A job interview can be a stressful experience if you don't know what to do, or if you aren't used to being in that situation. But there are some things you can do to help you interact with your interviewer more professionally. A successful interview has as much to do with how you present yourself as the skills you bring to a company.
When meeting someone for the first time, there are some simple rules to remember. Some tips for your next interview how you can project a professional image.
• Stand up straight and keep your shoulders back. This makes a huge difference when making a first impression and you'll feel better.
• If you're not sure how to shake hands properly, get someone to help you. There's nothing worse than a bad handshake.
• When shaking hands, stand up, make eye contact and smile. Smiling conveys an accepting attitude towards others.
• Maintain eye contact with the interviewer but look away at regular intervals to make sure you aren't staring.
• If you're concerned about clammy hands. Keep a tissue in your pocket and gently squeeze it before shaking hands.
• When receiving someone's business card, leave it on the desk/table in front of you and look at it during the meeting. It's one way to make sure you get the person's name correct.
• When sitting, don't slouch. This sends a message that you don't care about being with someone.
• Be prepared. Whether it's an interview, meeting or networking. Have a plan of what you want to accomplish and do it.
• Practice introducing yourself.
• Don’t use mobile phone during interview.
• Remember that, for better or worse, first opinions are formed very quickly. The image you project can affect your ability to inspire trust and confidence. It also gives others information by which they judge our credibility and professionalism.
Knowing how to act and presenting yourself professionally through your attire is critical image builder.
Tips on dressing for business:
• Buy the best you can afford in classic styles.
• Man Always wear formal dress pant & shirt with tie Black pant & White Shirt is a good Combination.
• The more skin you show, the less professional you look.
• Research the dress code, the position you're interviewing for and the person you will be meeting.
• To project expertise, wear a jacket.
• Wear clothing that is comfortable and makes you feel good.
• Focus on basics-jackets, skirts, slacks in a neutral color. Black, navy and charcoal project power and authority.
• Check skirt lengths. A skirt around knee length is flattering for most women and looks professional. It also doesn't expose too much leg when sitting down. If your skirt has a split, check how much leg you expose when sitting down.
• Avoid plunging necklines, sheer fabrics, and clinging knits. Knits cling and find body fat even if you think you don't have any.
• Carry either a briefcase or a purse, not both. No knapsack.
How you look and how you interact with your interviewer will help determine the outcome of the interview. By following these simple rules, you'll likely feel more prepared and ready to take on the challenge.
Put a Positive Impression on Your Interviewer:
Your resume impressed them and now you have a job interview. What can you do to leave your potential employers with the best possible impression of you?
Time Punctuality is must always Arrive On Time:
One of the most important points of making a positive lasting impression is showing respect to your potential future employer by arriving for an interview early and on time.
Arriving a bit early (ten minutes is a good guideline) also allows you time to focus and gather your thoughts.
Arrive Prepared:
Make sure you know what the company does, how they function, what industries they are involved in, and what your job will be. Of course, some of the information about your potential new job may only be presented at the interview, but more than likely, most of it will be available from the job description. Make sure you have an answer to every requirement they have on the job description.
Be Confident:
You know you can do the job. Make sure they know. Show your skills in the best way that you can by having faith in yourself. This isn't the time to downplay your achievements. Without being arrogant, illustrate your experience with things you've achieved at your past jobs. It's not enough to list your experience. Have examples ready that describe your workplace achievements.
By displaying confidence, you also avoid the trap of appearing desperate. Desperation is not a trait that leaves a positive impression on interviewers.
Give them a reason to pick you by being properly dressed, projecting a confident image, and being prepared.
Don't Speak Badly of a Past Employer:
There are nice ways to say things and there are some not so nice ways. Don't lie and say you quit when you were indeed fired because these things can be easily verified. Instead, if you did quit your job, you can use phrases like "I wanted to seek out new opportunities," "I wanted a new challenge," because essentially, that's what you wanted.
