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Hip Tips: The Job Interview

Top Tips for A Successful Job Interview

The Top 10 Tips for a Successful Job Interview
http://topten.org/public/AB/AB8.html

Job interviews in many organizations are getting sophisticated these days. Psychological tests, role plays, and challenges to one's "quick intelligence" and street smarts are often part of the package. While it's impossible to anticipate everything you may encounter, here are ten tips that will help you negotiate the interview process successfully.

1. Prepare and over-prepare.


It is assumed that you don't go in with egg on your tie, spinach in your teeth, or without a thorough knowledge of the organization and position for which you are interviewing. Beyond that, there's an important principle that will enable you to be much more confident. It's called, "over-preparing." It goes like this: Plan your strategy--your answers to all the possible questions you may be asked or the challenges that may be thrown at you--and then practice, practice, practice. Role play and repeat your best responses until they are entirely natural, until they simply roll off your tongue with the apparent spontaneity that comes only with successive repetition.

2. Be particularly clear on what you know and what you want to achieve.


If your interview is resume-based (you've had to supply a resume either before or concurrently), have the facts of your stated objective, relevant experience, education, etc. thoroughly memorized and mentally supported. As to your job objective, be clear on what you want, as well as what you don't want. There's little room in the job market for the applicant who's willing to take anything; he or she will usually get nothing!

3. Make sure your responses match your claims.


If, for example, you've taken extra coursework to qualify for a particular position, license, or certification, tie it into your narrative, e.g., "When I took my coursework for my CPA, I learned that ..." Build on your resume, but don't refer directly to it (assuming the interviewer has it in his or her possession); make sure the connections are there, but do it subtly.

4. Be clear about your strengths.


You're almost certain to be hit with questions pertaining to your strengths and weaknesses. Know your strengths and emphasize those that relate specifically to the position for which you're being considered. If, for example, you're applying for a sales position, you might describe one of your strengths (if it's true) as follows: "I've made a study of personality types and I've learned to quickly type people in terms of the kinds of approaches that might best attract them." Be prepared, in this case, to back up your claim if the interviewer suddenly asks: "What type would you say I am?"

5. Describe your weaknesses as strengths.


This is tricky, so let's think about why the question is asked. The interviewer probably wants to learn several things about you with this question, such as: whether or not you are arrogant ("I really don't think I have any weaknesses"), whether you know yourself ("Well, I've never really thought about that"), and finally, what you are doing to eliminate your weaknesses. Here are two ways to answer this question so that you leave a positive impression in the mind of the interviewer: (a) Show that, in overcoming a weakness, you've learned. If, for example, there's a period in your chronology that just doesn't fit (say that you took a job selling cars between jobs as an accountant ... it happens!), you might tell the interviewer: "One weakness, which it took me some time to overcome, wasthat I really wasn't sure that I wanted to be an accountant. For example, in 1988-90, I worked as a car salesman. I did so because I couldn't decide if I wanted to make accounting my career. That experience taught me that I really didn't want to sell products, and that I was much more challenged by the opportunity to solve client problems. (b) Pick a weakness that is really a strength. If, for example, you're interviewing for a job in an organization you know is hard-charging and unforgiving of average performance, you might say, "One of my weaknesses is that I tend to be impatient with people who aren't willing to pull their full weight and give 110%." In this case, your "weakness" may help you get the job.

6. If you've been fired, be forthright about it.


So many people have been laid off through no fault of their own in the past ten years that it's no longer a stigma to have been fired--unless it was for justifiable cause (e.g.,- you socked your boss). Answer directly, but without a "charge" in your voice. Expressing your bitterness over being let go tells the interviewer (rightly or wrongly) that you can't accept the realities of modern free enterprise -- that downsizing is acceptable and often necessary.

7. Be clear where you want to go.


A standard question which has all manner of variations is: "Where do you want to be five years from today?" Only today, the answers are different. Unless you plan to inherit Dad's company, your answer is apt to be a lot more general than it might have been a decade ago. Why? Because the economy and nearly every industry are changing so fast that specificity with respect to the distant future is extremely difficult. So, instead of responding to the question with, "I plan to be in a position of senior leadership in this company," you might want to say: "I plan to become qualified in every phase of this industry." The exact response depends upon the specifics of your job hunting campaign, but the principle is: be specific while allowing yourself the flexibility which suggests that you understand the complexities of the business you're applying for.

