Interviews
Interviews
If you are successful with your resume, cover letter and application form, the employer may want to interview you. This is the last step in the job seeking process that you have some control over. Interviews can be done in very informal settings such as a bench in the middle of the mall, to formal settings such as a board room with several interviewers. Regardless, one thing will be the same - you will be nervous! Being on the hot seat is never fun, but if you have a good interviewer, it should feel like a conversation between friends.
Interview tips:
- Be punctual. If necessary, drive to the interview location the day before to ensure you know how to get there.
- Prepare for the interview. Research the company and its products and services, and make sure you know the company’s correct name. Understand what the company does and anything extra special about it.
- Relax and be yourself. So many times, people stress over a job interview. Your best bet is to be the best, professional version of yourself, and look at an interview as an adventure. You are likely to learn something new and useful, even if you aren’t the right person for the job.
- Smile and be friendly. An interview is not the time to be shy. A warm smile goes a long way toward establishing a good first impression and rapport with the interviewer.
- Use a firm handshake and direct eye contact. A limp handshake or lack of eye contact can make you appear ill-at-ease and possibly less than honest.
- Bring copies of your cover letter and resume. Interviewers don’t always have a copy of your resume available and you will seem ultra-prepared if you have extras. A leather portfolio containing samples of your work is also impressive.
- Look the part. You want your potential employer to be able to visualize you in the role. Good grooming and professional appearance are important. Even if you know the office is typically business casual, a well-fitting suit makes an excellent first impression.
- Ask questions. Make sure you have prepared a few questions ahead of time. Typically, interviewers gauge your interest in the position by whether you ask questions.
- Bring a planner or pad of paper and a pen. This way, you can take notes or even write down your questions if you tend to get nervous.
- Write a thank-you note. Make sure you get business cards from every person who interviews you and send a handwritten note to each one. Make sure you spell their names correctly. So few people write thank-you notes that this alone will create a positive impression.
Assignment
Use this file from the Career Center to give you some more tips on interview skills.
The Value of Networking
The final aspect of looking for a job is building and accessing your network. Simply put, networking is making connections with as many people as you can. You never know who can help you get that next job, or move up the ladder in your current one. This doesn't mean you randomly go out and introduce yourself to people - though this has been done, but rather you need to consider the value of networking, identify potential people, and create your message.
Networking is a critical and inexpensive method of telling people who you are and what you can do. By meeting people, you get the opportunity to tell them about yourself and they in turn may refer you to their contacts.
Potential Contacts
When starting to build a network, you need to consider who your potential contacts are. One method to use consider is listing potential contacts using the following three levels:
Level 1 - Personal friends and relatives. People that you know personally.
Level 2 - Colleagues and business acquaintances or people that Level 1 people could introduce you to, but who you don't yet know.
Level 3 - People you don't know, but may be important to your job search. This could be anyone in your field of interest.
Once you have your list, you need to create a message to tell these people
Your Message
The most important aspect of your message is that it must reflect who you are and what you are looking for. Think of your message as a commercial. You need to present a thumbnail sketch of what you're all about.
The Value of Networking
The Value of Networking
The final aspect of looking for a job is building and accessing your network. Simply put, networking is making connections with as many people as you can. You never know who can help you get that next job, or move up the ladder in your current one. This doesn't mean you randomly go out and introduce yourself to people - though this has been done, but rather you need to consider the value of networking, identify potential people, and create your message.
Networking is a critical and inexpensive method of telling people who you are and what you can do. By meeting people, you get the opportunity to tell them about yourself and they in turn may refer you to their contacts.
Potential Contacts
When starting to build a network, you need to consider who your potential contacts are. One method to use consider is listing potential contacts using the following three levels:
Level 1 - Personal friends and relatives. People that you know personally.
Level 2 - Colleagues and business acquaintances or people that Level 1 people could introduce you to, but who you don't yet know.
Level 3 - People you don't know, but may be important to your job search. This could be anyone in your field of interest.
Once you have your list, you need to create a message to tell these people
Your Message
The most important aspect of your message is that it must reflect who you are and what you are looking for. Think of your message as a commercial. You need to present a thumbnail sketch of what you're all about.
