Ten 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.

About The Author

Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D., is an author, speaker and career/business consultant, helping midlife professionals take their First Steps to a Second Career. http://www.cathygoodwin.com

"Ten secrets of mastering a major life change"

mailto:subscribe@cathygoodwin.com

Contact: mailto:cathy@cathygoodwin.com 505-534-4294

In The News:

pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Everyday Is Saturday: Help for the Suddenly Unemployed

I recently was "unhired" by my former employer. Unhired is... Read More

How to Answer The Most Difficult Interview Questions

The following 'difficult' questions are common to most tricky or... Read More

Job Interviews: Ill File a Grievance!

I recently went to a retirement party with my husband... Read More

Formal Business Attire is Making a Comeback

The dot com boom of 1990s brought with it a... Read More

Wishing and Hoping

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

Why Should We Hire You?

This is one of those broad questions that can take... Read More

Where Will Your IT Staff Come From NOW?

The labor recession is over. During the course of the... Read More

Is Job Loss Making You Sick?

Job loss affects most of us like any other loss... Read More

Job Search Tips - How to Increase Your Success

Finding a job can be a painful and difficult experience.... Read More

Surviving Office Politics

It's your first month in a new position and it's... Read More

Becoming A Police Officer Just Became Easier

As many law enforcement candidates can vouch for, taking the... Read More

How to Think Like a Headhunter to Find Your Dream Job!

In this ever changing world, we need to think out... Read More

What To Do When A Co-Worker Turns Nasty

A friend of mine laments that work would be great... Read More

War Time Hiring: 5 Steps to Attract Top Talent

A recent report, titled "The War for Talent" stated that... Read More

A Concept That Could Double Youre Income in Mystery Shopping

Do you want to double, or increase significantly you're income... Read More

How To Deal With A Difficult Boss

Most people at some point in their lives have to... Read More

What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up? Something That Hasnt Been Invented Yet!

Most of us were brought up to study hard, get... Read More

Traveling for An Interview? 10 Tips to Get You From Here to There

You've just been granted an on-site interview in another town.... Read More

Becoming A Home Inspector: What the Home Inspection Schools Dont Want You To Know

Chances are if you're reading this you've thought about becoming... Read More

Taking Your Words Seriously

When we ordered the stained glass window as... Read More

Job or no Job: The Certainty of Uncertainty

Headline from AP via Yahoo News! January 11, 2005: "Chrysler... Read More

Resurrecting the Perfect Resume, Part One

Is your resume dead? Don't be so quick to say,... Read More

Thankk-You Notes: An Integral Part of Your Career

There is one little practice that is vital to generating... Read More

Employees, Get Used to Working under Surveillance

Let's face it. Monitoring employees' e-mail, tracking their Internet use,... Read More

5 Things You Need To Know Before Deciding On A Certification Training

The right certification trainingTrainings vary a lot when it comes... Read More

Get In Career Shape

Research suggests that as many as 8 out of 10... Read More

Women Who Quit Work Abrubtly After Childbirth - Are You the Type?

According to statistics one out of every five pregnant women... Read More

How To Find Your Dream Job

Here's the bottom line: many people work in jobs that... Read More

Im just me - An Overview of an Web er.. Designer, Developer, Consultant and Friend

I am going to give you a breakdown of my... Read More

From Cleaning Lady to Entrepreneur: How Your Cleaning Business can Benefit from the Images

Many people never consider entering the cleaning business because of... Read More

Overwhelmed and Overworked: The Myth of American Productivity

Employment finally seemed back on track during the first few... Read More

When Should You Update Your Job Skills?

With the U.S. economy still slumping and unemployment numbers barely... Read More

Career Change: A Glittering Invitation To The Emotional Stalkers

As much as you are yearning for career-change, and as... Read More