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Tips and Techniques for a Successful Interview
by Hopeful Wisdom on 12/18/11
One of the most important aspects to getting and or preparing to get a job is the interview. However there are many individuals out there who are terrified of the whole interviewing process. He or she just may be nervous about answering questions or talking about themselves in front of someone. Still others just might not know what to say or ask, and this notion might make he or she lack self confidence upon walking into the interview. However by following several important steps and keeping a few pointers in mind, you can have the ability to make your next interview a lot less stressful and successful as possible
The first important thing to keep in mind after you’ve received an interview offer is to have a concise and complete resume in order. This very important aspect was discussed in an earlier article. Having a good resume upon going into an interview will boost your appeal and self confidence to the employer. The employer will be able to examine your credentials and character which may help them evaluate you better during the interview. Next do some research on the particular place you are going to be heading to for the interview. Formulating some questions about the company or organization or the position in general may likewise be a great tool. This will immediately show the hiring manager you are interested, knowledgeable, and worth a possible consideration for the specific position.
Once your resume and knowledge about your perspective employer are in order, practice asking and answering some interview style questions. You can perform this exercise with a friend, family member, or alone. You could practice with a tape recorder if it helps to record and then listen to yourself. You may have some possible questions in mind that you may want to inquire about during the interview. However with your new knowledge of your interviewer you might want to think of some questions that the employer may want to ask you. You should definitely be prepared for this. You may want to practice your answers and or have someone ask you the possible questions. This could be an example of a mock interview.
Aside from this technique, practice selling yourself. This is one of the most crucial tips to a successful interview, especially for “you” the interviewee. It’s important for your confidence, as well as to the hiring manager to be able to express your attributes to the employer. Remember to explain to the interviewer how you can help the employer instead of “bragging” about what you’re skills are, and about what you’ve done for past work. This may help the perspective employer gain more respect and confidence in you as well. You may likewise want to “tell your story” during the interview. This means you attempt to incorporate some personal experiences you have gone through which made you a better person. An example such as this may be another way to sell yourself to the interviewer. If you’re able to relate any other work or accomplishments to the job in question, this can be classified as a proper thing to do during your interview. Another thing to keep in mind as well is that your life story is different from any other employee’s. There are events and feelings you can relay to the employer without pumping yourself up too much that may help he or she better understand your character, and as to why you’d be a more worthy candidate for the position compared to other interviewees.
It is fairly important to make yourself stand out from “the rest” upon leaving the interview. You will also want to work on this same interview plan in order to prepare for your next one, where and whenever that may be. After you “sell yourself” and go through with the “qna” period, finding commonalities with the interviewer or company can be a nice asset. This may include the two of you liking the same restaurant or going through an identical experience in the past. Things such as these may just come up naturally during the interview, whether in a question/answer, or while you and the interviewer may be casually conversing. You may likewise see a photograph in the company waiting area, or a specific item in the interviewer’s office that you may be fond of. Commonalities such as these can help you relate better with the employer and this may allow your comfort level to be under control during the interview. This may likewise let the hiring manager know that you could be a worthy person for the position if he or she notices you feel comfortable and can positively relate to the company.
Several other quick items, but important ones are to dress professionally. You want to convey as much positive and professional confidence as you can. This also will make you look as if you’re worth hiring compared to someone who is dressed like they are going out to work in the yard! During the interview, always be sure to make eye contact and speak confidently. Using “filler” language may perceive you to be uneducated and uninterested. As previously mentioned, have questions in mind. This gives the interviewer the notion that you are interested in the position. Finally, make sure to thank the interviewer for their time. Then keep in contact if possible just in case another interview with the same employer may come up soon.
In conclusion, preparing for and going into an interview are not always the easiest things to do. Some individuals may be more adapt and confident than others with these processes. However anyone can make preparation and interviewing a success if they are mindful of, and practice several key items. Remember to have your resume at hand and questions to ask in mind. Dress professionally and sell yourself. You can try to relate with the interviewer if possible, but be prepared to answer whatever questions may come your way. Finally thank the person, and establish this contact. By practicing all of these tips and techniques first, you may feel much more comfortable when it comes time for the actual interview. Present yourself confidently and positively. If you then follow through with this plan, with luck your interview may result in a follow-up. Then the ultimate goal, the “job” may be right around the corner!
The Importance of Establishing Contacts and Keeping an Updated Resume
by Hopeful Wisdom on 10/30/11
As an individual progresses through a job search, it’s important that he or she examines several available tools that can make the job search easier. One great tool is the networking group or groups, that were examined previously in a Discover Hope blog. However another useful tool could be the establishment of contacts.
This means connecting with some of the individuals that may be present at a networking group, such as Discover Hope. You, the job seeker may discuss with some other individuals the possible positions you might be in search of. Bringing your resume to a networking group and passing it out, or emailing it to several other people may be a step in the right direction. If some of the people in the group know what kind of work you may be looking for, they may be able to inform you of a person who could be a possible lead. If the contact isn’t someone who is in your particular working field, he or she may know of another person who could help in the job search.
This process may seem redundant. However a good way to look at it is just like a domino effect. The job seeker talks to several other individuals at the networking group. He or she may hand out several resumes. One person may know of another individual who works in a similar line of work as to what you’re searching for. That specific person may then come into contact with another person who could be directly in the line of work the job seeker is in search of. As a result of this, several leads and or perspective job interviews could be on the horizon for the job seeker in question.