8. Have clear personal standards.


This is a sleeper because, on the face of it, the question doesn't seem to have much to do with the immediate interview. Today, however, many organizations are looking for people who DO have standards regarding their personal and professional lives, who can articulate them clearly and concisely, and who live by them. In this case, the briefer, the better. "I delegate my weaknesses." "I don't take on projects unless I can give them 100% dedication." "I respond in specifics and avoid meaningless generalities." "I am committed to life-long learning and growth."

9. Interview the interviewer.


The applicant who will take anything offered is unlikely to win any but the most temporary of positions. A competent interviewer (there are some) will respect your efforts to assess the organization and the position in terms of whether or not it meets YOUR requirements. And you owe it to yourself to have defined before hand, what you ideally want and what you are willing to settle for, under certain conditions. For example, you might really want a salary of $75,000 to begin with, but you'd be willing to take less if the opportunities for growth are clearly in the picture.

10. Don't allow yourself to be badgered by the salary issue.


Even today,it's still not uncommon to hear the old refrain: "Our policy is not to pay a new employee more than X% higher than he/she is currently making." Sorry, that doesn't fly. The real issue, and the only one at stake here, is whether or not your prospective employer is willing to pay WHAT YOU ARE WORTH. And, your worth is a function of the job itself and your capability and willingness to perform it. In most organizations, there are clear parameters for a given job, a range of salary that is adjustable depending upon the market and the applicant's experience. In most cases, unless you are very good, you will have to work within those limits. But, within the limits, what you are worth is a matter of mutual agreement based on your own knowledge of your worth and your ability to convince those interviewing you. So, to sum it up: Know the range of compensation for the job you're seeking, make your own realistic determination of what you're worth, and then be prepared to stand your ground.


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About the Submitter
This piece was originally submitted by Shale Paul, Executive Coach, who can be reached at shale@shalecoach.com, or visited on the web. Shale Paul wants you to know: I work with individuals who are committed to getting ahead, changing direction, or simply growing! The original source is: Written by Shale Paul, Executive Coach. Copyright 1996, Coach University. May be reproduced or transmitted if done so in its entirety including this copyright line.


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~~~

NEW YORK -- Job search going nowhere? Vault, the Insider Career Network TM), has developed a list of tips to help recharge the job search for the thousands of professionals stuck pounding the pavement. Vault co-founder and career expert Mark Oldman says there are steps employees can take to reenergize a stagnant job search. "Most job searches take several months, so allow yourself ample to time to locate and apply for a range of positions. If several weeks of searching have yielded few opportunities, try the following tactics to breathe life into your job search."

1. Revamp Your Resume: Even if you have proofread it dozens of times,
your resume may have errors or other problems that are repelling
potential employers. Get some fresh eyes -- i.e., those of friends
and family -- to give your resume and cover letters the once over.

2. Polish Your Interviewing Skills: To ensure that you're giving a
good impression at your interview, find a savvy friend to conduct a
mock interview with you. Pretend that you're in an actual interview:
dress up, talk about your experience and skills, and ask questions.
Then, have your friend evaluate your performance and find out what
you need to improve.

3. Resist Rustiness: Don't allow your skills to atrophy. In fact, you
should use the extra time you have to broaden your skills. Consider
taking online courses or night classes at the local college.

4. Consider Other Positions: Your skills and experience are applicable
to more positions than you may realize. For example, if you previously
worked as a reporter or editor, don't overlook opportunities to apply
your writing skills to positions in marketing, public relations, or
even business development. Cast your net as broadly as possible.

5. Temp Time: Don't discount temporary work. It's flexible, will bring
in income, and in some cases, it's a fast track to a full-time job.

6. Do Your Homework: To prepare yourself for interviews, study online
company profiles like those at Vault.com and Hoovers.com. Scan news
stories, press releases, and other information on specific companies
and industries. A well-prepared job seeker has a distinct advantage
in the job hunt.

7. Schmooze Like Crazy. Contact friends, family, professional acquain-
tances, even former bosses. Go to Pink Slip parties. Join professional
associations. Volunteer. Don't be pushy and don't expect a job from
contacts you meet. Then again, the perfect job may be only an e-mail
away.

8. Visit Message Boards: Online communities, like Vault.com's Electron-
ic WaterCooler(TM), are a great place to make new contacts and find
out which companies are hot and which aren't.

