8 things to make an impressive CV

This article is an attempt to help the readers design an impressive and user-friendly CV. If you ensure that you include this information in your CV, the chances of it meeting the interviewer's expectations are increased.

~ Begin with name and contact details
Make this information available at the beginning of your CV. This should include your postal address, phone number (preferably mobile number) and e-mail address (only one). If a company wants to call you for an interview or needs to communicate with you for any further information, they will look out for this information. If it is buried somewhere inside the CV it will not only put them off but also reduce their chances of contacting you.

~ Write an appealing career summary
This is your chance to bring forward relevant strengths and skills to the recruiter. Everything in your CV should support your Career Summary. If there's anything that doesn't support your Career Summary, you should reconsider listing it.

You should write your Career Summary around your skills, attitude, knowledge and experience. There are two schools of thought on writing the career statement.

Some people think that it should be a short 30-40 word paragraph while others give it liberty to be covered in 4-5 bulleted points. Whatever you decide on, ensure that everything relevant that you want to sell to the prospective employer is covered here. At the same time, it should not become nauseating.

~ Focus on your work experience, responsibilities and achievements
If you are an experienced candidate, your work experience is your main asset. Include the details of the relevant jobs you have done in the past. You should present your work experience in a chronologically descending order ie the last company first.

This should include the name of the company, your designation and tenure followed by your job responsibilities and achievements. It is always better to present this information in bulleted format rather than a clumsy paragraph. Mention some figures when you talk about your achievements.

For example:
Worked as Business Development Manager for XYZ Company from June 2000 to January 2004.

Job responsibilities:

Setting up 7 franchisees across 4 countries
Maximising the business from existing customers to the tune of $ 200,000
~ Your next asset is your educational qualification
Educational qualifications play an important role in the recruitment of freshers. If you are a fresh candidate, focus your CV on your qualifications and achievements during your student life.

~ Write about your out-of-work achievements, interests and hobbies
These reflect your personality and skills. Present the relevant achievements in the order of priority ie the most important achievement first. Similarly, present your interests as well. Write about the achievements that display a facet of your personality. For example, if you have been the president of your college, do mention it. It shows your leadership skills.

~ Write short sentences with more impactful words
Lengthy CVs put the recruiter off. Keep the sentences short and use words that demonstrate your hold of the situation like managed, arranged, supervised etc.

~ Formal font faces
A font like Verdana-10 should be good for the content while the Name at the top can be written in Verdana-12, with a bold font face.

~ Use the same tense through out the CV.
Changing the tense in every second line leaves the reader confused and annoyed.

How to find job in Hard Times

There are times when it's not a matter of finding the best job, but finding a job period, and finding it fast. Those types of times are upon us, and using the usual means of sending your cover letter and resume out don't work if you need something quickly. So here are some tips on what you can do when you need to land a job like yesterday.

The first secret to finding a job quickly is to understand that starting at the beginning doesn't work, we need to tap into already existing circumstances in order to do it quickly.

One way that works is to look at the networks you already have; whether professional or personal. Many times these networks aren't really tapped that often or even thought of as networks because they may be people you just hang out with in general, or professional ties you connect with to let of some steam, etc.

But when it comes to finding a job quickly, forget about anything but letting people know you're looking for a job and that you're willing to work at just about anything to get it.

Remember, you're trying to get a job in a very difficult market. That requires lowering expectations in order to survive until things turn around.

The key point it to identify networks you already have and don't assume they don't have any value in job hunting. Anyone has the potential to know about a job available somewhere. Just start asking and you'll be surprised at how many opportunities start to turn up.

If you're too fussy at a time like this, then in reality, you're really not trying to get hired quickly, you're acting like we're in a normal hiring environment, which we're not. So you must be flexible in this type of economic situation, and if you're not, you're going to end up having to be one way or the other. Better to do it right away than be brought to the place of having absolutely no option but to take the first thing that comes your way.

How about your neighbors
If you have had some contact with neighbors, they can make an excellent source of information for possible job openings. They also talk to one another a lot, so if you ask one about it, they can spread the word around the neighborhood and you're sure to get a hit quickly.

Local pals
We tend to put our net way too far at times we're looking for jobs, and if we have the time to do that, it works great, but when we need a job quick, local is probably the best place to spread the word.

So any of your friends can be sources for job opportunities, and don't fail to let them know you're looking. Almost all of this is about communication, and the more you communicate locally, the better chances at getting a job quick.

Organizational Ties
Most of us belong to some type of organization or another; whether church or what have you, and there are a lot of people you can let know that you are job hunting, and that can very quickly generate legitimate job possibilities in a hurry.
Just get the word of mouth going and get out of the way.

Former managers or supervisors
Assuming you're on good terms with former bosses, they are a great source for job openings; not only for where they work, but they are always in contact with other businesses and managers that are looking for people. You never know, if you left on good terms with them, they offer you a job then and there.

Let your fingers do the walking
Yes, the yellow pages are still around, and they offer up plenty ideas of jobs you can look for. Remember, local will provide you a job much quicker than national searches, so look through the businesses to find places you can contact immediately.

This one almost always works
I've had to apply this strategy to my job searches in the past when I was getting desperate, and that's to go to a local mall and start applying.

Many times you don't have to go store to store, but can find an answer desk where any store in the mall that is looking for workers has that information available.

While that's what I would try first, I would still try individual stores if there's not much there, as many stores don't immediately post job opportunities, and so you could walk into one without any competition to battle for the job.

This can be one of the fastest ways to get a job if you are getting right down to it.

Online job searches
You would have thought I would have listed this first, but with needing a job quickly, the Internet, in many cases, is much slower to respond, and you may have to go through many hoops to get something.

So because the parameters we're talking about is securing a job quickly, we can't rely on the Internet for that.

Now having said that, I would still put out my application, but I would it in conjunction with my local networks and searches. If you don't you'll find yourself getting deeper in financial trouble waiting for an online opening or response, which probably is the most competitive and time consuming out there.

Follow these numerous strategies and you should be able to get a job quickly and start bringing in some much needed income.

Avoiding Desperation During Job Search

Getting a job during recession is very difficult. As the US dips into 9.5% unemployment rate, more and more individuals are having a hard time getting the attention of few employers who are willing to open their doors to new employees.

The number of unemployed on the street is increasing which means the competition is getting fierce. For that reason, employees are looking for ways to be different from applicants so that they can be considered for the job. A normal resume and cover letter today will never work since everyone else is doing the same.

But the idea of being creative can sometimes go overboard. Some applicants think of very clever tricks just to get noticed. For example, you show up for an interview wearing a bunny costume because it’s nearing Easter (actually a true story). Wearing something odd during job search will definitely be noticed by employers but it will never work to your advantage. In fact, crazy antics just to get noticed will lessen or completely remove your chances of being hired for the job.

Being unique to the point of getting weird during the job process only means that you are desperate for the job. You do these things because you badly needed the job and you will do almost everything just to get noticed.

Giving your possible employers a sign that you are desperate for a job can never boost your chances of employment. While desperation will mean employees could be working harder, they are working for the wrong reason: money. Of course, money is important but employees who are driven primarily by money could be tempted to do things out of the ordinary (illegal) sine they really do not care about productivity or the company but only in earning their payroll.

Avoid being tagged as desperate. In every movement that you make, be sure that you are professional in every way: the way you speak, the way you move and the way you dress will be scrutinized and anything unprofessional will be counted against you.

Desperation is one of the biggest indicators that you are not professional since you are not there to work and be compensated later – you’re only seeking to be compensated no matter what happens to the company. If the company will sense this, they will never hesitate to consider other candidates. There are many applicants who have fallen for this trick only to leave frustrated.

But that does not mean you should never be creative during your application process. There are a lot of ways that you can do to be noticeable without sounding desperate. Always think of being professional and everything that you do.

Your creativity should be based on showing your skills as a professional. There are many avenues that you can show your skills without looking ridiculous. If your goal is just to get noticed then being weird during the application process is recommended but if your goal is to be employed then be creative in showing your skills and abilities regarding your employment.

Job Interview Follow-Up Do's and Don'ts

Remember that your work is not done once you finish the interview. You can't sit back and wait for the job offer, so consider these key rules and strategies for following-up your job interviews.

• Do ask at the end of the interview when the employer expects to make the hiring decision.
  
• Do be proactive and consider follow-up a strategic part of your job search process. Follow-up can give you just the edge you need to get the job offer over others who interviewed for the position.
  
• Do use these follow-up techniques to continue to show your enthusiasm and desire for the position, but don't make it seem as though you are desperate.
  
• Do obtain the correct titles and names of all the people who interviewed you. (Ideally, do get each person's business card.)
  
