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An interviewer may ask how you perceive his company's position in its industry, who the firm's competitors are, what its competitive advantages are, and how it should best go forward. For this reason, avoid trying to thoroughly research a dozen different industries. Focus your job search on just a few industries instead.
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Prepare your answer to the common question: “Tell me about yourself, and why are you interested in this role with our company?” The idea is to quickly communicate who you are and what value you will bring to the company and the role—it’s your elevator pitch.
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Dress in conservative, neat clothing that fits the company's dress code. If you're unsure of the dress code, it's better to dress up than dress down. If you're a man, wear a pair of pressed dress slacks with a belt, a neutral dress shirt and polished shoes. Add a tie and a jacket if the environment is more formal such as in many financial careers.
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Women can wear a tailored pantsuit or coordinating skirt and jacket in a neutral shade of black, grey or brown.
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Arrive at the interview approximately 15 minutes earlier than your appointment time. Your early arrival will help you avoid being late. In addition, it will give you time to collect your thoughts before you enter the interview.
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If you're wondering how to start an interview conversation, look your interviewer in the eye, smile and offer your hand for a handshake upon meeting. Sit up straight in your chair and lean forward slightly to show your interest. Maintain consistent eye contact.
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Leave your hands in your lap; do not cross your arms over your chest or it might appear as if you are on the defensive. Avoid tapping your foot, drumming your fingers or sighing audibly during the interview.
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One of the 10 things to do during an interview is to not be afraid to speak about your relevant strengths and accomplishments. For instance, if you're applying for a job as a manager of a retail store, mention your experience and successes as a manager in previous jobs.
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When answering questions, give relevant, professional examples from your own experiences whenever possible. This helps illustrate you as a good match for the position.
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Show that you are interested in the position and are happy to be considered. Smile and project some enthusiasm in your voice when answering questions. Your enthusiasm will help the interviewer remember you in a positive way.
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Inevitably, at the close of the interview, the interviewer asks you if you have any questions. Ask questions that show that you've invested some thought. For example, ask "What is your biggest concern in the department for which I'm interviewing?" or "What did the last person who held this position do well?"
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If you have gaps in your employment that show up on your resume or application or you've experienced work-related issues in the past that you need to explain, know what you are going to say before the interview. If you have a planned speech, you can effectively address areas of concern and diminish their importance.
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After you interview, make some quick notes about your experience. Your interviewer's names and important information – decision dates, additional job duties, required training – given to you during the interview are all worth remembering for future reference. For example, you need to know your interviewer's names so you can send them each a thank-you note.
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Follow up with a brief thank-you note within 24 hours of your interview. Send a note to each person who participated. Handwritten or emailed notes are acceptable. If the interviewer told you he would make a decision within the next few days, an email will reach him more quickly than snail mail.
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If you've had a bad interview for a job that you truly think would be a great fit for you (not just something you want badly), don't give up! Write a note, send an email, or call the interviewer to let him or her know that you think you did a poor job of communicating why you think this job would be a good match.
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Reiterate what you have to offer the company, and say that you'd like an opportunity to contribute. Whether this strategy will get you a job offer depends on the company and on you. But one thing's for sure: If you don't try, your chances are exactly zero. We've seen this approach work on numerous occasions, and we encourage you to give it that last shot.