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Interviews are your chance to sell your skills and abilities. They also give you a chance to find out if the job and company are right for you. Follow the tips here to ace your interviews.
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Practice answering them with someone else or in front of a mirror. Come prepared with stories that relate to the skills that the employer wants, while emphasizing your: – Strengths – Willingness to work and flexibility – Leadership skills
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– Ability and willingness to learn new things – Contributions to the organizations in which you have worked or volunteered – Creativity in solving problems and working with people
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Figure out in advance how well you qualify for the job. For each requirement listed in the job posting, write down your qualifications. This can show you if you lack a particular skill. Plan how you will address this in the interview so you can convince the interviewer that you can learn the skill.
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Pick questions that will demonstrate your interest in the job and the company. This might include commenting on the news you learned from the company website, and then asking a question related to it. Also ask questions about the job you will be expected to perform, like:
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– What are the day-to-day responsibilities of this job? – How will my responsibilities and performance be measured? By whom? – Could you explain your organizational structure? – What computer equipment and software do you use? – What is the organization's plan for the next five years?
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Remember to bring important items to the interview: – Notebook and pens – Extra copies of your resume and a list of references – Copies of letter(s) of recommendation, licenses, transcripts, etc. – Portfolio of work samples
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– Plan your schedule so you arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. – Go by yourself. – Look professional. Dress in a manner appropriate to the job. – Leave your MP3 player, coffee, soda, or backpack at home or in your car. – Turn off your cell phone. – Bring your sense of humor and SMILE!
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Display confidence during the interview, but let the interviewer start the dialogue. Send a positive message with your body language. – Shake hands firmly, but only if a hand is offered to you first. – Maintain eye contact. – Listen carefully. Welcome all questions, even the difficult ones, with a smile.
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– Give honest, direct answers. – Develop answers in your head before you respond. If you don't understand a question, ask for it to be repeated or clarified. You don't have to rush, but you don't want to appear indecisive.
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A positive end to the interview is another way to ensure your success. – Be courteous and allow the interview to end on time. – Restate any strengths and experiences that you might not have emphasized earlier. – Mention a particular accomplishment or activity that fits the job. – If you want the job, say so!
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– Find out if there will be additional interviews. – Ask when the employer plans to make a decision. – Indicate a time when you may contact the employer to learn of the decision.
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Ask for the business card of each person you speak with during the interview process so that you can follow up individually with a separate thank you email. If you interviewed in the morning, send your follow-up emails the same day. If you interviewed in the afternoon, the next morning is fine.
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Make certain that each email is distinct from the others, using the notes you took during the conversations.