LORI'S TOP TWELVE (TWITTER) TIPS FOR INTERVIEWING...in 140 words or less!

posted by Lori Redding on ERE Exchange on May 27, 2009

After
20 years of recruiting, I have found that there are ABC's for
interviews which are used across Western civilization.  They are basic,
intuitive and simple.  When put into a situation where you are in a job
search, these practical tips make "common" sense in a stressful
situation....and interviewing is stressful.  Often in an interview we
want to say, "please like me...just like me, I am good and decent and
successful."  It's the primitive desire most human beings have...to be
wanted, to be needed, to be appreciated, to be desired.  If we're in a
situation where we need food on the table, the mortgage has to be paid
and the collectors are calling, our perceptions are more desperate and
the tendency to forget the basics is compelled by our urgency to "just
get a job."  In an economy that the media has hyped as bleaker than
bleak, we're afraid and impelled towards fear based interviewing. 
These 12 steps, if utilized with patience and forethought, will help
slow your breathing and give you the ammunition required to get through
the process....and be reminded, it's only a process, the means to an
end.  Have success, feel success and be a success in your
interviewing.  And while you're at it, try to have a little fun!

 1.   The a.m. of your interview, start the day w/a mantra "This is a successful day, the interview is going to be great!" 

 2.  ALWAYS show up early for your interview, but only 10 minutes,
no more, no less~it's the first step to a great 1st impression

 3.  DRESS appropriately.  Suit & tie for men, suit for ladies. You can't change how you are 1^st perceived.

 4. Interview like a successful "Tweet'r"~ Show as much interest in
what you can do for the co. vs. what the company can do for you.

5. Make your Interview POP by telling your story rather than
repeating what you have written on your schematic (aka your resume).

 6. Have a great 60 second elevator pitch about your skills and what you offer. Practice it until comfortably memorized!

 7.  Fake it til you make it on an interview.  It doesn't matter
what your day has been, come hell or high water, put on a smile!

 8.  Try not to answer with standard "yeses and no's."  If you will expound and explain you'll be at the head of the pack!

 9.  Stay humble, yet be confident in yourself, your skills and your ability.  Project success!

 10. When given an opportunity to ask a question, make sure to find
out what the hiring manager likes most about the company & his/her
job!

 11.  If asked for references, don't give your mom's best friend
& pretend she was your boss~ A good interviewer will find out

 12.  Always send a thank you card ~a real card~ after you
interview, not an email.  You'll be remembered and it's a great
networking tool