• Do write individual thank you notes or letters to each person who interviewed you -- within two business days. Each letter can be essentially the same, but try to vary each a bit in case recipients compare notes. Don't ever fail to send a thank you -- even if you are sure the job is not for you. And do write thank you notes after every interview.
  
• Don't worry so much about hand-written versus typed thank you letters, but don't make a mistake by sending it through the wrong medium; make sure you know the best method of reaching the employer, whether by regular mail, email, or fax.
  
• In your thank you letter, do show appreciation for the employer's interest in you and do remind the employer about why you are the perfect person for the position.
• Don't ever have any errors (misspellings or typos) in your thank you letters.
  
• Do alert your references -- if you have not done so already -- that they may be getting a phone call from the employer.
  
• Don't stop job-hunting, even if you feel confident that you will get a job offer. Do continue to interview and attempt to find other opportunities.
  
• Do follow-up with a telephone call to the employer within a week to ten days (or sooner, if the employer had a shorter timetable) to ask about the position. And do continue to build rapport and sell your strengths during the phone call.
  
• Do be patient. The hiring process often takes longer than the employer expects.
  
• Do continue following-up, especially if the employer asks you to. Remember the adage about the squeaky wheel getting the oil. Just don't go overboard and annoy or bother the employer.
  
• Don't place too much importance on one job or one interview; there will be other opportunities for you.
  
• Do use other job offers as leverage in your follow-up -- to get the offer you really want.
  
• Don't burn any bridges if you do not get a job offer. And do try and turn the situation into a positive by bringing the interviewer(s) into your network, possibly even asking them for referrals to other contacts.

How To Answer The Salary Question In A Job Interview

Just by avoiding the exact salary to have already been drawn by you may not remain the secret as during the interview your employer will directly ask for the salary drawn earlier in your current or previous organization, which you’ve got to answer. Presentation of the details or the factual figure of salary is needed to be accomplished in such a way that you should not feel any kind of reparation just after divulging the salary drawn by you earlier. Suppose being competent and experienced one provided you are drawing $20,000 per month for your service in any Info Company as a programmer, and you are asked by another Company to to tell you salary, which can give you $30,000 per month as the salary, which answer would you like give in order to ensure your 100% placement in the that Company.
If you reveal your actual salary you are likely to loss your job, as the company will consider you less efficient and may offer you not more than what you admit to being paid presently. And if you reveal your salary being tantamount to the salary offered by interviewing Company, possibility of yours being given the job increases but on verification of yours salary structure revealed by you earlier as high-salary, your candidature may be quashed.
Reveal the truth throwing sufficient light over the situations warranting you to join the previous job and seek a on-the-spot test to prove your competency, if you think that you can demonstrate your efficiency without any kind friction or obstruction. Salary negotiation starts from yours convincing the employer of your ability. Satisfactory answer, facts and the substantial revelation with confidence of your suitability are the tips to be concentrated at by candidate during the interview. Reveal your salary without any hesitation but throwing exuberant light on different dark sites which you would like to remove by joining the superior Company of you own choice.

Tips to finding a new job

An interview for a job is your showcase for merchandising your talents. During the interview an employer judges your qualifications, appearance, and general fitness for the job opening. It is your opportunity to convince the employer that you can make a real contribution.

Equally important, interview for a job, gives you a chance to appraise the job, the employer, and the firm. It enables you to decide if the job meets your career needs and interests and whether the employer is of the type and caliber you want to work for.

Before each interview, though, you should assume that the job you are applying for is precisely the one you want - because it may be. To present your qualifications most advantageously, you will need to prepare in advance. You should have the needed papers ready and the necessary information about yourself firmly in mind; and you should know how to act at the interview to make it an effective device for selling your skills.

Preparing for the Job interview

Assemble all the papers that you may need. The main item will be your background and work experience inventory. It contains all the facts and figures you could possibly be asked - either in filling in the job application form, or in the job interview. Don't forget to take copies of your resume, even though you may have already submitted one. Take your recent school records and military separation papers. If your work is the sort you can show in an interview, (such as technical drawings, artwork, publications, or procedures), take along a few samples. Be careful not to leave your only copy of something, as it could get lost.

Learn all you can about the company where you are going for an interview - its product or service, standing in the industry, number and kinds of jobs available, and hiring policies.

Know what you have to offer, what education and training you have had, what work you have done, and what you can do. Review your inventory.

Know what kind of job you want and why you want to work for the firm where you are applying.

Bring along the names, addresses, and business affiliations of three persons (not relatives) who are familiar with your work and character. If you are a recent graduate, you can list your teachers. Ask references for permission to use their names.

As you are filling in the job application be aware that it in itself offers an excellent opportunity to convince an employer that you are a valuable person to hire. It is not only a chance to describe your accomplishments but it also shows how clearly you can think and write, and how well you can present important details.

Learn the area salary scale for the type of work you are seeking. If you have the required skill and experience, don't hesitate to state your salary expectations in filling in the application blank. On the other hand, if for any reason you don't want to commit yourself then, simply write "Open" in the space for salary desired. If asked, say you prefer to wait until the job interview to discuss salary. Never take anyone with you to the interview.

Allow as much uninterrupted time for the interview as may be required. (For example, do not park your car in a limited-time space.) Dress conservatively. Avoid either too formal or too casual attire.


You and the interview

Be pleasant and friendly but businesslike.

Let the employer control the interview. Your answers should be frank and brief but complete, without rambling. Avoid dogmatic statements.

Be flexible and willing but give the employer a clear idea of your job preferences.

Stress your qualifications without exaggeration. The employer's questions or statements will indicate the type of person wanted. Use these clues in presenting your qualifications. For example, if you are being interviewed for an engineering position and the employer mentions that the job will require some customer contact work, use this clue to emphasize any work, experience, or courses you have had in this kind of skill.

If you have not sent your resume in advance, present it or your work records, references, personal data, work samples, or other materials to support your statements when the employer requests them.

In discussing your previous jobs and work situations, avoid criticizing former employers or fellow workers.

Don't discuss your personal, domestic, or financial problems unless you are specifically asked. Answer only what relates to the job.

Don’t be in a hurry to ask questions unless the employer invites them. But don't be afraid to ask what you need to know. If the employer offers you a job, be sure you understand exactly what your duties will be. Also find out what opportunities for advancement will be open. A definite understanding about the nature of your job will avoid future disappointment for either you or your employer.

Be prepared to state the salary you want, but not until the employer has introduced the subject. Be realistic in discussing salary. But don't sell yourself short. If the employer does not definitely offer you a job or indicate when you will hear about it, ask when you may call to learn the decision. If the employer asks you to call or return for another interview, make a note of the time, date, and place.

Thank the employer for the interview. If the firm cannot use you, ask about other employers who may need a person with your qualifications.

Testing

Many firms require a psychological test, or a series of such tests, as part of the application procedure. The tests most commonly used are those that indicate intelligence or general aptitude. In addition, some firms use tests that give them information on specific aptitudes, personality traits, and interest patterns.

If you are a recent school graduate, you are probably used to taking tests. But if you have been away from school for some years, you may be apprehensive about the testing process. You may fear that your test scores will not reflect your real ability to do a job. Don't let tests scare you off. None of the commonly used tests require advance preparation; you need not feel concerned over not having "crammed" the night before.

Many tests have time limits. When they do, you will be told how much time you will have. listen carefully to the instructions you receive. If you do not clearly understand what you are expected to do, be sure to ask questions. The time for questions, however, is before the test begins. If the test is timed, seconds lost in asking questions after it starts could seriously affect your score. After your start the test, work steadily and carefully. Do not light a cigarette or do anything else that interrupts your work. In taking most tests, you should not spend too much time on any one question; instead come back to difficult or time-consuming ones after you complete the others.

Once the test is over, do not reproach yourself for not doing better. If the test is well constructed, you probably would make a similar score if you took it again. Remember; too, that employers do not regard your score as an infallible measure of your abilities - but as only one indication of them.

After the Job Interview

Make each interview a learning experience. After one is over, carefully analyze what went on by asking yourself questions such as these:

What points did I make that seemed to interest the employer?
Did I present my qualifications well?
Did I overlook any that are pertinent to the job?
Did I pass up any clues that might indicate the best ways to "sell" myself?
Did I learn all that I needed to know about the job I was trying to get? Or did I forget or hesitate to ask about aspects that are important to me?
Did I talk too much? Did I talk too little?
Was I too tense? Or too relaxed?
Was what I wore appropriate?
Was I too aggressive? Not aggressive enough?
Based on your answers, draw up a list of specific ways you can improve performance in your next interview.

Count on the fact that your skill in this crucial phase of the job search process has been steadily improving.