9. Manage Your Money: Without a steady source of income, you should
conserve your cash -- create a detailed budget and spend wisely. The
idea is have enough money on hand so you can conduct a thorough,
patient job search and allow yourself enough time to find a job you
can really love.

10. Keep Your Spirits Up: While a job search can be an uneasy and
exhausting process, don't let it get the best of you. Get plenty of
rest, be sure to exercise, and stay connected with friends. Another
good job is out there, and with renewed efforts and the right at-
titude it could be yours sooner than you know it.

http://www.vault.com

Learn2.com: Dressing for Success!

for picture tutorial go to the website...

The necessities:
*A section of newspaper
*3 clean, soft cotton cloths--old T-shirts and underwear work great!
*Wax or cream shoe polish. Polish can be purchased at most supermarkets, drugstores, and shoe repair shops

Optional:
*Saddle soap
*A soft bristle (e.g., horsehair) brush
*A towel to kneel on

Time: 15 - 20 minutes



These shoes were made for shining

Leather dress shoes need shining! A good shine keeps them natty and preserves their longevity by moisturizing the leather. Leather, like your own skin, can dry out and crack--so shoe care professionals use polish to prevent desiccation and to restore lost moisture. You should do the same by giving your leather shoes a shine at least once a month. With a modicum of supplies, effort, and time, you can shine your shoes in almost any location. This 2torial teaches you how to resurrect worn out wing-tips and preserve new pumps in a jiffy.

Be advised that this 2tutorial teaches you how to treat leathers, such as calfskin and kidskin, that are intended to be shined. The cleaning and preservation of other leathers, such as suede and nubuk, are not covered here. Note also that many shoes are made from a combination of leathers.For such shoes, make sure that each type of leather can handle shoe polish. If you are unsure, first consult the staff where you bought the shoes, or a shoe care professional.

Don't try to shine your shoes while they're on your feet. Leave that for the pros. Shining shoes can be a messy affair, so take your shoes off your feet (hopefully, you're not wearing them anywhere else!) and change into some old clothes.

STEP 1) Prepare a work site

Polish is easily spilled or mishandled, so you should protect your work site. Avoid stainable surfaces-rugs, bedspreads, couches; a tile or linoleum floor is a great location for a shine.

Clear an area of the floor.

Open a section of newspaper. The funnies can provide you with some light entertainment while you wait for shoes to dry. Note: If you're working on a stainable surface a little more paper (spread over a broader area) could only help.

Set up your shoes and cleaning supplies on top of the paper.

STEP 2) Remove the laces and put down newspaper

If your shoes have laces, remove them. Removing the laces lets you polish the tongue and avoid staining the laces. However, this step is optional. If you don't remove the laces, you shouldn't attempt to polish the tongue.

Step 3) Wipe the leather

Wipe the leather with a dry, soft cotton cloth to remove any light stains and or dust. This keeps stains and dust from becoming embedded or scratching the leather when you apply polish. Shoes cleaned with saddle soap should be allowed to dry for five minutes before you proceed to the next step.

Place your non-dominant hand into one shoe.

Hold the shoe firmly on the paper. This will give you good leverage for optimum cleaning.

Take up Cloth #1 (The Cleaner) with your dominant hand.

Wipe the leather to remove dust, dirt, and any spots that have accumulated. Move from front to back--first on the left side, then on the right. Moving in a methodical way will prevent missed spots.

Be sure to wipe between the heel and the sole to remove any dirt. Use the edge of the cloth, held taut between your hands, to slip into tight areas.

Repeat the process on the other shoe.

Step 4) Choose the polish

Leather shoe polish comes in two forms, wax and cream. Use wax for a better shine; use cream to ensure longevity. Cream soaks into leather, moisturizing it and allowing leather to breathe. Wax seals leather, inhibiting leather's respiration and causing it to dry out. To choose the correct color of polish, follow these guidelines.

Dark-colored shoes require a matching color polish.

Light-colored shoes need a neutral (colorless) polish.

Step 5) Apply the polish

Once you've got the right polish, you can start applying it. There is no specific, mandatory method for applying polish, but applying it in small circles will keep you from slopping any excess polish inside the shoe, on the sole, or on the laces (if you haven't removed them). Note: A little dab will do ya'. The leather only absorbs what it needs. Excess polish doesn't help the shoe and takes longer to dry.

Openyour can of polish. If it doesn't open easily, don't force it open with all your strength. The lid may open suddenly, sending an open can of polish flying in the air towards you or your furnishings. Instead, use gradual, even pressure combined with a twisting motion.

