Ten Tips For Job Interview Success

My nephew-in-law is going for a job interview for a position in
his current company but in a different part of the US. In my previous
position as Director of Customer Services, I conducted several
interviews and also exit interviews. Having experienced some good
interviewees' and not so good, I offered to give him some suggestions
from my experiences that will help him to be aware of some areas of
importance when interviewing.

Here are some areas to be aware for a memorable and successful interview:

1.
Dress to impress. How you appear to the person interviewing you is very
important. I have interviewed people and told them to dress casual and
they still wore a suit. What this action indicated to me is that the
person recognized how important the interview was and dressed to
impress me.

2. At introduction shake hands firmly (no
limp-handed shake), smile, speak clearly, and look each person in the
eye. Do not come across as shy-be confident.

3. Be prepared with
several copies of your resume, along with references. Do not use the
standard resume from MS Office. Be creative and make yours stand out.

4.
During questioning about some of your co-workers or supervisor, always
speak truthfully but never negatively. Do not tell stories on them but
you can say things like "their work ethic was not the same as mine" or
"I prefer to perform my duties in a different manner".

5. The same goes for questions about your previous employment. Never speak negatively about a past employer.

6.
Know your strengths before you walk in the room. Right now you can
probably name some of your greatest strengths but when you walk in the
room you may be so nervous you will forget them. Write them down and
read and re-read them.

7. Know your weaknesses and describe them
as strengths. Pick a weakness that is really a strength. For example,
you might say, "One of my weaknesses is that I tend to be impatient
with people who are not willing to pull their full weight and give
110%." In this case, your "weakness" may help you get the job.

8. Ask questions. Write down questions you need answered and take them with you.

9.
Follow up. Very important to send a follow up email thanking them for
the time and interview. One time I did interviews in Columbia, MD, and
the person I interviewed bought me a t-shirt and a thank you card to
the interview. I was so impressed with the creativeness of this action
that I hired this person. Follow up allows you to stand out in a sea of
applicants. Be creative in how you do it.

10. Never talk salary
unless requested by the interviewer. If they ask what your salary range
is, speak more of your experience and what you have to offer. Let them
make the first offer. Know the range of compensation for the job you
are seeking, make your own realistic determination of what you are
worth, and then be prepared to stand your ground.

The most
successful interviews are those that the person comes in prepared and
shows confidence. A job interview is an important step in the process
of winning the career you want so act on it accordingly. No matter if
you have interviewed one time or ten, each time is just as important as
the other. Learn from your experiences and make each one better than
the other.

By: Carole DeJarnatt

About the Author:
Carole DeJarnatt helps businesses and entrepreneurs utilizing effective
coaching and advice for development and implementation of strategies
for greater success in their future. Visit the company website, Alliance Advisors, Inc., to exceed your goals.