| November
2008 Newsletter
Be
Prepared for an Interview
Kathy
A. DeWitt
Remember
even the first contact is important. So if you drop off an application
at a reception desk, speak courteously to the receptionist. Even
when you are called to set up an interview date and time, it can
be part of the overall hiring process.
Expect
applicant to dress appropriately. Expectations for dress code on
the job will be given once you are hired.
Be
prepared to shake hands with the interview team when introduced.
Take
a copy of your resume with you in case the interviewer(s) refers
to it - also helps if you are a bit nervous and have forgotten what
you had written - something to refer to if needed.
Speak
clearly and concisely and look at the interviewer directly when
asked a question.
Be
prepared to answer safety related questions relative to the position.
Be
prepared to show your valid driver’s license, if required.
Be
prepared when asked if you are willing to be tested, to respond
immediately.
Be
prepared to answer questions on experience with computers.
Be
prepared to give names of references if you are asked. Telephone
numbers of references are important. You may have included them
on your resume or application form. If so, confirm this with the
interviewer again and if you have any others you think might be
relevant, it is okay to pass along new names at the interview. Please
ask permission before you give names as references.
Be
prepared to answer 20 - 30 questions - General/Technical/Safety.
Be
prepared to talk about yourself and skills acquired - do not continue
talking unnecessarily. Stick to the topic.
Body
language is very important - sit up straight in your chair. You
will be nervous, the interviewer expects that, sitting up straight
helps you breathe easier and shows your interest in being there.
It will give you confidence.
It
is okay to ask the interviewer to repeat a question, if you don't
understand or didn't quite hear it.
Be
confident - you know more about yourself than anyone else in the
room. It is your time to shine. Be sincere and be yourself.
Good
behavior and a good attitude are judged highly and are very important
to any corporation. Be professional.
Remember
if you don't get the first job you are interviewed at, it is not
personal, use this opportunity as experience and keep applying as
that is how you get hired. You may want to do this many times over
the course of your career.
Maintain
and acquire new skills, be willing to accept changing environments
and be adaptable. Always keep your resume updated. Your resume should
be your personal motivator as you move along in your careers. It
is a copy of your education, experience and work record. It is something
you want to be proud of.
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