Wrap a small portion of Cloth #2 (The Applicator) around the index of your dominant hand and dip the cloth into the polish. Wrap the cloth tightly-- this snug fit will give you a greater feel of the surface of the shoe, and will allow you to work polish into the creases of the shoe where you foot flexes.

Place your non-dominant hand into one shoe. Hold the shoe on the paper.

Dip the cloth into the polish, and scoop out a thumbnail-sized glob of polish.

Starting from the heel, and moving forward on one side of the shoe, spread the polish on the leather evenly. Cover the entire shoe, paying close attention to scratches and scuffs to ensure that they are adequately masked. As you run out of polish, get another dab and continue applying. Stop when you have covered the leather with a thin, even layer of polish.

Repeat the process on the other shoe.

Allow the shoes to dry for 10 minutes.

Step 6) Make the shine!

Now you're ready to make your shoes shine. This is the fun part and you may want to sing a campy song while you polish.

Place your non-dominant hand inside one shoe. Hold the shoe in front of you.

Take up a soft bristle brush or Cloth #3 (The Polisher) with your dominant hand and use short, back and forth strokes to bring the leather to a shine. If you're using a cloth, you may want to turn the cloth as you move from one area of the shoe to the next. Turning the cloth will give you a new, clean surface with which to remove the dried polish.

Repeat the process on the other shoe.

Re-lace the shoes and you're ready to go!

-end-


Learn 2 Shine Leather Shoes

Learn2.com: How to Tie Your Tie

for a picture tutorial go to the website...

Fastest necktie in the west!

Ascot and bertha, cravat and Four-in-hand, rebato and Double Windsor-- there's a world of variation in fashionable neckwear. Some of them are badges of office, some have gone the way of the dodo bird and the woolly rhino. This 2torial will walk you through the basics of tying two standard business tie knots. Your associates will rave, your family will cheer, and best of all you'll feel great knowing your necktie is straight and in place. Leave the clip-ons at home!

Choose a tie that fits your personality and matches what you are wearing. Despite how logical it sounds, striped ties do not go with striped shirts or jackets. Choose a solid or patterned tie with striped shirts. If you decide to wear that loud tie your kids gave you for Christmas, then put on a plain white or solid-color dress shirt first.

Which knot for my business tie? Use the Double Windsor for thin materials such as silk, and with wider ties. Hand-knit or woolen ties are too thick for the Double Windsor; use a Four-in-hand when you need a smaller knot.

1) Button your collar at the neck. Then fold it up so that you can slip the tie easily around your neck. This helps you tie it in the right spot the first time, and also helps prevent wrinkling and stretching the tie fabric.


2) Adjust the length

The standard neck-tie: Some people prefer the ends to be exactly the same length after you've finished. Unfortunately, ties usually come in one size only, so it's hard to say where the ends will meet up. A tie that only hangs to the belly-button looks cheap; one that hangs over your pants fly is also tacky. Even worse--when the broad end of the tie is outdistanced by the narrow end. Instead, the tip of the broad end should extend just to the top of your belt buckle.


Sounds tricky? Fortunately, there's a good general rule to follow. To begin, drape the necktie around your collar so that the seam of the tie is lying along the collar. The broad end should be on the side of your dominant hand--if you are left-handed, the broad end should be on your left side. Now for the measuring trick: place the tip of the narrow end just above the fourth button down your shirt (the one above your navel), and eliminate the slack by pulling down on the broad end. Again, the tie seam should remain hidden in the back.


Another measuring trick is to let the broad end hang down twice as long as the narrow end. To check if you've done this right, fold the broad end in half up towards your neck. The folded portion should be equal in length to the narrow end.

Tie the Four-in-hand knot
This is the basic knot fashion. Master this one and you'll be prepared for most semi-formal events.

Grasp the narrow end about three inches (8 cm) down from your neck with your nondominant hand. This is the spot where you will make the knot. Take the broad end with your dominant hand and pass it across and over the spot, and hold it there with your nondominant hand.


Bring the broad end around behind the spot, then around and over again. Then pull the broad end behind the spot and up through the "V" at the top.


Let the broad end flop over and hang down. Now tuck it between the top wrap of the tie and the place you have been holding. Use both hands to straighten the knot and pull it tight.