Be Friendly but Professional:
Leaving a good impression by being friendly, positive and happy will go a long way towards the interviewer remembering who you were. Don't overdo it though because being fake does not leave a good lasting impression. Be genuine and friendly.
Five Points to Discuss During Your Interview:
A job interview can be a stressful event. You're trying to remember what to talk about, and how to make sure the interviewer knows you're perfect for the job. What should you remember to mention? Here are some tips.
• Your Skills:
Re-read your resume and know all your skills and strengths, so all skills are fresh in your mind. Put an emphasis on the skill requirements of the interviewer and make sure they know you are capable of doing what is required. Stressing your skills will help them remember why you should be hired.
• Your Flexibility:
If you're flexible, let them know. If you can work late, can do overtime, or can work weekends or travel if you need to, tell them. Don't appear too eager because they may not have any need for you to work extra hours. But by letting they know of your availability, you present yourself as an attractive candidate.
• Your Attitude:
Projecting a positive and professional attitude will leave a happy memory in the minds of your interviewers. A can-do approach to work is always welcomed by employers. Give yourself a pep-talk before you go in and tell them that you're a hard worker, you're cheery, and you'd enjoy working for them.
• Your Willingness to Learn:
Make sure you tell them about programs or tools you've learned and retained in your past jobs. They'll likely be impressed by your willingness to adapt and to learn new things. It shows a strong work ethic and talent.
• Your Interviewer's Needs:
If you've those skills that they're looking for, tell them. If you fulfill the requirements of the job advertisement, make sure you stress how you fulfill them. Make sure your interviewer's needs and requirements are met.
It's important to bring forth some of your best qualities at a job interview. By fulfilling these needs and telling them how you can do the job, you are projecting your capacity to do the job.
Points for Phone Interview:
Phone interviews are a common technique used determine which candidates will move forward in the interview process. They can also replace an actual in-person interview and so they are critical in determining whether or not you will be hired. Here are some important tips for phone interviews.
• Be Available:
Be there when you say you will be. Recruiters and employers are often very busy calling other candidates and you don't want to give them the impression that you don't value their time. If you make an appointment to receive their call, be prepared to give them your full attention.
• Be Prepared:
Re-read your resume and know all your skills and strengths, just as you would for a regular interview. Just because you can have all your information in front of you and the interviewer can't see you looking at your resume, you still need to be prepared so that you'll sound polished and confident.
• Be Professional:
Just as you would a regular interview, ensure you appear professional. Practice talking on the phone with a friend, simulating a phone interview. Keep an eye on your speech patterns and don't talk excessively or mumble. Be attentive to the interviewer. Because the interviewer can't see you, they can't see your body language or how you act when you respond to questions. All your feedback is coming to them through the phone, so it's critical that your phone skills be excellent.
• Follow-up:
Just as you would a traditional interview, follow-up with the interviewer to let them know that you appreciate the time they took in interviewing you. Let them know again of your interest in the job and that you look forward to hearing from them regarding the position.
Remember, a phone interview is just like a regular interview. It can determine whether you get hired on the spot or get selected for a future interview. It's important to treat it just like any other interview you would participate in, so ensure that you are prepared, confident, and attentive to the interviewer.
Dressing For Job Interview:
Have you got a job interview coming up and you're not quite sure what to wear?
Here are some tips to help you achieve a professional, polished look.
• Dress Comfortably:
You don't want to look uncomfortable and ill at ease in what you're wearing. That being said, you should have a polished professional look. You've heard the expression "Dress for the job you want to do." You should go one step further. You should dress for the job that you want, but a touch dressier. Remember to wear comfortable dress shoes with dark dress socks.
For women, the same standard applies. Remember that you want to project a professional image. A good standard to go by is a nice fitted suit jacket in a neutral color like navy with either matching pants or skirt with an unfussy neutral blouse. Your shoes should be classic and just blend into your outfit. Don't forget plain pantyhose.
It's important to be comfortable as this helps you look confident and successful.
If Rejected? What to Do Now:
You sent your resume to a company, and they interviewed you. You thought everything had gone well, but they haven't called you back and you just know you didn't get the job. What do you do now?