If you plan carefully and keep up your enthusiasm you will eventually succeed in "merchandising your job talents "- landing a job that uses your abilities and pay you well.

how to tackle a job interview

The best way to avoid the most common and dangerous interview mistakes is to think ahead and decide not to make them...

1. Lying:
Although it’s tempting, it doesn’t work. By all means gloss over the unflattering things. But out-right fibbing NEVER pays.

2. Slating your current company or boss:
Fed up with your current job and would give anything to leave because they’ve treated you badly? Your job interview is NOT the time to seek revenge. Bear in mind that the interviewer will be listening to your answers and thinking about what it would be like to work with you. Ask yourself: do you like working with people who constantly criticise others? Isn't it a bit wearing? The trouble is that the interviewer draws massive conclusions from your answers. So your throwaway comment about your boss or employer may be interpreted to be your "standard" way of thinking. It makes you look bad, not your employer.

3. Being Rude:
If you find you were accidentally rude, then apologise calmly and genuinely. Then leave it behind you and get on with the rest of the interview. If you dwell on it, it will affect your performance. What's "rude"? Well, that depends on your audience. As a rule of thumb, avoid cracking jokes about potentially sensitive topics and beware of being too "pally" with the interviewer: polite and friendly is enough. After all, you're not in the pub with them. So stay professional.

4. Complaining:
Ok, so your train journey might have been a nightmare and maybe you thought the tube would never arrive, or the tailbacks on the motorway were endless. But your interviewer doesn't want to know that! Complaining, even in jest, is not a recommended icebreaker. It may be completely harmless, or it might simply make the interviewer switch off. Don't let complaining set the tone for the interview!

5. Talking about people you don’t get on with at work:
These days, it's common to be asked how you deal with conflict. Companies realise the importance of interpersonal relationships in the working environment. So if they ask you about difficult people or situations, make sure you hold back from character assassination and blaming others for problems because it won't do you any favours! If you accidentally do "break" this rule, apologise and explain what you "really" meant.

6. Not being prepared:
Re-read the relevant version of your CV and the job advert, just before the interview. You’d be surprised how many people can’t remember what they wrote on their CV. And if you remember what type of person the job advert was looking for, it’s easier to demonstrate that you have those qualities.

7. Appearing to be too nervous, or too confident:
If you appear too nervous they'll think you're not confident enough to do the job. However, appearing too confident will make them think you won't fit into the team. If interview nerves are an issue for you, it’s worth getting practical help from a professional, such as an interview coach.

8. Making a weak first impression:
Unfortunately, no matter how hard the interviewer tries, a lot of "don't want to hire them" decisions are made in the first few minutes of contact. If you make a strong first impression, the interviewer will be more inclined to overlook “imperfections” in your answers.

9. Not having researched the company:
As a general rule, the more famous the brand, the more they will expect you to have done your homework. Researching the company shows you’re serious about the job. Example from a real interview for a major food brand: Candidate: "Hello Mr. Interviewer. Yes, I'd love to work for your company. I think your brand is great and I really believe I could make a contribution to your marketing strategy." Interviewer: "So what do you think about our current merchandising, compared to our competition?" Candidate: "Oh... Errr.... Well, I haven't had time to check it out, really." Likelihood of getting the job? Low.

10. Putting your foot in it and not noticing:
Yes, we know, you didn't mean to put your foot in it. But it doesn't really matter what you intended. What counts is how the other person reacts. So what can you do? Be prepared to simply say "sorry, that's not what I meant!" This requires you to actually be paying attention to the interviewer, rather than your own thoughts and feelings. Once you've apologised, leave it there, take a deep breath to help you relax and move on with the job interview.

job interview practice tips

Great Job Interview Practice Tips
Job interview practice, conducted correctly, can give you the skills and confidence you need to really shine in your job interview. After all, like anything else job interview practice makes job interview perfect. Before you can get the full benefit of job interview practice, however, you must first do the preparation work to make sure your practice is as close to the real interview as possible. The first question to address is whether you are going to practice for a particular job interview, or for a series of interviews? The more specific you make your focus and practice, the better you can create an accurate simulation of the practice, but it is definitely possible to create a generalized practice that gets you ready for many different interviews.When you get your focus narrowed to a company, job or field, you should do as much research as possible on that company, job or field. This research, conducted through both personal interviews and reading published material should focus on the likely requirements and preferences the company desires to see in whoever gets the job. Some of this information is likely to be found in documents like the job description and want ad, some of it is likely to be told to you by people familiar with the company and you might have to deduce more of it from analyzing the responsibilities and duties of the job. When you have a clear and full idea of these factors, particularly, the results that the interview is most looking for, you can create a list of the company's most wanted elements.

Creating Your Job Interview Practice Guide
Make a job interview practice guide by writing a list of the qualifications, skills, attributes and results that the target job or company wants. You can use this list to create a roster of likely job interview questions. Get the help of a friend or job search partner and attempt to recreate the experience of the job interview as accurately as possible. Wear your interview outfit, sit at a desk and try to forget that you know the interviewer socially. If possible video or tape-record the interview so that you can evaluate your responses later.As you look at your job interview practice later, pay attention to two main areas. Where do you hesitate and have trouble articulating your qualifications? Those are some areas to spend time thinking your answers through on. Also, which questions do you simply provide some information, or even worse, a simple yes or no answer? For those questions, think about your experience and try to come up with a relevant example, anecdote or story from your employment history to make your answer more vivid. The more similar you can shape your story to the realities of the job that your interview turned up, the more effective your answer will be. Specifically, try to match up the situation of the story, the actions that you took and the results you achieved to those same elements in the target job or company.

Top 10 Interview Blunders

What shouldn't you do when interviewing? Here are a selection of blunders, mistakes and errors a candidate for employment can make. Spend time preparing to interview so these don't happen to you!

Top 10 Interview Blunders

1. Don't Prepare
Not being able to answer the question "What do you know about this company?" might just end your quest for employment, at least with this employer. Background information including company history, locations, divisions, and a mission statement are available in an "About Us" section on most company web sites. Review it ahead of time, then print it out and read it over just before your interview to refresh your memory.

2. Dress Inappropriately
Dressing inappropriately can work both ways. You will certainly want to wear a suit if you are interviewing for professional position. When interviewing for a summer job at your local theme park or as a lifeguard, for example, dress accordingly in neat and casual attire. If you aren't sure what to wear, visit the organization and watch employees coming in and out of the office to see what they are wearing.

3. Poor Communication Skills
It's important to communicate well with everyone you meet in your search for employment. It is, however, most important to positively connect with the person who might hire you. Shake hands, make eye contact, exude confidence, engage the person you are speaking with, and you will let the interviewer know that you are an excellent candidate for this position - before you even answer an interview question.

4. Too Much Communication
Believe it or not, a recent candidate for employment, who, by the way, didn't get the job, didn't hesitate to answer his cell phone when it rang during an interview. Leave the phone behind or at least turn it off before you enter the building. Same goes for coffee, food and anything else other than you, your resume, your job application, and your list of references. They don't belong at an interview.

5. Talk Too Much
There is nothing much worse than interviewing someone who goes on and on and on... The interviewer really doesn't need to know your whole life story. Keep your answers succinct, to-the-point and focused and don't ramble - simply answer the question.

6. Don't Talk Enough
It's really hard to communicate with someone who answers a question with a word or two. I remember a couple of interviews where I felt like I was pulling teeth to get any answers from the candidate. It wasn't pleasant. So, even though you shouldn't talk too much, you do want to be responsive and fully answer the question as best you can.

7. Fuzzy Facts
Even if you have submitted a resume when you applied for the job, you may also be asked to fill out a job application. Make sure you know the information you will need to complete an application including dates of prior employment, graduation dates, and employer contact information.

8. Give the Wrong Answer
Make sure you listen to the question and take a moment to gather your thoughts before you respond. Like the following candidate, you'll knock yourself out of contention if you give the wrong answer.
The interviewer had completely described a sales and marketing position to the candidate. She emphasized that cold calling and prospecting were the most important skills and experiences needed for the position. The candidate responded to the question about what she did or didn't like to do in sales, with these words: "I hate to do cold calling and prospecting, and I'm not good at it." That response ensured that she wouldn't get the job!

9. Badmouthing Past Employers
Your last boss was an idiot? Everyone in the company was a jerk? You hated your job and couldn't wait to leave? Even if it's true don't say so. I cringed when I heard someone ranting and raving about the last company she worked for. That company happened to be our largest customer and, of course, I wasn't going to hire someone who felt that way about the company and everyone who worked there.
It's sometimes a smaller world than you think and you don't know who your interviewer might know, including that boss who is an idiot... You also don't want the interviewer to think that you might speak that way about his or her company if you leave on terms that aren't the best.

