After your interview, jot down a few notes; such as the people you met, the firm’s mission, the job content of your discussions and job duties. With the new information you’ve learned about the job, think of your past experiences and any skills that may help you succeed in this new job. Having this on hand will help prepare you for a second interview and for future interviews with other companies.
For Job Seekers
There is no universal resume format and there are plenty of different options for you to choose when composing your resume. However, there are some good guidelines you should follow. Your resume is often the first thing a potential employer sees. It should look professional and be easy to read.
Incorporating an objective into a resume can sometimes limit job opportunities for several reasons. An employer may view an objective statement as inflexibility within a potential employee. It may also be that the company has several job openings in various areas and the objective limits the individual to just one of the positions. Although an objective is a great goal to keep in mind and work towards, it is not always necessary to put it on a resume.
Asking questions in an interview will definitely enhance your prospects of obtaining a job. Many people get so nervous in the interview setting that they do not ask questions. Others may feel that by the end of the interview, the employer has answered all of the questions. It is essential that you ask questions! This shows the employer that you have researched the job and that you are interested in the company.
Although office experience and software knowledge are necessary to excel in the workplace, your personality and ability to get along with others is equally important.
When entering a new work environment, it is important to make a good impression by going above and beyond expectations. However, if your efforts are heading in the wrong direction, it may hinder instead of help. Organizations appreciate employees that get behind the company’s goals, so it is important to first identify your new company’s needs and priorities, and focus on filling them. Here are some tips on what to listen and look for in order to best fit into and succeed in a new work environment:
- Keep in touch with contacts – Following up is important. After you’ve made connections with other professionals, show your interest by staying connected. Keep the contact’s business card and make notes on the back each time you contact them.
- Maintain a positive online persona – Your profile online should reflect a positive and responsible image. Make sure your links are professional and in good taste. Many employers are now using social networking links when screening for candidates.
- Make a good impression – A positive first impression speaks volumes. Know your abilities and market yourself with those in mind.
- Listen and observe – Focus in on the people that you meet by listening to what they are saying and keeping mental notes on important information. Be a good listener.
Three things to keep in mind when interviewing:
- Eye Contact: Maintain eye contact with your interviewer. This tells the employer that you are listening and paying attention to what they are saying.
- Be Positive: Employers want to hire someone who is positive, enthusiastic, and able to meet and deal with challenges. Make sure to avoid negative comments about past employers.
- Adapt: Listen and adapt. Be sensitive to the style of the interviewer. Pay attention to those details of dress, office furniture, and general décor, which will afford helpful clues to assist you in tailoring your presentation.
When you are going on an interview, it is important that you have a list of references ready. Ideally, an accurate reference sheet will consist of previous supervisors from your three most recent jobs. It will include the full name of each supervisor, title, company, current phone number and email address. It is helpful to get permission from each reference prior to your interview to ensure that he or she is available and willing to be a reference for you. A prepared list of references will show your potential employer that you are organized and responsible.
While it is important to appear professional and well-trained during job interviews, remember that the best thing you can be is yourself.
Imagine you are getting together for lunch with a favorite high school teacher whom you haven’t seen in years. If you act like yourself rather than a strange creation of a stressful job hunt, you will be relaxed and poised, and that will go a long way toward making a good impression.