Sometimes establishing a line of contacts to interact with regarding possible leads doesn’t always result in an interview, or a job for that matter. However there are several important steps you can take in order to keep your job search on the right path. One of the first keys is to continuously update your resume with any important volunteer, or work experience. Staying positive about your job search is likewise very crucial. If you continue to do things such as attend networking groups, surround yourself with other positive people and try to establish contacts, these aspects can certainly make your job search a little less stressful. Discussing with others the struggles of the job search can be satisfying as well because you’re communicating with individuals who are most likely dealing with the same problems as you.
Be sure to consider the importance of your resume as well. By keeping your resume up to date with current, note worthy information, you can have it ready when you’re at the next networking group or job fair. A job fair is certainly another great aspect to consider participating in as a means of enhancing the job search. The importance of the job fair and its possibilities will be examined in a later blog.
Back to the importance of a current resume. Handing it out at a job fair or networking group, or emailing it to some contacts may not result in immediate reward. However, perspective employers who keep it on file could sometime come back to you with a lead to a possible job, or that employer in question could offer you an interview for a job.
In conclusion it’s important to establish possible job lead contacts, as well as keep an updated concise resume. Contacts can be established at such places as networking groups, and or job fairs. Once contacts are established the job seeker can then attempt to pass his or her resume along to some of these contacts. A job lead may not arise immediately, but keeping in touch with contacts and continuing to keep a positive view on your job search can eventually make all the difference. In these ways the job search can become much more manageable and before long, the job lead, job interview and finally, the job could come along.
AmeriCorps Journey
by Hopeful Wisdom on 10/30/11
Note, In this blog the author shares his personal story about his AmeriCorps journey.
Upon my spring 2007 graduation from Pointpark University I knew I had to now find a job. I began by exploring some outlets which dealt with my area of study in college, Broadcast Journalism. However, after sending out resumes, attending numerous job fairs and trying to establish contacts, I still was coming up empty. Then early the next year the job market, along with the economy went south. I wondered what route to take.
For most of 2008 I tried to just free-lance write about topics such as the reasons for the troubled economy and financial environment. I also wrote the presidential debates and upcoming elections, that were taking center stage amongst everything else happening around the country. My goal was to get some of these writing samples published in some local newspapers and or local magazines. Much to my chagrin I was turned away. By the end of that year I really wondered where to turn next.
One day in November I got in touch with the Butler County Blind Association to order a couple of canes for myself. I got to telling their staff people that I’d graduated college and had been looking for a journalism job. After a while the director of the association told me she was looking for a way to put a human interest newsletter which would be distributed to clients at the Blind Association. I agreed to help get this project in motion and write many of the articles that would make up this particular newsletter. I began volunteering at the Blind Association in early December of 2008. I wrote six articles per month, focusing on everyday topics that individuals who are visually impaired would find useful. I concentrated my writing on skills a blind person may use in everyday life, along with various resources he or she can utilize in order to live life more independently. Another task I was in charge of was to edit my own copy and submit it to the director, where it would then get put into a booklet format and sent out to the many clients for their reading pleasure.
After several months of being the author and editor of the Blind Association’s primary newsletter the director of the Blind Association told me about another service organization that I could join, while still working at the Blind Association. The organization she was referring to was AmeriCorps of Butler County. By joining the Corps I would have the opportunity to serve time with a non-profit organization, while being compensated for my work. I would soon find out that joining AmeriCorps could give me good experience for future working opportunities.
I continued volunteering at the Blind Association, turning out the newsletter each month until September of 2009. Then the beginning of the AmeriCorps service program began. For the next two consecutive years I served in AmeriCorps, continuing to work at the Blind Association. Most of my duties stayed the same as I continued to grow and produce the organization’s newsletter. During my time in the AmeriCorps I was able to participate in some public relations activities for the Blind Association
As I moved through my AmeriCorps journey I gained working environment experience. I was able to become familiar with meeting deadlines, and being held accountable for the work that I did. Aside from my duties at the Blind Association I likewise had several duties to take part in for the AmeriCorps program itself. I was required to attend a training session once a month. Here I convened with other AmeriCorps members who were serving with other non-profit service organizations. The whole AmeriCorps group along with AmeriCorps staff people jointly discussed their experiences, and what knowledge had been gained. Looking at plans upon completion of the AmeriCorps program, which carried a maximum of two year service were also explored. The non-profit organizations that were AmeriCorps participants had the option to hire the respective Corps member if they felt that person could continue working successful for the organization in question.
On August 12 of this year I attended my last training session with AmeriCorps. This was actually a ceremony in which every AmeriCorps member received a certificate that recognized his or her successful completion and graduation from the AmeriCorps service program. Each AmeriCorps member likewise received an education award. The monetary award can be used to pay off student loans from school, or AmeriCorps service members have the opportunity to use the award to take an educational course at a perspective school. Corps members can even use the education award to go and study abroad if they would choose to.
In conclusion the AmeriCorps service program was a great experience. Working at the Blind Association as the newsletter author and editor taught me a lot about functioning in a professional work environment. I learned through the AmeriCorps training sessions that there are a lot of other individuals just like myself who are trying to find a good job to grow themselves. The AmeriCorps service program is a great growing experience for anyone who is trying to find work. By including your AmeriCorps service experience onto a resume, certainly could turn out to be a great asset when perspective employers look at his or her working credentials and working fexperience. Your AmeriCorps service growth and experience could then turn into a job lead or the all important job!