10. Forget to Follow Up
Afraid you didn't make the best impression? Are you sure that you aced the interviewed? Either way, be sure to follow up with a thank you note reiterating your interest in the position and the company.
Finally, even if you do flub the interview, don't take it to heart. I don't think there is anyone hasn't blown an interview or two. If it happens, look at it like it just wasn't meant to be, learn from your mistakes and move on to the next opportunity.

Ten Steps to Find a New Job

Ten steps you can take to find a new job, including where to look for jobs, the top job sites, how to use your connections, how to ace the interview, and how to follow up.

Focus Your Job Search
Use the job search engines to find jobs by using keywords that match your interests and the location where you want to work. Narrowing your search criteria will help you focus your job search and will give you more relevant job listings to review and less non-relevant job listings to weed through.

build Your Brand
Create profiles on LinkedIn, Facebook, VisualCV, and JobFox. A strong personal brand that portrays you in a professional light will provide recruiters, employers, and contacts with a strong positive impression of you as a candidate they should be interested in.

Connect with your contacts
Now that you've created profiles on networking sites, use them. Connect with everyone you know, because you never know which contact may be able to help you with your job search or put you in touch with someone who can.

Use job search Tools
There are a variety of widgets, gadgets, and tools that will help expedite your job search and manage your career. Use them to organize your job search and save valuable job searching time.

Create a list of Companies
Do you have a list of companies you would like to work for? It's a good idea to research company information and create a list of companies to target in your job search. All the information you need is available on the web, and it's easy to find detailed information about potential employers online.

find job listing
Check job search engine sites, job banks, company web sites, networking sites, niche job sites, and sites listed by type of job. Consider working with a recruiter to maximize your opportunities.

Target your resume and cover letter
It's important to take the time to write targeted resumes and cover letters that specifically link your qualifications to the hiring criteria for the jobs you are applying for. The hiring manager will be able to see, at a glance, why, and how, you are qualified for the job. You'll have a much better chance of getting an interview than if you send a generic letter and resume.

Ace the Interview
Research the company before you go for the interview, dress appropriately, practice answering and asking interview questions, and make a concerted effort to impress the interviewer with your skills, experience, confidence, and expertise.

Follow up
It's important to follow up after an interview by thanking everyone you met with. Also reiterate your interest in the position and remind the hiring manager why you're an excellent candidate for the job.

Accept or decline a job offer
When you receive a job offer, it's important to take the time to carefully evaluate the offer so you are making an educated decision to accept, or to reject, the offer. You don't have to accept a job just because it was offered to you, but do carefully evalute it and if you decline, do so politely.

Group Discussion Etiquette

Many of the problems that arise in group discussion result from members who do not have discussion skills. Being able to properly participate in a discussion group is similar to reading. If you have a lot of experience with discussions, it is likely that you will do well in a discussion group.
However, if you don't have experience with discussions groups, you may not know how to participate in them properly. There is a certain amount of etiquette that you will need to display when you are in a discussion. In this article I will go over these things.
During a discussion, it is important for members to always stay on topic. It is bad etiquette to raise issues that are not related to the subject of the discussion. When members raise issues that are off topic, they can waste time and prevent the group from achieving a certain goal. Most group discussions will have a time limit. The group will have little time to waste talking about topics that are not relevant to the subject. Because of this, it is always important to make sure any questions or statements you make are related to the topic. Another good form of etiquette in group discussions is to ask open-ended questions instead of closed-ended questions.
An open-ended question is one that does not require a specific answer. It is a question that is designed to get the group thinking. The only time a closed-ended question should be raised is if the group has specific information that they need to learn. Open-ended questions are important because they allow the other members to think. If the question is related to a problem, the members may be able to come up with a number of different solutions. If one member interrupts another while they are speaking, this is an example of bad etiquette. You should never do this. It is rude, and it can lead to conflict between you and the person that was interrupted.
It is important for everyone to get their point across. If you have a disagreement or concern with a statement that is being made by someone else, wait until they are finished speaking before you talk. Most group discussions require members to raise their hands before asking a question or making a statement, and this is something you will want to follow. If you disagree with a statement or idea that has been presented by someone else, it is important for you to say it in a polite manner. In a group discussion, it is important to avoid conflict, as this can stop the group from being able to successfully reach an objective.
For example, an example of bad etiquette is saying something like "that idea will never work" or " your idea doesn't make any sense." These are statements that can be damaging to the member you are addressing them to. You will want to avoid this. A good alternative to these two statements are "that idea raises some serious issues" or "I see your point, but there are a number of problems that may arise." These two statements are examples of good etiquette, and you will want to use them if you wish to succeed. There is nothing wrong with not being in agreement with what a person says. However, you will want to let them know this in a polite manner, and you should have good reasons for holding your opinion.
It is also bad etiquette to put down the ideas that have been presented by another person. During the meeting, all ideas should be considered, and no one should be ridiculed because of an idea they have. Their are a number of good reason for this.

The Thin Line between Job Interview Confidence and Arrogance

We all know what the perfect job interview candidate is supposed to be like - well qualified, immaculately presented, and most importantly - confident. Working in the travel recruitment sector, I've heard a fair share of interviewers fed up of dealing with brash, arrogant candidates - enough to know they're seldom welcome. The trouble is that the last one of these is subjective - one person's confident interviewee is another person's "arrogant buffoon", so how do we avoid crossing the line, and staying in the interviewer's good books?
The first thing to remember is that in this context, selling yourself is essential. It may be impolite elsewhere, but you need to prove to the interview panel that you are the right person for the job - and as your biggest fan, you're the only person who can promote you effectively! Even if you're a shrinking violet normally, you need to be bold and emphasize your good points with a strong display of confidence at interview.

Prepared = confidence
If you attempt to wing it with no preparation, the chances are you're not going to appear a confident interview candidate. You'll get flustered easy (unless you're amazingly good at bluffing - in which case you don't need this guide!), and crack. It's very hard to display confidence at interview from this point on, so don't allow it to happen. Research the company, the industry and anything else you can drop into a job interview. If it doesn't come up, you can still mention it subtly, and if it does and you're unprepared, then it'll seem like you have no interest in the job, which is obviously a bad thing.

Small talk is your friend
It's very hard to appear arrogant and aloof if you make a genuine effort to chat, be friendly and make small talk with everyone you encounter during the job interview. From the car park attendants, to the receptionists to the interview panel themselves (outside the formal environment), don't miss an opportunity to chat freely with staff and present yourself as a friend to everyone. Just think - the interviewers may ask for the opinion of other staff members, and nothing stings more than a rude, aloof and arrogant interview candidate.

Share both the praise and the blame
One thing that separates good, confident interview candidates from the arrogant, bad candidates is that the former know when to take their share of the blame as well as the credit. A bad, arrogant interview candidate will do everything in their power to find excuses and pass the blame about company failings onto others. A good, confident interviewee will channel this into something more positive, such as saying "We all learned a lot from the experience". An employer will respect the honestly, and see that you have taken something from it (providing it's not too major a mishap!). Likewise, taking credit for operations can be played down in such a way that prevents you being tarred by the arrogance brush - "I was very pleased with my performance in managing that project, but I had some truly excellent staff to work with, which really helped". Remember - credit hogging and playing the blame game doesn't make you seem as good as it should, it just projects an image of immaturity.

Use examples and tell stories
One time people struggle to avoid sounding arrogant at interview is when they're trying to match their qualities to ones required for a job. Let's say a job requires a "good team player and a natural leader", you can't just say "I'm a good team player and a natural leader" as that's an obvious boulevard to arrogance city! One way around this is describing your experiences in such a way that it becomes obvious you have the required skills without you having to overtly say them in an arrogant manner. Telling short (and I emphasize short!) stories of your experiences are a perfect way of showing your credentials - in the above example, explaining how you were forced to manage a team of volunteers in your manager's absence would not only demonstrate team play and leadership qualities, but also shows adaptability and a cool head. And all of this without you having to be arrogant and tell them!
The difference between arrogance and confidence at interview can sometimes seem minute, and much of it all in the perceptions of an individual, but if you follow these tips, it should be difficult for even the most critical person to write you off as an arrogant trouble maker!

Are you feeling nervous about interviewing?

