Job Interview Preparation Advice

What do I need to know about job interviews? An interview is not what most job seekers think it is. It's not a one-sided inquisition in which you have none of the power. It's a two-way exchange of information, with an unparalleled opportunity for you to sell yourself to the person with the authority to hire you. So, as you take part in the interview process, keep this in mind.

Here are the steps to take to prepare yourself for a winning interview with Company X. Keep uppermost in your mind the problems and challenges that Company X currently faces, and how your expertise would solve them. Have they outgrown their current staff? Are software glitches crashing their web site? It's hard to resist a candidate who can bring solutions to the table. Give consideration to some of the following job interview tips.

Learn as much as you can about the company. Conduct conventional research, as well as speaking to current and former employees.

Research your interviewer(s). Try to prepare a 'dossier' on the key people in the hiring company with whom you'll be speaking. Is she a marathon runner? Has he appeared on the cover of a prominent financial publication? Find unique ways to connect with your future co-workers.

Compile a well-organized, attractively packaged folio that acts as a marketing piece for You, Inc. Did you write a PowerPoint presentation that knocked your current boss' socks off? Did you design an award-winning skyscraper? Put it in the portfolio.

Prepare a list of intelligent, well-considered questions to ask.
A few days ahead, don the outfit you plan to wear, and examine yourself in a full-length mirror. Could it use a professional steam and press? Does your haircut look dated? Don't jeopardize your chances by tackling these problems on interview day.

Don't wear scent of any kind, even if it's just a spritz! Many workplaces are scent free nowadays, and if your interviewer is environmentally sensitive, you've just blown your chance.
Women, go easy on the jewelry and makeup. A natural professional look is what you want.
Pack your briefcase well in advance of your interview. At a minimum, make sure that you have a nice-looking pen, several copies of your resume on quality bond paper and your work portfolio.
On the day of the interview, arrive well ahead of your appointment time. Go to the rest room, and give yourself a mirror pep talk.

First impressions are crucial. Your interviewer will judge you on your appearance and non-verbal physical cues the second you enter the room. So stand tall, make eye contact, shake hands firmly, and above all, smile, even if you're nervous.

While in the interview, you are still being scrutinized. Don't be guilty of the following negative actions:
• Clenched fists
• Insecure body language, such as slouching or averting your eyes
• Closed body language, such as sitting with arms crossed
• Not listening or focusing on what the interviewer is saying
• Hesitating when the interviewer asks you if you can do something. Answer with a ringing affirmative!
• Lying because you think you won't be caught out or to make yourself look good

Try to sneak in an endorsement from your current or former employer.
While preparing for a job interview and coming up with answers to likely questions, use your professional resume. What does a professional resume look like? You may have asked yourself this question many times in the course of finding the right professional resume writer. The answer is not always well-defined. But it certainly looks like the document that will give you the clues you need to answer almost all questions that come up during a job interview.

Mastering these techniques will keep you cool the next time you're in the interviewing hot seat.

