How to Handle Yourself in an Interview

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By elizabeth28
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Handle Yourself in an Interview

Ever wondered what to say or how to answer questions in a job interview? Than look no further.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Lots of practice
Confidence
Note pad and pen
Resume (at least five)
Good appearance

Step 1

In today's economy finding and landing that job can be tough. If we better prepare ourselves it can add to our bottom line. I am a recruiter and throughout the years I have helped many candidates land a job. I will give you a few tips. Tip #1 Always bring a couple of resumes with you. Tip #2 Always do the research on the company you are interviewing for. If they ask you questions and you do not know, your out. Tip #3 Always present yourself well. Dress to impress. Tip #4 Bring a notepad and pen with you and take notes through out the interview. Take names of everyone you meet with. This will show them you are serious. You might want to practice the following. Below I will give you a preparation checklist on what to say or do in the interview.
Step 2

We all know what you say and do has impact on companies decision for hiring. Add the following to your checklist and take notes. They will help you.
Arrive 20 minutes earlier. This way you can fill out any paperwork needed.
Shake the interviewer's hand, and say nice to meet you.
Break the ice by complimenting on office space, their shirt or tie.
Clarify all questions asked. You do not want to say to much. You want to be able to interview for a good 30 minutes. keep all answers 2-3 minutes each. Unless it is a technical question.
If they ask you to tell them all about yourself. Simply say: I would love to tell you all about myself, specifically where would you like me to begin? That way it will keep the interview flowing instead of telling them your whole life story in 5 minutes.
Package your negatives and turn into a positive in case they ask you for your weakness.
Highlight your strengths in experience, training, accomplishments, achievements, industry or product knowledge, skills and personal characteristics, and tailor them specifically to the job requirements of the position and the company.
The salary question we all dread: If they ask you what salary you are seeking, state that you are prepared to accept their strongest offer, and if they are offering you a job. This will throw them off guard. Do not state a number or they will hold you too it. If they keep pushing state that last year you w-2 (the amount) and you are looking for something stronger. Be reasonable.
Never turn down job. Always look at the pros and cons, no job is perfect.
Be prepared to ask good questions and carry the interview.
Ask questions about day to day responsibilities, any training or seminars the company offers employees, what are the companies goals or department goals and etc.
When you are done interviewing ask the interviewer if they have any concerns with your ability to perform the job. If no great. If yes ask them what concerns they have so you can battle. When you are done with defending your experience ask them if you answered their question.
Step 3

Ask for the job. Many candidates are afraid to ask for the job, when in reality the hiring officials are waiting on it. It blows them away. Thank them for their time invested and ask them when will follow up occur. If they offer you the job always tell them you need 24 hours to think about it and discuss with family. Do not show you are desperate. It will set off an alarm.

Comments

PurpleAnkh said

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on 3/4/2009 Thanks for all the great tips, I may be needing these soon!

Gingaspice said

on 2/26/2009 This was very helpful since I am a full time college student and in need of an income...loans are a killer...so thank you and I will be applying what I picked up from your experties.