You say you’re feeling nervous about interviewing? Guess what - so is everybody else. It is very common to be nervous before the interview. It’s also OK to be nervous. Being anxious can raise your energy level and that’s a good thing.Here are some other tips that will raise your energy and your confidence.
Attitude can mean a great deal in the interview.
The interview begins when the interviewer first sets eyes on you. Whether you are sitting or standing make sure that your posture portrays self-confidence. The interviewer extends a hand to shake and this is the first connection made. Make sure you give a firm, not bone-crushing handshake. This applies to shaking hands with men and women. While you are shaking the hand, check out the eye color of the person you are connecting with. Eye contact is especially important to show confidence.
Preparation will make a huge difference in your confidence.The act of writing out your answers to difficult questions, particularly if you have a "glitch" in your resume or background, is important to sounding prepared.
Read through the job description/posting -- one, two, three times -- and then read between the lines. What are they looking for? While you're at it, check out their website and do research on the company. Read their mission statement. If it "reeks" of teambuilding jargon, make sure you are prepared to talk about your past experiences working with teams.

Practice makes perfect.
If you rehearse your answers you will feel more confident. Use a tape recorder, watch yourself in front of a mirror, or get a friend to practice with you. Practice, practice, practice -- it will make a difference.
Enthusiasm could be the tie-breaker between you and someone else getting the job.If there are two or more people interviewing for the same job, the one that shows passion and interest in the job could be the one chosen. This is a quality that you will have to feel and not fake.
If it isn't there, it will be difficult to pretend it is. Make sure you are interviewing for jobs that are of genuine interest to you and not just somewhere to get a paycheck. You will be happier in the long run and a better performer as well.

Be Yourself
One of the factors in choosing the right person is finding out whether you are going to fit in. If you believe in yourself it will be easier for you to be yourself in the interview. Basically, would these people interviewing you want to work side-by-side with you day after day? And, would you want to work side-by-side with them? Remember, this is a two-way process. You are looking at them at the same time that they are checking you out. Turn up your intuitive powers. Listen carefully and read between the lines. Is this the right place for you?

It's OK not to get a job offer.
You won't get a job offer after every interview. It's a tough job market with lots of competition. Go to the interview and give your best performance. Once you've done that it is out of your control. Sometimes there are factors that have nothing to do with you, but will prevent you from getting that job offer. That's OK -- your turn will come eventually.Searching for a job is not easy. You may find your emotions rising and falling like a roller coaster. It's important that you keep your morale up during this period of job search. Don’t give up. Giving up is defeat and you're not a quitter!

Communicate Positive Attitudes During the Job Interview

How you stand and sit - what do you with your arms and legs, how you hold your head, your body orientation toward or away from the listener - communicate messages that are interpreted by other individuals as having positive or negative meanings. The listener (interviewer) may not even be consciously aware of what he is reacting to. But he knows that he feels comfortable or uncomfortable, likes or dislikes, trusts or does not trust, the other individual. If the interviewer responds negatively to the applicant's nonverbal communication, it will be difficult for the candidate to overcome those negatives no matter what the verbal interaction. What then are the behaviors the savvy applicant should display? Behaviors that convey positive messages of both liking the other person and interest in the discussion are:

-body orientation toward the other person
-a slight forward body lean toward the other person
-openness of arms and body
-postural relaxation (but not too relaxed - not tense, but not slouched)
-direct eye gaze
-positive facial expression

Disinterest and/or dislike for the other person is conveyed when the interviewee leans back too comfortably in his chair, is slumped in the chair, constantly looks around the room, avoids eye contact with the interviewer, drums his fingers, wrings his hands, plays with his rings - perhaps turning them on his finger, fidgets, is stone faced or expressionless. The applicant who slumps or leans completely back in his chair simply can't convey the same level of interest and enthusiasm from that physical position, no matter how wonderful the rest of his other nonverbal messages may be, as the person who sits straight up in the chair and with a slight forward lean. A slouching figure may be interpreted by the interviewer as a sign of disrespect as well as lack of interest. Direct body orientation means that the applicant's body is facing the interviewer, rather than sideways to the interviewer. If you are seated directly across a desk from the interviewer this position will probably be automatic and natural. However if you are seated at the side of the desk with the interviewer directly behind it or in the corner to corner, 90 degree angle arrangement around a coffee table, you should position your upper torso to be facing the interviewer more directly. You can do this by sitting a bit sideways in the chair and further bending your upper torso, a bit if necessary, to face the interviewer. Openness of arms and body means that your arms are at your side rather than folded across your body. By folding your arms across your body it is thought that you convey, perhaps on a subliminal level, that you are closed to the other person and to his ideas. The arms open position conveys that you are open and responsive to the other individual and to his message. Granted, there are other reasons you might fold your arms - simply being cold is one of them. But since closed body language might send a negative message, it is better to avoid the closed posture. If you are too tense, you make the other person feel uncomfortable. There may also be a sense of wondering what it is you are trying to hide. So try to appear relaxed and comfortable - it will help the interviewer feel more comfortable - while at the same time not engaging in so much postural relaxation that you are slouching! By far the most important positive attitude you can convey is your enthusiasm - often referred to as dynamism. By your dynamic attitude you convey your interest in the other person, in the company, and in the job as well as toward life in general. You convey your dynamism through your tone of voice and facial expression as well as through your use of gestures and body language. Of course gestures can be overdone, but that is far less frequently a problem than the individual who uses few, if any, gestures. Gesture occasionally, naturally, and appropriately to reinforce your message. Do avoid wild gestures that are all over the place and don't reinforce your message. It is also a good idea to keep your hands away from your face. Both men and women can exhibit preening behaviors as they push hair back out of their face or perhaps unconsciously try to fix or rearrange their hair. Women may unconsciously play with an earring. Or an interviewee may nervously scratch his face or head or push back the cuticles on his fingers. These are distracting behaviors that will focus the interviewer's attention on the unwanted behavior rather than the applicant's positive verbal messages. Try to avoid having a pen or notepad in your hands except when you are using it. Anything in your hands such as a pen or notepad becomes a likely thing for you to nervously play with. Either of these items in your hands will also impede your use of gestures. If you are holding pen and notepad in your hands, you are far less likely to gesture than if you are not holding onto them.

Interview Manners and Meals

Interviews are often stressful - even for job seekers who have interviewed many times. Interviewing can be even more stressful when you are expected to eat and talk at the same time. One of the reasons employers take job candidates out to lunch or dinner is to evaluate their social skills and to see if they can handle themselves gracefully under pressure.
Dining with a prospective employee allows employers to review your communication and interpersonal skills, as well as your table manners, in a more relaxed (for them) environment. Table manners do matter. Good manners may give you the edge over another candidate, so, take some time to brush up your dining etiquette skills.

Interview Dining Tips:
- Are you really nervous? Check out the restaurant ahead of time. That way you'll know exactly what's on the menu, what you might want to order and where the rest rooms are located.
- Be polite. Remember to say "please" and "thank you" to your server as well as to your host.
- Liquids are on the right, solids on the left. For example, your water glass will be on the right and your bread plate will be on the left.
- Put your napkin on your lap once everyone is seated.
- Remember what your mother spent years telling you - keep your elbows off the table, sit up straight, and don't talk with your mouth full!

During the Meal:
- Don't order messy food - pasta with lots of sauce, chicken with bones, ribs, big sandwiches, and whole lobsters are all dangerous.
- Don't order the most expensive entree on the menu.
- Do order food that is easy to cut into bite-size pieces.
- The polite way to eat soup is to spoon it away from you. There's less chance of spilling in your lap that way too!
- Break your dinner roll into small pieces and eat it a piece at a time.
- If you need to leave the table, put your napkin on the seat or the arm of your chair.
- When you've finished eating, move your knife and fork to the "four o'clock" position so the server knows you're done.
- Remember to try and relax, listen, and participate in the conversation.

To Drink or Not to Drink:
- It's wise not to drink alcohol during an interview. Interviewing is tough enough without adding alcohol to the mix.

After the Meal:
- Put your napkin on the table next to your plate.
- Let the prospective employer pick up the tab. The person who invited you will expect to pay both the bill and the tip.
- Remember to say "thank you." Consider also following-up with a thank you note which reiterates your interest in the job.

Phone Interviewing Do's and Don'ts

Here are the keys to successful phone interviewing. Follow these simple rules and you should achieve success in this important phase of job-hunting.

1. Do give accurate and detailed contact information in your cover letter so your interviewers can easily connect with you.

2. When in job-hunting mode, don't have a disproportionately silly or long greeting on your answering machine or voicemail.

3. Do ensure that household members understand the importance of phone messages in your job search.

4. Do know what job you are interviewing for.

5. Do practice, if possible. Have a friend call you to do a mock phone interview so you get the feel of being interviewed over the phone.

6. When being interviewed by phone, do make sure you are in a place where you can read notes, take notes, and concentrate.

7. If you cannot devote enough time to a phone interview, do suggest a specific alternate time to the recruiter. It's often best to be the one who calls back so you can be mentally prepared.