Article Source: ezinearticles.com

Phone Interview Questions and Answers

The Phone interview plays a crucial role in a candidate's pre-hire process. This means that the employer has reviewed the candidate's resume and or application and they are showing some interest which is a positive step forward, although the candidate is still far away from being hired! The phone interview in many cases may be a make-it or break-it for many candidates as this is mainly a way for the employer to verify if the "you" the candidate are both a cultural and technical fit for their work environment. Below are some of the most common phone interview questions and answers.
Q. Can you tell me a little about yourself?
A. This question is commonly used by the employer to break the ice and to get the candidate to reveal some basic personality traits. The best response would be short and professional. Remember to stay focused as the employer doesn't want to hear anything that doesn't relate to their business!
Q. What is your education background?
A. The correct answer is the honest answer. "Direct and straight to the point", is the only thing an employer likes to hear. If you do not have a degree and you are not enrolled in an educational program, don't talk about how you are continuing your education because the truth is you aren't!
Q. Are you currently employed and where?
A. In an ideal situation, you don't want to leave one job without having another lined up; always answer this question direct to the point and honestly. Note: no negative talk even if your previous job came to a bitter end!
Q. If you are not employed, when were you last employed and what is the reason that you are no longer there?
A. If you are not employed be honest about your employment dates both verbally and written on your resume. Note: Always remember, "do not talk negatively about your previous employers or employment situations", no matter how much you want to!
Q. Tell me about your current employer (i.e. what do they do, how long they've been in business, etc.).
A. This question is used to show how well you know your own business and how detail oriented you are or may be.
Q. What is the most important thing you're looking for in a company/job?
A. And no, the answer should never be more money!!! Even if that is the real answer!! The correct answer should be; a new challenge with an opportunity for growth and development. Employers truly want candidates that can offer an immediate impact on their business, including applicable skills, education and experience, but also candidates that are interested in new challenges and want to continue to develop and grow within new work environments!
Q. Why are you considering leaving your current employer?
A.. If your answer is because you hate your boss, you just lost this opportunity! No employer ever likes to hear negative discussions about your current or prior work engagements. Any negative discussions will be portrayed as "red flags" to the employer which are not good for you. Depending on your circumstance there could be many answers to this question. Simply give a positive response with a logical explanation such as "I decided to relocate so that I could be closer to my family" or "I've been at my current employer for 8 years and I've reached my maximum potential, so I've decided to search for a new and challenging opportunities", etc.
Q. How long have you been with your current employer?
A. this is a simple close-ended question, simply answer the question honestly! If it wasn't a substantial length of time, just give a logical and positive explanation. "Remember; always be as positive as possible."
Q. On a Day-to-Day basis at your current job, what are your primary responsibilities?
A. This question is to test your ability to articulate in fine detail what you do at your current employer. If your memory is not that great, you should prepare yourself with some details. Note: never regurgitate the information directly off of your resume as this shows that you are unable to have an intellectual conversation!
Q. What size groups do you work in and do you have any group size preferences?
A. This is a question to see how comfortable you working with other people. It is always best to be honest, with the employer and yourself. If you really don't like working in larger groups or around lots of people then let them know... Maybe the job isn't an exact fit for you and that's OK because there will be many other opportunities out there that may provide you with your ideal work environment. Phone interviews and in person interviews are also a perfect opportunity for you the candidate to be interviewing the employer, to verify if their company/job is best for you!
Q. Have you received any raises or promotions at your current employer?
A. This is a pretty straight forward question, either you have or you haven't. Either way it is always good to discuss your promotions and if you haven't been promoted, then keep the conversation positive; which means no negative discussions!
Q. Do you have any managerial experience or are you more of an individual contributor?
A. if you do not, then it is OK to say that you are an individual contributor, if you do have managerial experience then elaborate on your experience, let them know; when, where, how many people did you manage, your responsibilities as a manager, etc.. Note: good managers talk about their employees and their employee's growth, development, each employees responsibilities, etc.
Q. What do you know about this company/job that you are applying for?
A. This question is used to see if you have prepared for the interview. Candidates that have researched the company are more appealing. Companies like prepared, organized candidates.
Q. How many years experience do you have in _________?
A. this is a close-ended question, give a direct answer and the only other thing you should add would be your proficiency with this particular skill. Just because you may have 5 years of experience with something doesn't necessarily mean you are a master at that skill. Being as honest as possible will help eliminate the possibility of setting yourself up for failure.
Q. We have spoken with several candidates. Why are you the one we should hire?
A. Give detailed examples of your skills and accomplishments. Be positive, and emphasize how your background matches their job description.
Q. How well do you handle stress and pressure at work? Please give an example of
how you overcame a stressful situation.
A. the correct answer is that you work well under pressure, and you enjoy working in an environment that is challenging. It's good for the employer to know that you are an individual who has the capability to diffusing stress while working in demanding environments with deadlines.
Q. What are your greatest strengths?
A. This is a perfect opportunity to shine! Some topics to discuss could be; ability to communicate and work well with others, leadership/ management skills and experience, ability to adapt to new environments, ability to learn new skills, capabilities of dealing with stress and deadlines, etc..
Q. What are your greatest weaknesses?
A. This is a very important question. If you answer "no weaknesses" it appears that you are avoiding the question or you aren't analytical enough to evaluate your own strengths and weaknesses. It is very important to give a strength that compensates for your weakness to help convert your weakness into a positive such as; "I'm normally a great "go-to" person at work and I love to help others so much that sometimes I find myself having to put in more hours in a week just to complete my required duties." This is a perfect example of how my strong technical skills and ability to work with others compensates for my weakness.
Q. What are your current salary expectation?
A. The answer is simple, what do you make now and what do you honestly feel that your skills are worth? To determine a particular hourly rate or salary range, There are many "compensation calculators" available online to help you gauge not only what someone with your skills and years of experience should be making, but also the average compensation in different regions or the U.S. or the world!
If you over-price yourself, you may just be pricing yourself out of an opportunity and if you under-price yourself, you could be undermining your worth, enough so, that the employer may feel that something is wrong with you and will move on to other candidates. Before you interview, it is in your best interest to truly understand your worth!
Q. Do you have any questions?
A. Questions can be both good and bad. Usually on a phone interview there are questions you should and shouldn't ask, such as:
Question to ask employers on a phone interview:
- What are the day-to-day responsibilities of this job?
- How will my leadership responsibilities and performance be measured? By whom?
- Who will review my performance? How often?
- What is the company's plan for the next five years, and how does this department fit in?
- Could you describe your company's management style and the type of employee who fits well within it?
- Who is the company's competition? What are the company's strengths and weaknesses compared to its competition?
- What is the company's policy on providing education, workshops, and training so employees can keep up their skills or acquire new ones?
- Etc.
Questions Not to ask on a phone interview:
- Will I have to work overtime?
- Are the working hours flexible?
- Can I work from home
- Does this job require that I pass a Drug and Background check
- How much does this position pay?
- What type of health insurance does the company offer?
- Is there public transportation in the company's area?
- How many weeks of vacation time/ sick time do you offer?

