In Control - Inside Tips on Interview Success

IN CONTROL!

Copyright � 2009 The Perfect Interview

No, you can�t control how the interview will be conducted, nor can you control the outcome. But you can influence it greatly by the way you present your personality and your skills.

Part of acing an interview, is preparation. Do your homework on the company you�re applying to. Read their stock performance if they�re listed. Surf for their web site, and be sure to read the About Us page as well as any news or press releases. Check out any trade-related publications, or annual reports. Being able to comment knowledgeably on subjects the recruiter may bring up, is a plus on your side.

Dress to impress, but not to blind them with your fashion statement. If you have submitted an application in person, and have some idea of what the company staff wears, then pick a middle of the road outfit between any extremes you may have noted. Understated is always better.

Before you leave home, make sure you have copies of your resume, letters of reference, and work samples if applicable. Taking more than you anticipate needing, provides a cushion against surprises, and shows that you know how to prepare for the unexpected.

Make sure you�re out the door with time to spare for traffic problems or unforeseen delays. Time is money to a company, and punctuality can be the key that opens their door to you. Show that you appreciate the opportunity of applying for the position by arriving a few minutes early, and thanking the interviewer, when you are admitted to their office.

Never hog the interview by jumping on a topic and running away with it. Answer questions succinctly and truthfully. Be prepared to answer in the most positive way, questions that touch on negative areas of your resume, such as a gap in employment, or lack of experience in a particular area.

Always finish your interview with an upbeat attitude. As the recruiter prepares to wind up your session, this is an opportunity to mention your USP (unique selling position), that skill or experience that some background work has told you they value, or may need in the position that is open. For example, you might be asked if you have any questions, and can then respond �No, thank you. I think the two years spent in managing human resources with Company X has allowed me to understand the needs of ________(the interviewer�s business) better.�

Then thank your interviewer, and ask what the next step in their selection process, is. A courtesy note by email or surface post, thanking them for the opportunity of interviewing for the position can also be a plus, indicating attention to the courtesies of doing business.

Joel Vance is an Human Resources expert who has been in HR for 17 years and interviewed 3,159 people. He has also taught at 4 major universities around the country and currently has a best selling book on interviewing entitled The Perfect Interview at http://www.theperfectinterview.com

Source: http://www.submityourarticle.com

New Job Opportunity

A New Job Opportunity Article Author:
David Leonhardt




HR Lady stared at me across the desk. She was trying to size me up, to understand what makes me tick. I had explained that I wanted to work for MegaCorp, and that I was the perfect person to fill a position that had not even been advertised.


"Tell me again why you want to be the official MegaCorp scapegoat," she demanded.


I thought I had explained it well enough. Every company needs a scapegoat, someone that others can bring forward when the heat gets hot.


When the Board of Directors grumbles because all the graphs look upside down, the President can call ScapeGoat into the room. Gentlemen, I have identified our problem. It is all ScapeGoat's fault. He reversed the gravitational equilibrium, and the graphs are no longer able to forge their customary ant-gravitational upward paths.


The Board of Directors gets a lot less grouchy and they are able to enjoy their six course luncheon. That solves the problem of the upside down graphs. At least for another month.


When angry shareholders notice that their graphs are also upside down, the President can call ScapeGoat into the room once more. It is all ScapeGoat's fault. It is all ScapeGoat's fault. He reversed the gravitational equilibrium again, and nobody's graph can forge its customary ant-gravitational upward path.


That solves the problem of the upside down graphs for everyone except ScapeGoat's disability insurance provider.


When employees want to know why there is no bonus in their envelopes, the President can launch a full investigation. "We will find where ScapeGoat hid your bonus checks, if it's the last thing we ever do!" And the investigation will last long enough that it WILL be the last thing he ever does.


When creditors come calling... It's ScapeGoat's fault.


When the media wants to know why there are no women on the Board ... It's ScapeGoat's fault.


When the fish in the creek all float like the graphs (upside down)... It's ScapeGoat's fault.


When the wind blows too strong on company property and knocks over a soda can, spilling an employee's drink and making him very thirsty... It's ScapeGoat's fault.


MegaCorp needs a scapegoat.


HR Lady asked another question. "What have you been doing these past thirty years."


The fact is that I had been freelancing. There are lots of people who need scapegoats. Drivers, for instance:


"What?!? My brand new car!"


"ScapeGoat crashed it."


"But...but, there's hardly anything left of it!"


"ScapeGoat is very thorough."


Parents need scapegoats, too.


"Where's little Cindy? Didn't you pick her up from the babysitter again?"


"Oops. Uh, I forgot. ScapeGoat distracted me."


"I hope you don't plan to get distracted tomorrow. If this keeps up, I'll forget what she looks like."


HR Lady seemed amused. "If you were doing so well as a freelancer, why are you applying for a job here?"


I had to admit that freelancing was getting tough. Too many people were losing faith.


"ScapeGoat distracted you again?!? That makes, uh...let me see, 6,342 days in a row. Little Cindy isn't that little anymore. Just who is this ScapeGoat person anyway, the Tooth Fairy?"


HR Lady laid her hands on her desk. "MegaCorp has always done quite well without a professional scapegoat. When we need somebody to blame, we can always find someone to play the role."


She was not cluing in. I was offering MegaCorp the chance to use a professional scapegoat, instead of constantly relying on amateurs, some of whom were not even willing players.


I looked HR Lady straight in the eye. "What will you tell your boss when he finds out that HumongaCorp has a professional scapegoat, and you passed up the chance to hire one, too? Who will you point the finger at then, an amateur?"






David Leonhardt writes the Happy Guy humor column:


http://www.thehappyguy.com/positive-thinking-free-ezine.html


Read past columns at:


http://www.thehappyguy.com/humor-articles.html .


He also wrote Inspiration & Motivation To Go


http://www.thehappyguy.com/l/daily-motivation-inspiration.php


and Climb Your Stairway to Heaven: the 9 habits of maximum happiness:


http://www.thehappyguy.com/happiness-self-help-book.html


Info@thehappyguy.com