8. Do consider using a phone interview log.

Sample Phone Interview Log
Company Name:
Contact Person:

Position Applied for:
Date Applied:
Position Requirements:
My Key Qualifications:
Company Name:
Contact Person:
Position Applied for:
Date Applied:
Position Requirements:
My Key Qualifications:

9. Do consider keeping some notecards or an outline in front of you to remind yourself of key points you want to cover with the interviewer. You don't want your responses to sound scripted, but you don't want to fumble for important points either. Do also have your resume in front of you so you can remember highlights of your experience and accomplishments.

10. Do ensure that you can hear and are being clearly heard.

11. Do consider standing when being interviewed on the phone. Some experts say you'll sound more professional than if you're slouching in an easy chair.

12. Do consider dressing nicely for the phone interview. It may sound silly since the interviewer can't see you, but you really will project a more professional image if you're dressed for the part instead of wearing, for example, a ratty bathrobe.

13. Don't feel you have to fill in the silences. If you've completed a response, but the interviewer hasn't asked his or her next question, don't start babbling just to fill in airtime. Instead, ask a question of your own related to your last response.

14. Do create a strong finish to your phone interview with thoughtful questions.

15. Don't panic if you have special needs. If you are hearing-impaired, for example, phone interviews are still possible.

16. Don't snuffle, sneeze or cough. If you can't avoid these behaviors, say “excuse me.”

17. Don't chew gum or food, or drink anything noisy.

Interview Tips for a Teaching Profession

Anticipating an upcoming interview can be a very stressful time. Whether you have numerous interviews lined up, or you have waited weeks for just one, it is important to remember that you have more to offer the world than the job you hold. Prepare, do your best, and reward yourself for the effort. If the job is truly meant for you, the next call will come.

Tip 1: Tailor your Tactics
Just as a resume and cover letter should be targeted to a specific school, your interview persona should also be tailormade. Yes, being yourself is the most important thing. However, it pays to know exactly what the school is looking for. Does this school only hire young energetic foreigners? Are they looking for someone to fill in on-call? Find out exactly what this school is looking for, and do your best to prove that you are that person. (If you realize before the interview that you are not that person, politely call and cancel instead of wasting anyone's time.) The more you know about the school, its students, and its curriculum, the better prepared you will be to prove that your skills and personality match their needs. Before the interview, visit the website, talk to a teacher, or share a coffee with a group of students sitting on the stairs.

Tip 2: Express your Enthusiasm
Many administrators of schools admit that an enthusiastic and approachable personality is more important in a teacher than a strong understanding of grammar or a structured lesson plan. Some schools even prefer inexperienced teachers who are excited to begin a new career. Whether you are a seasoned teacher or a recent grad, one of the most important things you can demonstrate in an interview is that teaching is your passion. Provide examples of how you knew you wanted to teach from a young age, or how your students have enriched your life. Smile, speak positively, and use your body language to express your enthusiasm for the position. Keep in mind that if you're too over the top, no one will be fooled. Don't give them reason to question your sincerity.

Tip 3: Anticipate an Audience
If possible, find out ahead of time who will be conducting the interview. You can always call the receptionist and ask how many copies of your resume to bring. Don't be surprised if a panel of three or more are waiting for you in an office or boardroom. Panel interviews are common in the teaching field. Teachers spend most of their working hours in a group environment. Panel style interviews help administrators envision how you will handle stress and random questions in the classroom. While you should maintain some eye contact with the person who asks the question, make an effort to show that you are addressing the group as a whole.

Tip 4: Love to Listen
While the main point of the interview is for the interviewer or interview panel to get to know you, make sure to listen carefully when it's their turn. Good listening skills are very important for teachers, as is maintaining comfortable eye contact with a speaker. Many people talk over others when they are nervous or if they think they have something impressive to say. Teachers in general have a bad reputation for "one-upping" other people's experiences. Prove that you are a born listener, by talking concisely and politely in turn.

Tip 5: Consider Culture and Etiquette
While being on time for an interview goes without saying, in some countries, being on time means being more than five minutes early. Take time to look into the appropriate business greetings, attire, and body language that are expected in the country you are hoping to work in. As well as being respectful of the culture, prepare an answer as to why you chose this country to teach in. If your reason is because there are lots of teaching jobs and you are sure you'll find one, pick a different reason!

Tip 6: Question the Questions
You have probably prepared for the typical questions, such as what strengths and weaknesses you have as a teacher, and why you chose teaching as a profession. But, you should also plan for those that are less general. An experienced interviewer will likely ask a few questions that are directed more individually. Anything that stands out on your resume is a potential subject for a question. For example, if you were unemployed for a lengthy time, they may ask you why. They may also ask you about a unique interest or volunteer experience and ask you to speak on how it makes you a good candidate. Interviewers routinely ask for teaching or real life examples, so have a few in mind from your previous working experience.

Tip 7: Reward and Replenish
Thinking about the unknown before and after an interview can be exhausting and mood altering for yourself and your loved ones. You can relieve the stress by rewarding yourself on both sides of the experience. Before the interview, treat yourself to a fresh haircut and a new blouse or tie. Remember that the better you feel about yourself when you enter that room, the more confident you will appear. It is also a good idea to have something to look forward to after the interview. Plan to meet a good friend for coffee, or reward yourself with a book or CD you've been wanting. Whether the interview goes how you want or not, you'll feel yourself again in no time.

Tips to get sucess in Job Interview

• Do not smoke, chew gum, or eat garlic beforehand.
• Wear suitable interview clothes.
• Take copies of your CV with you.
• Arrive on time for your job interview.
• Any applications handed before the interview begins, are to be filled in as accurately as possible, make sure they match the information in your Cv and Cover Letter
• Always greet the interviewer by his/her last name and try to pronounce it correctly.
• Have a good firm handshake.
• Look alert and interested. Scan the room once and then keep your eyes on the interviewer.
• Wait until you are offered a chair before you sit down.
• Stress your achievements.
• Always conduct yourself professionally and if something beyond your control occurs, show a sense of humour.
• Be enthusiastic and show it in your replies and body language.
• Answer the interview question by more than a simple yes or no but try not to go over the 60 second limit.
• Avoid at all cost complaining about your current or former employer in your job interview.
• Do not answer questions about politics or religion if the job is completely unrelated.
• Do not raise salary discussions on your first interview - this is usually done on the second interview. Make sure you do your wage research before hand.

Tips to get sucess in Job Interview

• Do not smoke, chew gum, or eat garlic beforehand.
• Wear suitable interview clothes.
• Take copies of your CV with you.
• Arrive on time for your job interview.
• Any applications handed before the interview begins, are to be filled in as accurately as possible, make sure they match the information in your Cv and Cover Letter
• Always greet the interviewer by his/her last name and try to pronounce it correctly.
• Have a good firm handshake.
• Look alert and interested. Scan the room once and then keep your eyes on the interviewer.
• Wait until you are offered a chair before you sit down.
• Stress your achievements.
• Always conduct yourself professionally and if something beyond your control occurs, show a sense of humour.
• Be enthusiastic and show it in your replies and body language.
• Answer the interview question by more than a simple yes or no but try not to go over the 60 second limit.
• Avoid at all cost complaining about your current or former employer in your job interview.
• Do not answer questions about politics or religion if the job is completely unrelated.
• Do not raise salary discussions on your first interview - this is usually done on the second interview. Make sure you do your wage research before hand.

Tips to get sucess in Job Interview

• Do not smoke, chew gum, or eat garlic beforehand.
• Wear suitable interview clothes.
• Take copies of your CV with you.
• Arrive on time for your job interview.
• Any applications handed before the interview begins, are to be filled in as accurately as possible, make sure they match the information in your Cv and Cover Letter
• Always greet the interviewer by his/her last name and try to pronounce it correctly.
• Have a good firm handshake.
• Look alert and interested. Scan the room once and then keep your eyes on the interviewer.
• Wait until you are offered a chair before you sit down.
• Stress your achievements.
• Always conduct yourself professionally and if something beyond your control occurs, show a sense of humour.
• Be enthusiastic and show it in your replies and body language.
• Answer the interview question by more than a simple yes or no but try not to go over the 60 second limit.
• Avoid at all cost complaining about your current or former employer in your job interview.
• Do not answer questions about politics or religion if the job is completely unrelated.
• Do not raise salary discussions on your first interview - this is usually done on the second interview. Make sure you do your wage research before hand.