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Investment Banking Interviews - First Round Interviews Decoded

First of all, we're talking about the formal "give me a job" type of first round interview here. Not about the investment banking informational interview, which is simply a meet and greet.

First Rounders are where your banking lives really kick off and their importance comes down to the simple fact that if you mess up here your banking life is DOA - dead upon arrival!

For target school kids first round investment banking interviews will frequently take place on campus when the banks roll into town and will often be with an analyst or other junior banker who's an alumnus of your school.

In other countries it might take place at the bank's HQ and be with a representative from the IB's HR department - or a junior banker.

For non-target school kids who manage to get a formal recruiting interview it might take place at a nearby school or at the bank. More likely though you'll start out with informal interviews over coffees - aka investment banking informational interviews - thanks to your networking, which can then lead to formal interviews at the bank's HQ.

But location is the least of our worries, so let's move on.
It's more important for you to recognize that the purpose of the first round interview is to act as a quality control mechanism. Junior bankers simply aim to cull enough students so that final rounds (aka Super Saturday or simply Superday) can take place without a throng of 10,000 students storming the bank's offices.
And so they are only testing you on
1) your track record as listed on your resume,
2) your personality and
3) your basic technical skills.

Thankfully you will only be summarily grilled on these issues, because first round banking interviews don't go for that long. Think 20-30 minutes.
How can you sail through first round interviews?

Well, if you manage to 'get along' with the interviewer then you're probably through.
i.e. if you can talk about your resume for a couple minutes, get the banker smiling and answer some Basic as Ben Stiller questions about financial statements and Finance 101 valuation techniques you'll most likely get green lighted for another interview.

And if you can show you have serious passion for banking by talking about your journey over the years, how it has led you to banking and made you want it more than ever before, you're almost home.

