Latest "Interviews" Posts
February 18, 2020
Think about career mistakes and big moments come to mind — not taking that plum job, bungling a big presentation, getting passed over for a promotion.
But it’s the day-to-day decisions that can really make or break your career. Your sum total of your everyday choices is your reputation, and it’s the often-overlooked key to unlocking success.
We’re all guilty of slipping up from time to time. But if you’re consistently doing the following, you could be sabotaging your reputation — and your future.
Bad Mouthing Others
It can be difficult to restrain yourself in the heat of the moment, but unkind words about your colleagues make you look untrustworthy. If you’re talking about a co-worker behind her back, how is the listener supposed to believe that you won’t do the same about him?
Using Foul Language
There are a few industries where blue language is tolerated and maybe even expected. But that’s not the case for 99 percent of us. Although some people might find off-color language provocative, or even funny, you run the risk of offending people and looking unprofessional.
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Posted by Margaret Page in Interviews, Business, Personal development, Uncategorized, Business Etiquette, Communication and tagged career, workplace, Reputation, career mistakes, promotions
January 24, 2019
Now that you have done all the preparation for your interview using the tips from our blog post on Preparation Is Key for Interviews, make sure you know how to make yourself stand out and shine during the actual interview.
Interview Tips:
- Stand when introduced to the #interviewer and do not sit down until invited to do so.
- Try to connect with the interviewer on a personal level at the beginning of the interview if the opportunity arises. “Is that your daughter’s university graduation photo? What school did she attend?” Establishing a personal connection right at the onset of the interview allows for some commonality and starts things off on a positive tone.
- Place your belongings on the floor, not the table or desk.
- Retrieve information quickly and easily in a well organized purse or portfolio. After all, spilling your private belongings across the desk is the antithesis of class. In case a 2nd staff member is asked to join the interview process, have a 2nd resume handy.
- During the interview, show interest, confidence and deference. Always have 2 to 3 questions prepared to ask your interviewer about the position or the firm. This ensures that you come across interested in the position you are being interviewed for and want to learn more.
- Anticipate the most common questions and have answers prepared. Practice them with a friend first.
- If you need a minute or two to compose and answer, it is perfectly acceptable to ask the interviewer for a couple of minutes to think about the question properly and formulate your answer.
- Stay focused. Don’t fidget, repeat yourself or move objects around.
- If you are in a panel interview, place full attention on the person speaking. When you answer, make sure you make eye contact with all the interviewers.
- If you find yourself in an online/virtual interview situation, test your background first using a variety of platforms to make sure your face is lit properly and there are no shadows. Wear contrasting clothing to your background and make sure the background ties in with who you are. Be cautious about what you are drinking.
- Follow your host’s lead if you are being interviewed over a meal. Don’t order any alcohol, unless you are interviewing with an alcohol-related company.
- Compensation package. Quite often, compensation is mentioned in the job description; especially if the job is in the public sector or appears on Indeed. If not, consensus indicates waiting until the end of the 2nd interview to ask. If another job offer is on the table and you need to make a decision, then don’t be afraid to ask. Just make sure you have done your research. If asked for a range, provide a realistic one and be prepared to explain why you should be at the higher end. Essentially, be realistic but confident in what it is you want.
- No matter what: never criticize a former employer.
- Lastly, be honest and sincere. Employers are generally more concerned with finding employees that are the right fit with the organization since training and education can always be provided while on the job.
Post Interview
When the interview comes to a close, be sure to request a card from your interviewer(s) so you can send a handwritten ‘thank you’ note within 48 hours. In the note, be positive and genuine, and if appropriate, refer to something that was discussed in the interview.
Social grace under pressure, specifically, the intense pressure of an interview, always makes a strong impression. It implies a certain degree of personal power, insight and self control, uncommon qualities that any employer would value.
It will give you the “etiquette edge” you need to ace your next job interview!
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Posted by Margaret Page in Interviews, Uncategorized, Business Etiquette, Communication and tagged interview etiquette, Employer, Job Search, job hunt, career, job offer
January 18, 2019
Competition is fierce in today’s job market. Quite often, job seekers find themselves competing with up to 100 other people, hoping to be short-listed for the interviews.
That’s why it takes more than just skills and education to land a great job. Qualifications can get you an interview – but class can get you the job. Get properly prepared for the interview using these important tips:
- Research your potential employer, the industry, and any recent developments or initiatives. Commit a few key facts to memory and mention them when the opportunity appears.
- Learn what you can about the interviewer(s). Study their social media profiles if you can to find out more about their background, interests and employment history. Find some commonality!
- Select your outfit the day before, making sure it is clean, pressed, fits well and flatters. Refrain from wearing anything low cut, short, tight. If you’re unsure about the dress code, dress “up” rather than “down” (i.e., dress a more formal way rather than a more casual way).
- Be freshly groomed, including nails, hair and face – and remember, no fragrances.
- Make sure the vehicle you drive to yours interviews is clean. Some employers view how you maintain your car as a reflection of how you’ll take care of their tools or equipment.
- Familiarize yourself with your destination so you are sure to arrive as scheduled.
- Arrive early enough to make a quick stop at the rest room to check your hair, teeth, and clothing.
- This is a given, but make sure you know your resume inside and out.
- Use the product/service ahead of time if this is appropriate.
Each step sets you up to feel relaxed and confident when the pressure is on. Interviews will be much easier to get through if you are prepared.
Next week: Sharpen Your Interview Skills
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Posted by Margaret Page in Interviews, Business Etiquette, Communication, Etiquette Tips and tagged Interview, Jobs, Employment, Employer, compensation, Job Search