Tips to get sucess in Job Interview

• Do not smoke, chew gum, or eat garlic beforehand.
• Wear suitable interview clothes.
• Take copies of your CV with you.
• Arrive on time for your job interview.
• Any applications handed before the interview begins, are to be filled in as accurately as possible, make sure they match the information in your Cv and Cover Letter
• Always greet the interviewer by his/her last name and try to pronounce it correctly.
• Have a good firm handshake.
• Look alert and interested. Scan the room once and then keep your eyes on the interviewer.
• Wait until you are offered a chair before you sit down.
• Stress your achievements.
• Always conduct yourself professionally and if something beyond your control occurs, show a sense of humour.
• Be enthusiastic and show it in your replies and body language.
• Answer the interview question by more than a simple yes or no but try not to go over the 60 second limit.
• Avoid at all cost complaining about your current or former employer in your job interview.
• Do not answer questions about politics or religion if the job is completely unrelated.
• Do not raise salary discussions on your first interview - this is usually done on the second interview. Make sure you do your wage research before hand.

Ten Keys to Success at Job and Career Fairs

There are many types of job and career fairs -- from ones scheduled during Spring Break for college students to industry-specific ones for professionals -- but they all have one common theme: it's a chance for a company to meet and screen a large volume of potential job candidates. Whether you're a college student new to the job-hunting process or a seasoned professional, these ten strategies will improve your odds of not being screened out and should lead to a deeper level of satisfaction with your efforts and increase your chances of obtaining a second interview.
Keep in mind that career fairs should be just one small part of your entire job search process; however, they can be a successful part. Will these ten strategies guarantee you success? Of course not, but by following these strategies, you will be in position to strategically place yourself above many of the other job-seekers who are attending the fair.

The Ten Keys to Success:

1. Pre-register.

Some career fairs allow job-seekers to pre-register for the event, which usually includes submitting a resume or summary resume. With more fairs going to the Web, pre-registration will most likely become even more common. The idea behind pre-registering, of course, is that employers get a chance to prescreen applicants and possibly make note of applicants they want to meet at the fair. Does pre-registration guarantee that you will get noticed or that employers will even look at the registrations? No, but why would you not take advantage of such an easy step?

2.Research.

Many job-seekers go to fairs to "see the sights" and are not prepared to interview. You can get a huge jump on the competition by getting a list of the companies attending the fair and doing some research on each of the companies you want to interview with; don't waste time with companies that do not interest you. While all of the recruiters will have company literature at their booths at the fair, you often can't access those until after the interview. With so much information about companies on the Web, there is no excuse not to do your homework.

3.Resumes.

Bring lots of resumes to the fair -- at least two for each company for which you have an interest. If you have multiple interests or job objectives, make sure you bring enough of each version of your resume. You should also bring scannable versions of your resumes. More and more recruiters are simply bringing these collected stacks of resumes back to the corporate office and scanning them into a database.

4.Portfolios.

More and more career experts are emphasizing the importance of career portfolios. These portfolios should include copies of your resumes, a list of references, and samples of your best work. While most career fair interviews are fairly short, there may be opportunities for discussing your portfolio with a recruiter -- either over a short break or meal or during a second interview on-site. It is best to always be prepared no matter what happens.

5.Attire.

Conservative business attire is essential, even for those Spring Break beachside career fairs because image and first impressions are critical. Know what is the expected attire of your profession and dress accordingly. It is always better to be overdressed than underdressed.

6.Strategy.

You need to devise a strategy or plan of attack for the fair. You've already done the first step by researching the companies you are interested in. The second step is seeing if any new companies have registered when you arrive at the fair. The third step is surveying the layout of the fair and determining an order of interviewing. Some experts suggest meeting with your top choices first thing in the morning, interviewing with your other choices in the middle of the day, and returning to your top choices at the end of the day to thank them again for their time. But remember to stay flexible as your top choices may be the top choices of many, creating long lines that you may wish to avoid.

7.Interviewing.

You may only have two to five minutes to market yourself and protect yourself from being screened out, thus you need to make the most of your time. Many experts suggest that you develop a one-minute "commercial" that highlights the key benefits that you can offer the organization -- and then use it at the beginning of the interview. Also remember the three keys to all interviews: make eye contact, offer a firm handshake, and show enthusiasm. You should also prepare answers to interview questions just as you would any employment interview. The most common question you will face is something along the lines of "what are you here for today?" Seems like an easy question to answer, especially if you've done your homework and can tailor your answer to your interests and the company's interests, thereby marketing yourself. Make sure you also have some questions ready to ask the interview. A great concluding question for you to ask is, "What do I need to do to obtain a second interview with your firm?" Finally, make sure to avoid poor communication bad habits, such as fidgeting, rocking, chewing gum, etc.

8.Intangibles.

There are several other things you can do to help make your career fair experience a success. First, don't waste your time interviewing with companies you have no desire to work for; do make sure to interview with all the companies you do want to work for. Second, if you did not prepare for a company you want to interview for, try eavesdropping on several of the interviews ahead of you so you can better prepare; do also try to get some company literature from the booth before getting in line so you can read about the company while waiting; don't just stand in line doing nothing. Third, do extend common courtesies, such as offering to get the recruiter a beverage or snack; don't be upset if the recruiter has to take a break before your interview. Fourth, if your ideal company is hiring computer technicians and you want to work in accounting, do still interview with the company at the fair, being sure to leave the interview with the contact information of the person responsible for hiring in that area; don't be discouraged and walk away.

9.Networking.

Career fairs are all about networking. Of course, you are building a network with the recruiters -- this task is your most vital. However, you can also network with your fellow job-seekers in terms of sharing information about job leads, companies, and their recruiting strategies and styles. There may also be professional organizations or employment agencies on hand at the fair, which are also good sources for networking.

10.Follow-up.

Don't take the order of this key to mean it to be the least important; in fact, some would say it is one of the most important. You would be surprised at how few job-seekers actually take the time to follow-up their career fair interviews, thus when you do it, you will get an edge over the many others who do not. There are two main methods of follow-up. Some experts suggest actually calling the recruiter the evening of the fair and leaving a voicemail message thanking the recruiter again for his/her time that day. A more concrete and traditional method is to write a thank you note and mail it the next day to the address on the recruiter's business card. In the letter, thank the recruiter for his/her time, restate your interest and qualifications for the position, reiterate your interest in a second interview, and make a promise to follow-up the letter with a phone call (and then make sure you do in fact call). You probably should enclose another copy of your resume to be sure.

Questions you may want to ask the Interviewer

1. Why is this position open?

2. How often has it been filled in the past five years? What were the main reasons?

3. What would you like done differently by the next person who fills this position?

4. What are some of the objectives you would like to see accomplished in this job?

5. What is most pressing? What would you like to have done in the next 3 months.

6. What are some of the long term objectives you would like to see completed?

7. What are some of the more difficult problems one would have to face in this position?

8. How do you think these could best be handled?

9. What type of support does this position receive in terms of people, finances. etc?

10. What freedom would I have in determining my own work objectives, deadlines, and

methods of measurement?

11. What advancement opportunities are available for the person who is successful in this

position, and within what time frame?

12. In what ways has this organization been most successful in terms of products and services

over the years?

13. What significant changes do you foresee in the near future?

14. How is one evaluated in this position?

15. What accounts for success within the company?

These questions are presented only as interviewing guidelines. They are meant to help you prepare for the interview. Some questions may or may not be appropriate for your interviewing situation.
By practicing your responses to some of these questions, hopefully you will not be taken off guard if asked one of them. Most importantly, relax, go with the flow, and before you know it, you'll be in your next job.

tips for asking questions to interviewer

An interview is a two-way street. Ask questions. The employer should provide an opportunity for you to ask questions at or near the end of the interview.



• Always prepare questions to ask. Having no questions prepared sends the message that you have no independent thought process.

• Some of your questions may be answered during the course of the interview, before you are offered the opportunity to ask. If so, you can simply state something to the effect that you were interested in knowing about ..., but that was addressed during the interview. You could ask for additional clarification if applicable.

• Do not ask questions that are clearly answered on the employer's web site and/or in any literature provided by the employer to you in advance. This would simply reveal that you did not prepare for the interview, and you are wasting the employer's time by asking these questions.

• Never ask about salary and benefits issues until those subjects are raised by the employer.

10 Tips for Job-Hunting Etiquette

While much focus in job-hunting is placed on networking techniques, resume-writing, and interview preparation -- and rightly so -- one small, but very important aspect of successful job-seekers is often overlooked.
What is it that's so often overlooked by job-seekers and career experts alike? It's the simple rules of proper job-seeker behavior -- job-seeker manners.
This article helps fill that void with 10 tips for job-hunting etiquette. Etiquette sometimes gets a bad rap or is overlooked perhaps because the term seems antiquated. But make no mistake, courteous job-seekers stand above those job-seekers without good manners.
So, how can you make a great impression on your next job-search? Easy! Simply incorporate these tips the next time you are seeking a new job.