Increasingly important in today's recruiting environment though, is your ability to handle some basic investment banking technical interview questions and brain teasers during first rounds. Banks are loading interviews with more than before, because it's the fastest and most objective way to eliminate a huge chunk of the candidate pool (an important point when supply & demand is as out of whack as it is now).

At the end of the day though these first round interviews are just about eliminating the Ben Stiller type retards - i.e. a 'basic smarts' cut. Or said with more panache, these interviews are simply about eliminating the also-rans, not about picking the stars. So don't stress.

Richard is the head writer for Inside Investment Banking - a one-stop shop of advice for students just like you who want to know how to get into investment banking without a 4.0 GPA from Harvard or nepotistic connections on Wall Street.

Created by a team of 5 young bankers, Inside Investment Banking contains all the real insider advice you need to write killer banking resumes, answer tough interview questions, network with bankers and much more.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

How To Pass the Final Interview For A Call Center Position

The most dreaded stage when applying for any job position is the final interview. In a call center, it is the so-called Client Call, or other descriptive monikers, depending on the company. It is done by someone actually in the head office in the United States - a real McCoy. He judges the prospective applicant's voice quality, manner of speech, perceptible intonation, and of course the rudimentary requirements of correct grammar, good sentence structure, and perfect syntax, in acceptable, extemporaneous, common conversational English. The interview is usually done in a room with the necessary communication facilities, and the applicant is alone.
My experience as a successful first time interviewee went on like this:
HE:      Hi! How are you doing?
ME:      Hi! I feel very good.
HE:      Really? And why is that?
ME:      Well, I've gotten this far, and it makes me feel good.
HE:      That's nice to hear. Can you give me your full name and the application number that was given to you by the Human Resources people, just to confirm what I have on my end?
ME:      (I gave him the information he asked for.)
HE:      Tell me, do you live far from where you are applying now?
ME:      Not really, maybe just about 5 to 7 miles.
HE:      And how long does it normally take you to get there?
ME:      Only half an hour in a private car, under normal conditions. Otherwise, about twice as much time on a public transport, which is actually quite abundant in these parts.
HE:      Nice to hear. Now, supposing you have had a rather stressful day, can you tell me how you handle it, and how you unwind.
At this point, I realized the guy was just trying to make a conversation, and, believe it or not, I became so relaxed I almost fell off my chair! (It was one of those comfortable swivel chairs which can turn around in all directions, quite common in call centers, and apparently one of the most frequently used in that room I was in. Only my quick reflexes holding on to the table's edge saved me from ending up on the floor.)
ME:      If there is anything I can do about the condition at the instant, I would immediately correct it. If not, I will proceed as best I could, but keeping it in mind so I could find a solution that would prevent it from happening again. Finding a viable solution unwinds me.
HE:      Very well said. Now, I am required to ask you a serious question. Are you ready?
ME:      Always ready as I can be.
HE:      If there is anything you could change in the present world, what would it be, and why.
ME:      Wow, that's a big one.
HE:      What?
ME:      I mean that is a very serious question. Let me think a moment, please.
HE:      Take your time.
ME:      Alright, if there is anything I would change in the present world, it would be to do away with terrorism and terrorists. They, for all their avowed religiosity, are avowed agents of destruction and fear, and they are not averse to killing the innocents and the civilians. The world would really be better off without them.
HE:      Very well put, indeed. So, let me thank you for applying for the position, and good luck. Just ask the Human Resources lady for further instructions. Bye.
ME:      I should actually be the one to thank you for giving me the opportunity. Have a nice day.
HE:      You too.
As can be observed, far from the usual mindset the applicants are subjected to, the client call is quite easy to pass, as long as one is calm, cool, and collected. Being prepared, with quick reflexes, helps too.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

