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Interview Tips
No matter how much experience you
have or where you went to school, if you aren't able to
interview well you won't get the position. The
following are some insights designed to help you
successfully interview and get the job that you want!
Be prepared - Familiarize
yourself with the company as well as the position. Get
up-to-date on current corporate issues, so you can
address any questions about direction and opportunity.
Develop a list of questions prior to the interview to
demonstrate your interest and curiosity about the
company.
Be qualified - Highlight
related experience, education and skills. Have solid
references that will validate your qualifications.
Make a positive impact -
Highlight your strengths and what you uniquely bring to
the job opening. Show how you can make a positive
impact. Demonstrate interest, insight, initiative and
enthusiasm.
Be professional - Common
courtesies will take you a long way at setting the right
professional impression. For example, be sure to turn
off the cell phone before the interview. If your
interview is over lunch, watch your manners. Most
importantly, be on time!
Be a good communicator - Get
to the point quickly and say what needs to be said.
Practice and prepare by answering sample interview
questions.
Follow-up appropriately -
Email a thank you note immediately that summarizes the
interview and your ability to contribute to the
organization. Be sure that your email address is
professional.
Questions to Expect
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Tell me about yourself.
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What do you know about the
type of work we do?
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What is your weakness? (Always
make this a positive answer. For example, "My
spelling is not always perfect, so I always use a
spell checker.")
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What are your strengths?
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Why did you leave your last
job? (Answer with a positive statement. You can say:
"new job," "contract ended," "seasonal,"
"temporary," "career change," "returned to school,"
to raise a family," or "relocated.")
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Why have you been unemployed
for such a long time? (Tell the truth. Emphasize
that you were looking for a good company where you
can settle and make a contribution.)
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Why should we hire you? (Make a positive statement,
such as "I would like the opportunity to work with
you and believe that I can do the work.")
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