1. Be polite.
Whether it's a networking event, job fair, or other career-related event, showcase your inner strengths by patiently waiting your turn to speak with recruiters or hiring managers, properly shake hands (dry, firm, one-handed shake), and address the each person by his or her title (Dr., Ms., Mr.) and last name (unless the event is extremely informal -- then you can use first names). There are times in job-hunting in which assertiveness is important (to demonstrate your interest in the job), but there is no excuse for not being polite.

2. Dress for the occasion.
For job-search events in most professions, the suit is the expected attire -- and especially for the job interview. You can do your research and determine the level of attire you need, but if you can't, then it's always much better to dress above than dress below.

3. Be punctual.
One of the biggest etiquette mistakes a job-seeker can make is arriving late. Whether you're simply going cross town or driving a great distance, always know the route you're going to take, take a practice run (if possible), and build in extra time for getting lost, street closures, and accidents. Finally, don't overstay your welcome -- even if your return flight is hours away; when the interviews are done, say your thank-yous and leave.

4. Learn to listen.
While a great deal of time is spent helping job-seekers prepare great job-search related communication tools -- elevator speeches and interview responses -- the art of listening is often overlooked. Ignoring what a recruiter or a network contact is saying so that you can simply throw in another plug for yourself is simply rude.

5. Be knowledgeable.
Appearing ignorant -- or disinterested -- about a prospective employer is a major lapse in job-search etiquette. By showcasing your knowledge of the employer (and even the interviewer), you demonstrate how serious you are about the opportunity while also gaining serious etiquette points. Preparation is a key skill to learn.

6. Appear upbeat.
Even if you are having a bad day, do not let outside circumstances affect your demeanor in a job-search situation. A positive attitude -- which includes things like enthusiasm, smiling, good posture, and strong eye contact -- can go a long way to making a lasting and positive impression. People want to work with happy, friendly people.

7. Communicate well.
While most job-seekers have learned how to communicate in face-to-face situations, there is often quite a bit of room for improvement in phone and email communications -- and because more of the job-search has moved into these non-personal methods, you should learn rules of phone and email etiquette. Regardless of the venue, good communication is essential to job-search success.

8. Avoid interruptions.
Before heading into a job-search event, turn off cell phones, PDAs, pagers, etc. At a minimum, the device may distract both you and the person you're speaking with, but some people are also annoyed by this breach of etiquette. And certainly, never, ever interrupt someone so you can answer your device unless you know it's an emergency. (And, in fact, never interrupt anyone for any reason.)

9. Eat and drink well.
No, this tip does not refer to pre-interview meals, but to understanding and using simple table manners -- which especially come into play when the interview process spills over to include one or more meals. And besides knowing which fork to use and which water glass is yours, remember not to order the messiest nor most expensive item on the menu -- and avoid alcohol consumption.

10. Always show appreciation.
Most studies continue to show that a fairly sizable number of job-seekers do not acknowledge and thank the people they meet in networking events, job fairs, or even job interviews. The simple act of writing a short thank-you note to each person you meet in your job-search can literally be the deciding factor in you obtaining an interview -- or better, receiving the job offer

Final Thoughts
Well-mannered job-seekers gain the edge in job-hunting because proper job-hunting etiquette wins the hearts and minds of hiring managers -- especially compared with job-seekers who either rude or simply unaware. By following these 10 tips for job-hunting etiquette, you will be on your way to giving yourself that extra edge that may help you land that job of your dreams

The Ten Keys to Success at Job and Career Fairs

There are many types of job and career fairs -- from ones scheduled during Spring Break for college students to industry-specific ones for professionals -- but they all have one common theme: it's a chance for a company to meet and screen a large volume of potential job candidates. Whether you're a college student new to the job-hunting process or a seasoned professional, these ten strategies will improve your odds of not being screened out and should lead to a deeper level of satisfaction with your efforts and increase your chances of obtaining a second interview.
Keep in mind that career fairs should be just one small part of your entire job search process; however, they can be a successful part. Will these ten strategies guarantee you success? Of course not, but by following these strategies, you will be in position to strategically place yourself above many of the other job-seekers who are attending the fair.

The Ten Keys to Success:

1. Pre-register.
Some career fairs allow job-seekers to pre-register for the event, which usually includes submitting a resume or summary resume. With more fairs going to the Web, pre-registration will most likely become even more common. The idea behind pre-registering, of course, is that employers get a chance to prescreen applicants and possibly make note of applicants they want to meet at the fair. Does pre-registration guarantee that you will get noticed or that employers will even look at the registrations? No, but why would you not take advantage of such an easy step?

2. Research.
Many job-seekers go to fairs to "see the sights" and are not prepared to interview. You can get a huge jump on the competition by getting a list of the companies attending the fair and doing some research on each of the companies you want to interview with; don't waste time with companies that do not interest you. While all of the recruiters will have company literature at their booths at the fair, you often can't access those until after the interview. With so much information about companies on the Web, there is no excuse not to do your homework.

3. Resumes.
Bring lots of resumes to the fair -- at least two for each company for which you have an interest. If you have multiple interests or job objectives, make sure you bring enough of each version of your resume. You should also bring scannable versions of your resumes. More and more recruiters are simply bringing these collected stacks of resumes back to the corporate office and scanning them into a database.

4. Portfolios.
More and more career experts are emphasizing the importance of career portfolios. These portfolios should include copies of your resumes, a list of references, and samples of your best work. While most career fair interviews are fairly short, there may be opportunities for discussing your portfolio with a recruiter -- either over a short break or meal or during a second interview on-site. It is best to always be prepared no matter what happens.

5. Attire.
Conservative business attire is essential, even for those Spring Break beachside career fairs because image and first impressions are critical. Know what is the expected attire of your profession and dress accordingly. It is always better to be overdressed than underdressed.

6. Strategy.
You need to devise a strategy or plan of attack for the fair. You've already done the first step by researching the companies you are interested in. The second step is seeing if any new companies have registered when you arrive at the fair. The third step is surveying the layout of the fair and determining an order of interviewing. Some experts suggest meeting with your top choices first thing in the morning, interviewing with your other choices in the middle of the day, and returning to your top choices at the end of the day to thank them again for their time. But remember to stay flexible as your top choices may be the top choices of many, creating long lines that you may wish to avoid.

7. Interviewing.
You may only have two to five minutes to market yourself and protect yourself from being screened out, thus you need to make the most of your time. Many experts suggest that you develop a one-minute "commercial" that highlights the key benefits that you can offer the organization -- and then use it at the beginning of the interview. Also remember the three keys to all interviews: make eye contact, offer a firm handshake, and show enthusiasm. You should also prepare answers to interview questions just as you would any employment interview. The most common question you will face is something along the lines of "what are you here for today?" Seems like an easy question to answer, especially if you've done your homework and can tailor your answer to your interests and the company's interests, thereby marketing yourself. Make sure you also have some questions ready to ask the interview. A great concluding question for you to ask is, "What do I need to do to obtain a second interview with your firm?" Finally, make sure to avoid poor communication bad habits, such as fidgeting, rocking, chewing gum, etc.

8. Intangibles.
There are several other things you can do to help make your career fair experience a success. First, don't waste your time interviewing with companies you have no desire to work for; do make sure to interview with all the companies you do want to work for. Second, if you did not prepare for a company you want to interview for, try eavesdropping on several of the interviews ahead of you so you can better prepare; do also try to get some company literature from the booth before getting in line so you can read about the company while waiting; don't just stand in line doing nothing. Third, do extend common courtesies, such as offering to get the recruiter a beverage or snack; don't be upset if the recruiter has to take a break before your interview. Fourth, if your ideal company is hiring computer technicians and you want to work in accounting, do still interview with the company at the fair, being sure to leave the interview with the contact information of the person responsible for hiring in that area; don't be discouraged and walk away.

9. Networking.
Career fairs are all about networking. Of course, you are building a network with the recruiters -- this task is your most vital. However, you can also network with your fellow job-seekers in terms of sharing information about job leads, companies, and their recruiting strategies and styles. There may also be professional organizations or employment agencies on hand at the fair, which are also good sources for networking.

10. Follow-up.
Don't take the order of this key to mean it to be the least important; in fact, some would say it is one of the most important. You would be surprised at how few job-seekers actually take the time to follow-up their career fair interviews, thus when you do it, you will get an edge over the many others who do not. There are two main methods of follow-up. Some experts suggest actually calling the recruiter the evening of the fair and leaving a voicemail message thanking the recruiter again for his/her time that day. A more concrete and traditional method is to write a thank you note and mail it the next day to the address on the recruiter's business card. In the letter, thank the recruiter for his/her time, restate your interest and qualifications for the position, reiterate your interest in a second interview, and make a promise to follow-up the letter with a phone call (and then make sure you do in fact call). You probably should enclose another copy of your resume to be sure.