A Winning Interview Process

As a Hiring Authority, is your interview process designed to attract and retain the best candidate?
Quick Assessment:
- Are my questions accurately uncovering a full 360° view of my candidate?
- Am I building momentum with my best candidate by ensuring no more than 2 days between interviews?
- Am I conveying how my open position and career-track are in line with my candidate's career trajectory?
- Do I know my candidate's greatest skills and abilities that will yield the greatest impact to my organization?
- Am I identifying from my candidate's references the specific tasks and projects that I should delegate to my candidate to create the greatest impact for me?
- Does my offer reflect the value my candidate brings to my organization, or is it the very bottom number I think my candidate will accept?
- Am I integrating my new employee with all the key personnel they will be interacting with to help ensure positive and effective transition and communication?
The right Interview process and questions will help uncover the right candidate for you. It's no different than the Prom... you used the right strategy and tactics to ensure you secured the best date possible.
When it comes to Interview questions, I came across these (source unknown) as brilliant questions that uncovers a 360° view of your candidate.
1. HOW DOES YOUR BACKGROUND MAKE YOU A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR THIS POSITION?
Shows fit and preparation by candidate.
2. TELL ME THE TOP THREE THINGS THAT MOTIVATE YOU, AS AN EMPLOYEE, TO DO A GOOD JOB?
Work environment, responsibilities, being informed and motivations.
3. WHAT THINGS DO YOU LOOK FOR IN AN EMPLOYER (MANAGER)?
No wrong answers, only red flags.
4. WHAT SHORTCOMINGS WOULD YOU NEED TO IMPROVE UPON TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS POSITION?
No wrong answers, but no "pat" answers either.
5. WHY DID YOU LEAVE YOUR LAST POSITION?/WHY ARE YOU LEAVING YOUR CURRENT POSITION?
Look for red flags, inconsistencies. No "sour grapes." Promotion opportunity, relocation for family.
6. WHAT ARE YOUR LONG TERM GOALS AND HOW DO YOU PLAN ON ACHIEVING SUCH GOALS?
Look for things that fit our company goals, long term employee.
7. TELL ME ABOUT YOUR PAST SUCCESSES/ACCOMPLISHMENTS. WHAT ARE THEY? WHAT WAS YOUR ROLE?
Look for tangible experience that can benefit our company (i.e. quality improvement, cost reduction).
8. WHAT IS YOUR MANAGEMENT STYLE? TELL ME ABOUT YOUR PERSONALITY, FAVORITE LEISURE ACTIVITIES.
Autocratic vs. Democratic, fit with others on team, hard worker, sound mind and body, proper balance.
9. WHY DO YOU WANT TO WORK FOR OUR COMPANY?
Shows knowledge, to see if they know what they want, and preparation for interview.
10. WHAT CAN (COULD) YOUR EMPLOYER DO (HAVE DONE) DIFFERENTLY TO KEEP YOU?
Level of commitment to make a change, look for red flags.
11. HOW WOULD YOU CHANGE (HAVE CHANGED) YOUR WORK SITUATION AT YOUR PRESENT (LAST) EMPLOYER?
Shows creativity, innovation. Identifies what's important in their work environment.
12. HOW DID YOU GO ABOUT SOLVING PROBLEMS AT WORK? SPECIFICALLY, WHAT KIND OF SUPPORT DID YOU ASK FOR AND WHAT KIND OF HELP DID YOU GET?
Shows initiative, delegation of responsibilities, abilities to troubleshoot or work under pressure.
13. WHO DO YOU WORK WELL WITH AND WHY?
Team player, personality traits, ego.
14. IF I WERE TO CALL YOUR PRESENT (LAST) EMPLOYER, WHAT WOULD THEY SAY ABOUT YOU AND WHY?
Consistency with reference checks, confidence in abilities.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/

Five Interview Mistakes to Avoid

An interview is a controlled conversation between you, (the seller), and the employer (the buyer), to determine if there is a mutual fit between the company's requirements and your qualifications. Ideally, an interview should be a productive conversation. On the other hand, it is very easy to trip yourself up by making some common interview mistakes many job candidates often make. Here are some tips that will prevent you from making some common job interview mistakes and sabotaging your chances of getting the job.

