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This sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people forget this simple rule. Most people start their job search by looking for whatever job titles correspond with their career goals. This sounds good on the surface, but it’s easy to apply for the wrong job this way. Instead, you should be looking for the required skills of the position you are considering.
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That way, you can identify whichever jobs match best with your skill set. At any rate, job titles are too fluid and change every year while required skills sets are more stable.
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Do your homework in advance. Check out their profile on LinkedIn and Facebook to see where they’ve worked and what their interests are. Try to draw out the stories of their life that make them human. When you connect with them, and start to like them, they’ll start to like and care about you.
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Make sure that by the time you leave the room, you’ve found a way to make the person like you. Make a personal connection.
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Tell each story in 30 to 60 seconds. These can be from a job or volunteer position and demonstrate how you are a problem solver. They include the Problem you faced, the intelligent way you Approached it, and its positive Resolution. Hiring managers are not used to hearing PAR stories, but telling them can help move you to the top of the stack and can be effective in resumes too.
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Display passion for the job you’re interviewing for. Passion and charisma go a long way. Carefully research the company beforehand and figure out how you can benefit the company and help the hiring manager solve its problems.
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The first 30 seconds, the light is green, and the hiring manager is paying attention. The second 30 seconds, the light is yellow, and the hiring manager may think you are rambling or are concerned they will forget what they want to say next. The third 30 seconds, or 90 seconds into your answer, the light is red, and it is time to shut up if you are still talking.
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The most important parts of the interview really are the first impression and the last impression the interviewer has of you. There’s a high chance the interviewer will ask you if you have any questions. So make sure to ask any questions that allow you to lead into a powerful story about you and your journey.