be prepared to help them understand why you fit the position.
Personal experience as both the interviewer and interviewee. I have been offered almost every job I ever interviewed for.
Last but not least I wish you all good luck in your interview undertaking

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