1. Turn off your cell phone: Having a cellphone ring during an interview, or worse, answering it, will definitely not impress the interviewer. Recruiters report this is a very common interview mistake

2. Avoid reciting you resume and cover letter in the interview: Instead, focus on selling yourself and expanding on what your documents say. Tell the interviewer why the company should hire you. Elaborate on your qualifications.

3. Avoid being negative: You'll make a big interview mistake if you ramble on about how your previous employer may have been a jerk or a tyrant. Drawing attention to this fact portrays you as being critical and gossipy. Try to re-frame your past experiences, emphasizing what you learned.

4. Watch poor body language: Slouching, avoiding eye contact and a limp handshake portray a tentative attitude and a lack of confidence. On the other hand, sitting up straight, leaning forward in your chair, having a firm handshake, and smiling convey self-assuredness, warmth, honesty, and enthusiasm.

5. Be sure to follow up: If you are seriously interested in the job, then avoid the mistake of just sitting and waiting. Follow-up! That can make the difference between a second interview (even an offer) or falling off the radar. Drop off a hard copy note to the interviewer (rather than an e-mail) within 24 hours of your meeting. Thank the interviewer his/her time and reiterate your interest in and qualifications for the position; he/she will better remember you and your note will reaffirm your enthusiasm and interest in the job.
It takes common sense to performing well in an interview; it also takes common sense to avoid these common interview pitfalls which can derail your success.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/

Job Interview Dress Code for a Rainy Day

What to wear to a job interview can be a complicated decision. You want to make a great first impression at the interview and you have painstakingly planned what to wear. Problem is, mother nature didn't get the memo that your perfect job interview outfit did not take into consideration a rainy day.
So what do you do?

Well, you still want to show up dressed for a job interview, looking sharp and ready for success. Even though the interviewers may not remember what you are wearing, they should remember that your appearance was polished and professional. In the job interview, you will be evaluated on what you are wearing as much as what you are saying.
Here is a quick "job interview clothes" guide for a rainy day:

Clothes - The default job interview dress code is conservative or business attire. Wear a pant suit or dress pants on a rainy day. You will protect your legs from getting wet and it won't be as noticeable. Stick to darker neutral colors like navy and black because you will still look sharp even if you get a little wet. I usually recommend a dress shirt or blouse in white or a light pastel color like pink, blue and green. But for a rainy day, I recommend staying away from white because you will end up with a see-through shirt if you do get soaked.

Shoes - You should never wear open shoes or sandals to an interview and a rainy day is no exception. Wear conservative pumps and make sure you select a pair of heels that isn't too high since you will be navigating through wet and slippery terrain. Trust me, there will be puddles everywhere and your goal will be to do everything possible not to trip and fall in the parking lot, at the entrance of the building or in the lobby.

Accessories - If it's raining, your best accessories will be a nice umbrella and matching raincoat. It's hard to look professional when you are holding a multicolored umbrella with polka dots and wearing a bright red raincoat. Stick to dark neutral colors like black and navy to match your job interview outfit.

Hair - Your job interview hairstyle is the first to go on a rainy day and the hardest to put back together when you have left the house. Pick a simple hairstyle that is easy to fix in the event that it's also a windy day. It can make or break your entire look. Again, you want it to be polished, not messy and out of place when you arrive. Choose to pull your hair back in a ponytail instead letting it hang loose if you can.

Purse - You'll have plenty to hold already with an umbrella and raincoat in your hands so keep your purse or handbag small. Stick to a leather bag or briefcase since it wipes dry easily and carries off a professional look regardless of the weather.
Your attire for job interviews even on a rainy day only needs a couple of adjustments to work. Sounds pretty simple right?

By the way, do you want to learn more about how to confidently prepare for a job interview to gain a massive competitive advantage and land a job offer faster than you ever imagined possible?

Article Source:EzineArticles.com