• Don't Panic:
There might still be hope. Sometimes a company offers the job to someone else, but they don't accept it. And that process can take a little time. They offer the job, the person takes a few days to think about, they get back to the company telling them they don't want the job, and the company has to re-assess their applicants now that their top choice has changed his or her mind.
• Re-Energize:
This is a tough time for you. Take a day off from job hunting. Go window shopping, go for a drive, or an inexpensive night out with friends. Recharge your batteries. One day away from your job search likely won't hurt your chances to find another job. And it might do wonders for your self-esteem, your energy, and your drive to continue.
• Re-Evaluate:
Go over the interview in your mind. Don't do it as a critique of you, but look at it in a constructive way. Try to remember the questions they asked you and how you replied them. Is there anything that you missed that would have really helped showcase your skills? Did you ramble on because you were nervous? Work on those skills with a friend by role-playing the interview. The more comfortable you are, the better you will do next time.
• Stay Positive:
Try to see the interview that didn't succeed in getting you a job as a life experience. It might not seem like it now, but you're gaining more experience doing interviews, and each time you do another one, you should be more and more comfortable. Try to see it as practice for the job you really want. Every interview you have takes you one step closer to finding a job while giving you a chance to practice your interviewing skills.
• Don't Give Up:
Hit the job fairs, check out the newspapers and the job ads online, and network. If you want to find a job, you must apply. And applying to as many jobs as you can that you is interested in and qualified for is your best chance at getting a job.
Before Your Interview:
• Try on everything a few days before to make sure everything fits as it should. Snip off any stray threads from your clothes and mend any loose buttons or snaps. You don't want something coming apart unexpectedly.
• The night before, press anything that needs pressing. Don't wait until the day of, in case your iron doesn't work properly, or you burn something accidentally.
• Take an extra few minutes to quickly polish your shoes.
• De-lint your outfit, especially if you have pets in your home.
• Get a haircut a couple of days before. This gives you extra time to correct any problems in case it doesn't turn out the way you were expecting.
• Before you leave the house, take off one accessory. We tend to overdo garnishes when we are nervous and dressing up. Keep jewellery to a minimum - a wedding band (if applicable) or a ring, and a subtle watch, and plain earrings for women.
Choosing A Career You'll Enjoy:
It's a fact that many people are unhappy with their jobs. When I hear someone is unhappy with the work they've chosen to do, my question is always, "Why are you doing it then?" Their answers are always the same and I've outlined some of them below. I'm not advocating quitting your job. Rather, I'm advocating finding something you enjoy since we spend so much time at work. Doing something you enjoy helps create a career for life.
The Money is good:
The money isn't all that good a trade-off if you are stressed about your job. If you constantly think of your work and the anxiety that it brings into your life, you are probably thinking about it at least 12 hours a day. The money is probably not as good as you thought it was. And in researching the job you'd really love, you may find that salaries are higher than you would have expected.
I'm Too Old To Change Jobs:
If you are capable of working, odds you are capable of learning a new skill. And, if you are capable of learning a new skill, you can learn a new job. It is never too late to follow your passion or dream. It doesn't need to be a life-changing event. You can start small by volunteering somewhere to make sure it's really what you want. There are lots of resources for people who are looking at making career changes.
I Can't Do That:
Why not? Take a look at what's really stopping you. Is it your own apprehension? Is it your fears or your perceived fears? Often we set up roadblocks for ourselves when they don't really exist. We imagine that it will take years of training, or schooling to make a career change. It might, but it might not. Maybe you have enough education already that can help you towards your goals. Maybe you're afraid your family won't be behind you or supportive. Ask them. Until you do, you can't really know for certain. If you think family obligations are keeping you from pursuing your dream career, there is always a way to make things work.
There's No Jobs in The Field I Want to Work In:
There are always people hiring in all sorts of fields. Maybe not as much as in others, but with baby boomers set to retire, think of the opportunities. How about going to work abroad where the market may not be as saturated? If you are confident, skilled, and motivated, there is always working to be had. You must be flexible to perhaps seek work outside the realm you are used to, whether that means looking at other location or industry in which to work at your dream job.
