Alhamisi, 1 Agosti 2013

learn something each day


YOU HAVE TO BE WILLING TO LEARN! 

If you're anything like I was when I first began searching for a job, I made a lot of mistakes which nearly kept me from ever getting hired.

You've probably already been on a few interviews, but have not been given a job offer. Don't be too hard on yourself if companies have been showing little interest in you. 

It's a very competitive job market out there and employers have to go through hundreds of applicants before they can even find a small handful of people to interview. 

Usually companies get 350 - 500+ resumes for each job posting. Then they widdle that number down to less than 10 candidates they would like to interview. Of the 10 candidates, they will usually choose three for second and third interviews and eventually choose one person. 

My job is to make sure you are that one person. 

Many of the job seekers subscribed to this course have told me they found it beneficial to read the Complete Interview Answer Guide while going through these lessons, but it's not required. 

Ok, now on to lesson 1... 

We've all heard stories of job candidates who looked great on paper but who were an absolute disaster in person. With fewer and fewer interview opportunities available in this competitive market, it's essential to make the best possible first impression. You can learn from the mistakes of others and avoid the top 10 worst interview blunders. 

1. A Poor Handshake Says A Lot About You 
The three-second handshake that starts the interview is your first opportunity to create a great impression. But all too often an interview is blown right from the start by an ineffective handshake. 

Once you've delivered a poor handshake, it's nearly impossible to recover in your efforts to build rapport. Here are some examples: 

The Limp Hand: Gives the impression of disinterest or weakness. 
The Tips of the Fingers: Shows lack of ability to engage. The Arm Pump: Sincerity is questionable, much like an over-aggressive salesman. 

Even if you're a seasoned professional, don't assume you have avoided these pitfalls. 

Your handshake may be telling more about you than you know. 

2. Talking Too Much 
In my recruiting days, I abhorred over-talkative candidates. So did most of my client employers. Over-talking takes several forms: 

Taking too long to answer direct questions. The impression: This candidate just can't get to the point. 

Nervous talkers. The impression: This candidate is covering up something or is outright lying. To avoid either of these forms of over-talking, practice answering questions in the Complete 
Interview Answer Guide. 

3. Saying Negative Things About Your Current or Past Employers/Managers 
The fastest way to talk yourself out of a new job is to say negative things. Even if your last boss was Attila the Hun, never, never state your ill feelings about him/her. 

No matter how reasonable your complaints, YOU will come out the loser if you show that you disrespect your boss. 

4. Showing up Late or Too Early 
The first lesson in job-search etiquette is to show up on time for interviews. A lot of job seekers don't realize, however, that showing up too early often creates a poor first impression as well. 

Act as if your time is as valuable as theirs. Always arrive on time, but never more than 10 - 15 minutes early. 

5. Treating the Receptionist Rudely 
Since the first person you meet on an interview is usually a receptionist, this is also the first impression you'll make. Don't mistake low rank for low input. 

Often, that receptionist's job is to usher you into your interview. The receptionist has the power to pave your way positively or negatively before you even set eyes on the interviewer. 

6. Asking About Benefits, Vacation Time or Salary 
What if a car salesman asked to see your credit report before allowing you to test drive the cars? That would be ridiculous, and you'd walk away in disgust. 

The effect is about the same when a job seeker asks about benefits or other employee perks during the first interview. Wait until you've won the employer over before beginning that discussion. 

7. Not Preparing for the Interview 
Nothing communicates disinterest like a candidate who hasn't bothered to do pre-interview research. 

On the flip side, the quickest way to a good impression is to demonstrate your interest with a few well thought out questions that reflect your knowledge of their organization. 

8.) Verbal Ticks 
An ill-at-ease candidate seldom makes a good impression. The first signs of nervousness are verbal ticks. We all have them from time to time - "umm," "like," "you know." Ignore the butterflies in your stomach, and put up a front of calm confidence by avoiding verbal ticks. 

One of the best ways to reduce or eliminate them is through role play. Practice sharing your best success stories ahead of time, and you'll feel more relaxed during the real interview. 

9.) Not Enough/Too Much Eye Contact 
Either situation can create a negative effect: Avoid eye contact, and you'll seem shifty or untruthful; offer too much eye contact, and you'll wear the interviewer out. 

If you sometimes have trouble with eye-contact balance, work this out ahead of time in an interview practice session with a friend. 

10.) Failure to Match Communication Styles 
It's almost impossible to make a good first impression if you can't communicate effectively with an interviewer. But you can easily change that situation by mirroring the way the interviewer treats you. 

For instance: 

If the interviewer seems all business, don't attempt to loosen him/her up with a joke or story. Be succinct and businesslike. 

If the interviewer is personable, try discussing his/her interests. Often the items on display in the office can be a clue. 

If asked a direct question, answer directly. Then follow up by asking if more information is needed. 

When you allow the interviewer to set the tone of conversation, this can vastly improve your chances of making a favorable impression. You can put the interviewer at ease and make yourself seem more like him or her by mirroring his/her communication style. 

Just as a strong resume wins you an opportunity to interview, strong interview skills will win you consideration for the job. 

Polishing your interview skills can mean the difference between getting the job and being a runner-up -- and runner-ups don't get hired. 

That wraps up lesson 1. Now that you know what NOT to do, tomorrow I'm going to give you my Top 10 Job Interview Preparation Tips so you don't embarrass yourself. 

If you want to get a head start on preparing for the kinds of questions you will be asked on your interview, I would strongly suggest reading theComplete Interview Answer Guide. It's the best way to prepare for your next job interview. 

Enjoy! 

Hakuna maoni:

Chapisha Maoni