Resume, Letter, Interview
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Interviewing Dos and Dont's
- Do plan to arrive on time or a few minutes early. Late arrival
for a job interview is never excusable.
- If presented with an application, do fill it out neatly and
completely. Don't rely on your application or resume to do the
selling for you. Interviewers will want you to speak for yourself.
- Do greet the interviewer by last name if you are sure of the
pronunciation. If not, ask the employer to repeat it. Give the
appearance of energy as you walk. Smile! Shake hands firmly. Be
genuinely glad to meet the interviewer.
- Do wait until you are offered a chair before sitting. Sit
upright, look alert and interested at all times. Be a good listener
as well as a good communicator.
- Do look a prospective employer in the eye while speaking.
- Do follow the interviewer's leads, but try to get the
interviewer to describe the position and the duties to you early in
the interview so that you can apply your background, skills and
accomplishments to the position.
- Do make sure that your good points come across to the
interviewer in a factual, sincere manner. Stress achievements. For
example: sales records, processes developed, savings achieved,
systems installed, etc.
- Do always conduct yourself as if you are determined to get the
job you are discussing. Never close the door on opportunity.
- Do show enthusiasm. If you are interested in the opportunity,
enthusiastic feedback can enhance your chances of being further
considered. If you are not interested, your responsiveness will
still demonstrate your professionalism.
- Don't forget to bring a copy of your resume! Keep several copies
in your briefcase if you are afraid you will forget.
- Don't smoke, even if the interviewer does and offers you a
cigarette. Do not chew gum.
- Don't answer with a simple "yes" or "no." Explain whenever
possible. Describe those things about yourself which relate to the
situation.
- Don't lie. Answer questions truthfully, frankly and succinctly.
- Don't make unnecessary derogatory remarks about your present or
former employers. Obviously, there were issues or else you would not
have left a prior company or be looking to leave a present employer.
However, when explaining your reasons for leaving, limit your
comments to those necessary to adequately communicate your
rationale.
- Don't over-answer questions. And if the interviewer steers the
conversation into politics or controversial issues, try to do more
listening than speaking since this could be a sensitive situation.
- Don't inquire about salary, vacations, bonuses, retirement,
etc., on the initial interview unless you are sure the employer is
interested in hiring you. If the interviewer asks what salary you
want, indicate what you've earned but that you're more interested in
opportunity than in a specific salary.
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