7 Steps to Interviews that Win the Job

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 step to a Second Career. http://www.cathygoodwin.com.

"Ten secrets of mastering a major life change" mailto:subscribe@cathygoodwin.com

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

---

Seven Steps to Making a Successful Career Change

My first job was secretary to Moses. Having to transcribe... Read More

10 Steps to Escape the Job World and Create the Life You Really Want

1. GET THE POINT ? OF LIFE, THAT IS.... Read More

Dont Quit Your Day Job! Convincing Your Boss To Let You Telecommute, Part 1 of 2

Are you desperately trying to find a telecommute job so... Read More

Just a Series of Choices

Steve's a pretty regular guy ? wife, 4 kids in... Read More

Get a Raise: How To Ask Your Boss For More Money

How many people do you know who think they deserve... Read More

Tell Me About Yourself

The need to tell people about yourself may present itself... Read More

Ten Things About Your Career Development

There are some tactics you can action whatever you wish... Read More

It Takes Time

The story goes that after one of Ludwig van Beethoven's... Read More

Interview Preparation

The dreaded job interview is the Number 1 source of... Read More

Gray Hair, Black Prospects

If you're reading this article, I'm sure I don't have... Read More

Beat the Crowd with Winning Resume Cover Letters

Far too many people underestimate the importance of resume cover... Read More

Is Your Career Your Calling or Just a 9 to 5?

Do you remember your parents asking you what you want... Read More

References: Choose Wisely

Sophisticated job seekers know and understand that sometime during the... Read More

How to Track Your Right Career

Are you lost in the wilderness when it comes to... Read More

Vocational Experts 7 Proposals to Solve the Unemployment Problem

The subject is constantly in the news and may decide... Read More

The Perfect Resume

The perfect resume presents hiring managers with a... Read More

Using Keywords to Find Legitimate Telecommuting Job Leads

Many people are choosing telecommuting as an option to bring... Read More

Targeting Your Resume is So Important For Your Career

Targeting your portfolio, (resume and cover letter) can get you... Read More

A Cover Letter Tip Guaranteed To Land You More Job Interviews!

Looking for a new job?I'm about to reveal one of... Read More

Stacking The Deck In Your Favor

Many people do not bother to look at their own... Read More

Should You Seek Temporary Or Contractual Employment While Searching?

According to US Department of Labor statistics, the average time... Read More

The Executive Resume - Moving Beyond Accomplishments

There is a major difference between conventional resumes and executive... Read More

Petite Modeling: is There a Career for You?

PEtite modeling is a tough industry to break into. Especially... Read More

Counteroffers: Should I Stay or Should I Go?

If "resignation" is the word that strikes fear into all... Read More

5 Steps to a New Job

The economy is picking up, budgets are new, positions are... 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

Start Working Before You Get Hired

What if there were a way to *prove* to any... Read More

The 7 Tough Job Interview Questions That Can Make or Break You - and How to Answer Them

Some interview questions are asked so frequently that they've become... Read More

Ask the Recruiter

We all have career goals, big or small. Here are... Read More

Resume Objectives ... The Hidden Pitfalls

Why Use Resume ObjectivesBefore we can discuss the pitfalls you... Read More

How to Feel Satisfied in Your Career

Many people turn a beloved hobby into a vocation. They... 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

What To Do When You Get Caught Surfing By The Boss!

It has been a long morning and you need a... Read More