Seven Tips to a Job-Winning Interview

These days, interviews don't come easily. When you get The Call, make the most of your time -- and go for it!

1. Investigate the company's culture, markets, and finances. But resist the temptation to show off what you've researched: "I just read that you're about to embark on a new product line") unless you have a question directly related to your career.

2. Look like you belong. Learn the company's dress code and err on the side of conservatism. When you're seeking a senior position based on industry experience, you'll be expected to know the rules without being told.

3. Take charge of the interview! The most successful interviews feel like friendly conversations. When your interviewer has an agenda (such as the infamous "stress interview") stay relaxed. Think of playing a game.

4. Assume everyone you meet will provide feedback to the decision-maker. Some companies hand out comment forms to receptionists, security guards and potential peers who take you to lunch.

5. Communicate interest and enthusiasm, even if you're not sure you're ready to commit. You'll rarely have all the facts until you're looking at an offer.

6. Bring extra copies of your correspondence from this company as well as your resume, references, writing samples, portfolio and current business cards. Interviewers lose documents and conversations move in unexpected directions.

7. Create a relaxed, positive attitude by devising a realistic game plan. When your career isn't riding on a single interview, you'll have fun and make a confident, relaxed impression.

8. Write a thank you letter within forty-eight hours. Create a low-key sales letter, emphasizing how your qualifications match the company's needs. Present yourself as a resource, not a supplicant.

9. After you write the letter, forget about the interview. Email or phone only if you've received a competing offer with a deadline.

Occasionally you may make points with follow-up mailings. A sports team public relations applicant sent puzzles, games and press releases -- and she got the job. Use your intuition.

10. Keep notes of what you learned from the process. What worked? What would you do differently?

As soon as you begin your new job, develop a career plan and a safety net before you need one.

Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D., wrote Making the Big Move (New Harbinger 1999). She works with professionals who have seen the light and are ready to ditch their current career and start a second one.
Website: http://www.cathygoodwin.com
Your Next Move Ezine:
http://www.cathygoodwin.com/subscribe.html or
cathy@cathygoodwin.com with "YNM" in subject line.
Contact: cathy@cathygoodwin.com 505-534-4294

---

Thank-You Notes: Your Thoughtfulness will be Rewarded

I get asked these questions over and over: "Should I... Read More

Get Beyond Your Tasks

Ever hear the story of the two masons working side... Read More

Losing Your Job Without Losing Yourself

When we lose our jobs, no matter the reason, we... Read More

Resume Writing - Get That Job

Looking for a new job, whether it is with a... Read More

Wishing and Hoping

Years after Disneyland was built, after the completion of Walt... Read More

What Did You Say?

My table-mates introduced themselves as the reciprocal protocol began. We... Read More

Get a Life Why Dont Ya?!

It's okay to take your job seriously, to be a... Read More

Work at Home Jobs Vs Self Employment

Work at Home Jobs vs Owning a Home Based BusinessNot... Read More

For My Second Career, I Want to Do Nothing!

Q. For my second career, I'd like to know "What... Read More

Be Prepared for the Unexpected

How long has it been since you last had to... Read More

Resume Posting: Tips for Jobseekers

Recruiting firms, like most businesses today, must embrace technology in... Read More

Success at Work: Techniques: Computer Literacy

It's hard to believe that there are people in today's... Read More

Career Transitions : Fearless Flyers

You may have read one of my previous articles on... Read More

The 4 Job Search Facts You Need To Know!

Are you harboring bitterness or anger towards your current or... Read More

So, Your Made A Mistake

Of course, mistakes are important. Two facts put those you... Read More

How to Access Employers through Proposal Marketing

Use Proposal Marketing and you'll be your own hot spot,... Read More

Resume Formats ... The Hidden Pitfalls

Deciding on a resume format is the first major decision... Read More

Turning the Table: Questions for Your Interviewer

(DES MOINES, Iowa ? January 26, 2005) The fateful final... Read More

Free Resume Template: Beware!

Downloading a free resume template can be so alluring. No... Read More

Air Liquide: Driving Liquid Air

Have you ever heard of liquid air? The process of... Read More

My Career is in the Doldrums - Do I Need a Coach or a Therapist?

Is Monday the worst day of your week? Can you... Read More

The 10 Biggest Career Change Mistakes - And How to Avoid Them

Career change is no walk in the park.If it was... Read More

Is Your Job Search Guided by the Controller or the Controllee?

I'll define what I mean by these terms. "The Controller"... Read More

Job Search Campaign Tip: An Activity Diary

Looking for a job involves a wide range of responsibilities:... Read More

Speak Up: Your Job Is At Stake!

How good are you at standing up for yourself?Do you... Read More

Building Performance Trust

You can have outstanding ideas, yet never leverage them into... Read More

Job Search 101

The whole job search effort is completely exhausting and at... Read More

Technology in the Workplace - Boon or Curse?

Like all new innovations, technology in the work environment can... Read More

Five Biggest Resume Mistakes You Can Fix Yourself

A career consultant can diagnose and overhaul a troubled resume.... Read More

Should You Telework/Telecommute

"WOW! I can work from home and make money? I... Read More

Do You Have a Hotsy-Totsy Resume?

I begin this article with a bit of slang description.... Read More

Learn How to Throw a Boomerang

Actually, "the boomerang effect" is a relatively new trend of... Read More

Tips for Terrific Telephone Interviews

Telephone interviews don't just happen; they are the result of... Read More