Pull the knot gently but firmly. Look at the tie in the mirror. Is it straight? Does the broad end hang down too far, or not far enough? Loosen the tie if need be, and readjust the length of the narrow end as needed so that your tie will be the proper length after the knot has been tightened. The Four-in-hand knot will be slightly larger on one side than the other. The knot should be smoothly wrapped, not wrinkled or folded over on itself. If you need to, take a moment to fuss with the knot so that it looks even and the rest of the tie hangs down straight.
Oh, and turn your collar down. Button down the collarbone buttons.

Tie the Double Windsor Knot

The Double Windsor takes its name from the double wrap that is part of its construction. Political and business leaders seem to favor this knot, along with foreign royalty. You tie it similarly to the Four-in-hand--just duplicate the single wrap of the Four-in-hand. It's a little more difficult to pull together in the tightening stage. So go slowly and be prepared to loosen the knot and re-tighten as necessary. Finally, the Windsor is a bigger knot; allow yourself a little more length on the broad end.


Grasp the narrow end about two inches (6cm) down from your neck with your nondominant hand. This is the spot where you will make the knot. Take the broad end with your dominant hand and pass it across and over the spot, and hold it there with your nondominant hand.
Now, pass the broad end around behind once, then out in front, then down through the top of the "Y" and back out to the same side again.

Wrap again the broad end across, behind and up through the back of the "Y." Let the broad end hang down, and then tuck it between the last wrap and the spot you have been holding.


Pull the knot together gently. This is a crucial step with the Double Windsor. There are two actions here--tightening the funnel-shape knot, and then sliding that knot up to your collar.


While the knot is still loose, remove your nondominant hand from the innards of the knot. Use it to grasp the bottom of the broad end. Then, while pulling on the broad end, use your dominant hand to squeeze and jostle the funnel-shaped knot into the right form. Make sure the first, smaller wrap of the knot doesn't slip down the narrow end. Instead, coax it into the larger outer wrap. Now slide the almost finished knot up towards your collar. At this point you can tighten the knot more firmly by pulling on the narrow end. Ideally there's a dimple created just below the pointed end of the funnel-shaped knot.


Look at the tie in the mirror. Is it straight? Does the broad end hang down too far, or not far enough? Loosen the tie if need be, and readjust the length of the narrow end as needed so that your tie will be the proper length when the knot has been tightened. The knot should be smoothly wrapped, not wrinkled or folded over on itself. If you need to, take a moment to fuss with the knot so it looks even, and so the rest of the tie hangs down straight.

-end-

Learn 2 Tie a Necktie

How to Mess up a Job Interview

Personnel executives of 100 major corporations were asked for stories of unusual behavior by job applicants.

1. "... stretched out on the floor to fill out the job application."

2. "She wore a Walkman and said she could listen to me and the music at the same time."

3. " A balding candidate abruptly excused himself. Returned to office a few minutes later, wearing a hairpiece."

4. "... asked to see interviewer's resume to see if the personnel executive was qualified to judge the candidate."

5. "... announced she hadn't had lunch and proceeded to eat a hamburger and french fries in the interviewer's office - wiping the ketchup on her sleeve"

6. "Stated that, if he were hired, he would demonstrate his loyalty by having the corporate logo tattooed on his forearm."

7. "Interrupted to phone his therapist for advice on answering specific interview questions."

8. "When I asked him about his hobbies, he stood up and started tap dancing around my office."

9. "At the end of the interview, while I stood there dumb-struck, went through my purse, took out a brush, brushed
his hair, and left."

10. "... pulled out a Polaroid camera and snapped a flash picture of me. Said he collected photos of everyone who
interviewed him."

11. "Said he wasn't interested because the position paid too much."

12. "During the interview, an alarm clock went off from the candidate's brief case. He took it out, shut it off, apologized and said he had to leave for another interview."

13. "A telephone call came in for the job applicant. It was from his wife. His side of the conversation went like
this: "Which company? When do I start? What's the salary?" I said, "I assume you're not interested in conducting the
interview any further." He promptly responded, "I am as long as you'll pay me more." "I didn't hire him, but later found out there was no other job offer. It was a scam to get a higher offer."

14. "Candidate said he really didn't want to get a job, but the unemployment office needed proof that he was
looking for one."

15. "Pointing to a black case he carried into my office, he said that if he was not hired, the bomb would go off. Disbelieving, I began to state why he would never be hired and that I was going to call the police. He then reached down to the case, flipped a switch and ran. No one was injured,
but I did need to get a new desk."

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