I'm Just Complaining - It's Not That Bad:
Obviously it's bad enough for you to complain about and waste a lot of your energy on. Complaining is okay, but it should be constructive complaining that helps you identify problems and hopefully leads you on a path of solutions. Otherwise, it becomes psychologically draining. Figure out where you want to go and what needs aren't being satisfied by your current career. Then decide if you want to accept or change the situation around you.
Being happy with your career is about knowing yourself. If you find that you dislike your current career, take the time to explore options that will help you find your place in the world.
Are You a Student? And Looking for Job?
Everyone needs money. Whether you are saving up for college, university, or a car, having a summer job can make a big difference to your bank account.
Here are some tips on finding a summer job.
• Look Online:
A lot of companies advertise for summer workers. Many seasonal industries look for staff from across the country and advertising online is the best way to do that. Of course, you don't have to go cross-country to find a job, but you can take advantage of those listings to find work in your area.
• Look for Something That Interests You:
If you want to make the most of your summer job, look for something that will be an asset on your resume. For example, if you are planning on focusing on the travel industry in your secondary education, why not look for jobs in a resort, a travel agency, or a tourist bureau? You'll gain valuable work experience, not just a pay cheque.
• Remember to Have Fun:
If you're like most people, looking for a summer job is mainly as a result of needing cash. But it doesn't need to be a job you hate. What have you always wanted to try? When you're doing something you enjoy, it won't be a chore.
• Look for Summer Job Fairs:
A lot of communities offer summer job fairs. It's a great opportunity for local businesses to find summer help. Call your local HRDC if you aren't sure if your community is offering a fair. Remember too to check your local newspaper for times and dates.
• Look on Your College/University/High School Job board:
A lot of schools have job boards. Ask around if you aren't sure if yours has one. Often, employers will post schools, colleges, or universities to find help.
• Go To Where You Want To Work:
Don't forget that sometimes the most direct approach is the best way to get a job. Put on your snazziest, most professional outfit, make a pile of copies of your updated resume, and visit the places you'd like to work. A positive attitude will go a long way.
Overworked and Overwhelmed?
Are you constantly stressed at work? Feeling overburdened by your job or your responsibilities can lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety, and powerlessness. Here are some tips and suggestions if you are feeling the strain of overwork.
• Acknowledge It:
It's not easy to admit we can't do everything. We'd like to be able to keep on top of our work, but sometimes, it just isn't possible. If you can admit that you need help, it will go a long way to relieving the stress you are feeling. Make a list of all your responsibilities and figure out which ones are causing you to be overworked.
• Talk About It:
If you can, talk to you supervisor and let them know how you are feeling. Go about it in a professional manner. Explain that you are feeling overworked and you'd like to work with them at finding a solution. If they are unaware, explain the responsibilities you have. By being proactive and letting them know, you are giving them the opportunity to help you. Keep notes on when you talk to them and what was discussed, especially if they relieve you of some responsibilities.
• Look For Solutions:
Work with your supervisor at finding solutions to your feelings of being overworked. Keep in mind that they might not be able to reduce all your issues. Maybe they were unaware of the burdens that were placed on you. By telling them and working with them at finding a solution, it can help you feel less anxious about your level of responsibility.
Solutions might involve work-sharing, delegating some of your extra activities to others, or hiring extra staff at certain times of the year.
• Stay Positive:
When we feel overworked, it's easy to complain, especially if we're tired and anxious. Resist the temptation to whine with your colleagues or to blame management for your situation. By staying positive, you show your employers that this really is a problem for you but you are willing to work with them at finding a solution. Complaining can detract from your cause because no one sees the issue, they just hear the complaints.
By acknowledging your overwork and finding solutions to it, you can lessen some of the burdens you feel. By telling someone that can help and working with them, you can go a long way towards feeling supported at work.