How to Do Proper Body Language During Job Interview

The success in attending job interview depends on many things. Apart from your skill and ability, you should also prepare other details such as outfit, and manner. To present proper manner, here are some tips you can follow.

1. Outfit
For men and women, two-piece suit can never be wrong. Avoid wearing jeans as it makes you appear less professional. Even if the working condition is not formal, wearing suit shows your respect towards the company. The outfit you wear should also be clean and neat with less distracting choice of color and fabric.

2. Handshake
A good handshake is dry and firm, with your right palm facing left (not facing upward or downward). Make full contact between your and the interviewer's palm for about two or three seconds. During the handshake you should also maintain eye contact, exchange introduction and greeting, and smile to your interviewer.

3. Posture
Whether standing or sitting, you should maintain good posture. Do not slouch and keep your back always up straight. If you sit, never rest your back on the chair as you will be considered lazy. During standing conversation always maintain personal distance between you and your interviewer but do not stand too far as well.

4. Eye contact
Maintaining eye contact during the conversation is important so that you appear focused on the interview. Shifting your view around the room indicates that you are bored and lacking enthusiasm. However, do not gaze.

5. Facial expression
Appear as relaxed as possible but still maintain your seriousness. Keep smiling appropriately so that you seem friendly.

6. Arms and hands movement
Putting your hands across your chest or inside your pants' pockets is unnecessary as it makes you seem distant and unenthusiastic. If you don't know where to put your hands, putting them on your laps is most safe. Some people have the tendency to move their hands during talking. It can be your plus as you will appear energetic, but make sure to control your hands movement so that you won't make any offensive gesture.

7. Non-Acceptable Gestures
Apart from the points above, there are some gestures people do (whether realized or not) that are not suitable during a job interview. Body languages you should avoid during the event among others are fidgeting, biting nails, playing with hair, scratching, touching the face, adjusting clothes, picking nose, and other bad habits.

Proper body language is important to give good impression throughout your job interview. Always remember to control your overall gestures to get the job you are dreaming of.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Second Interview Questions: 3 Tips to Calm Your Fears

Second interview questions are questions you'll be confronted with during the second step in the hiring process. Of course, the first step is to create a good enough impression in your first job interview to be invited back for a second interview. The types of questions you'll likely be asked in your second interview will have a different focus and you'll need a new strategy for preparation.

Whereas your first job interview may have been conducted by somebody from Human Resources in a large company, your second interview questions will likely be conducted by somebody from the Department to which your job applies. And in much smaller companies, the interview will probably be conducted by the Owner/Manager.
In any case, you should plan to be interviewed by a different person than before and expect the second interview questions to be tailored quite a bit more to your specific skills and the requirements of the position for which you are applying.

Preparing for Your Second Interview Questions
So, how do you prepare? Well first and foremost, keep this in mind: You made it to the second interview. That definitely puts you on the inside track for landing the job! And that means you must have made some very good impressions on the first interviewer. Follow these tips and you will be prepared:

1. Recall and relive every moment you can of the first interview. How did you dress? How did you sit? What did you do when they were talking? What did you do when you were talking? Were you rigidly professional and business-like, more laid-back and friendly or a combination of both? Do you remember smiling? Do you remember nodding at all? Did you ask questions of them?

This point cannot be over-emphasized. Dig in and relive the first interview as best you can, while making notes of what you consider may have made the difference. Then, plan to repeat them in the second interview because what worked before will probably work again. People like to associate with others of similar values and personality types. The job environment is not any different.

Most of the time, job applicants who have been called in for a first interview will possess similar levels of technical skills. Therefore, your personality, values, and the way you conduct yourself can make the difference. For you to be called in for a second interview is an indication that certain qualities and actions you expressed in the first interview, may have made the difference.
You should devote sufficient time to this step and take notes as best as you can while you relive your first interview.

2. You will have submitted your resume prior to the first interview. If the interviewer didn't think you were qualified, you never would have been called in for the first interview. So, the first interview was more about evaluating you and not your qualifying skills regardless of the way it may have seemed. The second interview questions will therefore be more specific and be centered around your skills as they would apply to the position for which you have applied.

The best way to prepare is to again recall what took place in the first interview. The interviewer will have at some point described the nature of their business, the needs of their business and in particular, why they need to fill the position. Recall what they said and make note of it.
Now, rehearse how you would tailor your skills to fulfilling the needs of the company based on your notes. Make up second interview questions you might be asked, such as points about your experiences and abilities. Then, figure out how you would answer them.

Article Source: ezinearticles.com

Useful Interview Strategies And Tips

So, you are actively seeking a career change and are looking for a dream career in the energy, oil and gas, or chemical industry. What are tips and strategies you must follows to land that dream job? Well, besides acquiring technical knowledge, you must also know about the best interview strategies and prepare accordingly. In fact, you must look at an interview as an opportunity to prove your worth
Useful Interview Strategies and Tips

There are some questions that most interviewers ask, irrespective of the industry. These are aimed at assessing the type of employee you will be and your ability to do your work. So, anticipate these possible questions beforehand and prepare answers for them. Edit these to make them more concise. Then, practice speaking out these answers loudly and repeatedly. Here are more useful interview strategies and tips for enhancing your success odds:

* Know Yourself: Interviewers typically want to know about your strengths and weaknesses. So, highlight those skills that best suit the position you are applying for. Some strengths include leadership, organizational, time management and team building skills. When talking about weaknesses, state your true weakness and the steps you have taken to overcome those. Also, be thorough with the details in your resume; this will help build credibility with the interviewer.

* Know the company: Take out the time to learn about the company and the latest developments. This will help you ask the most relevant questions. The interviewer will be convinced of your interest in the company.
* Know the Job: Knowing the details of the job helps you tailor your answers to highlight the skills and traits necessary for the job. For instance, if the job requires good communication skills, exemplify how you achieved quality results previously through your excellent communication skills.

* Body language: Your body language, including good eye contact, speaks volumes about your self-esteem and confidence. So, sit straight, be pleasant and confident throughout.

Finally, do a quick follow up after the interview with a thank you note (an email note will also do), preferably the day after the interview. To learn about interview strategies, get in touch with International Workplace Consulting. The company specializes in middle and senior level management recruitments for oil and gas and chemical industries, among others and can be visited at jenny-the-headhunter.com.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Job Interview Preparation Tips That Will Enable You To Land That Job

Are you looking for a new job? Getting somebody to call you is difficult enough. You do not want to lose out on a job opportunity that you can perform just because of a lousy interview. This article critiques some vital job interview preparation recommendations so you possibly can be successful at your subsequent employment interview.

Preparing
Always be ready for your interview. Evaluate your resume and be really familiar with it. Be sure you know exactly how you can get to the interview and how long it will take to arrive there.  Always bring additional copies of one's resume just in case they do not have enough copies.
Review Job Posting
I've interviewed a number of people in my career. Probably the most bothersome factor when interviewing may be the individual not having much of a clue on what the career is mostly about. It sends a really poor signal that you simply don't have sufficient sound judgment, interest, and could recommend that you do not qualify since you don't comprehend what the job is about. Not that you need to know every thing however it can be a wise portion of your job interview preparation to have a really great general notion concerning the job position.

Etiquette
Here's exactly where a great number of people make significant mistakes. Here's a number of factors to complete. Always be warm and friendly, smile, and shake their hands. Do not look down while chatting but look the interviewer in the eye. Dress appropriately even when you realize the workplace is informal. Never  bring a drink with you. No matter how you feel the interview went, at all times smile, shake their hands, and thank them for his or her time.

Know the Organization
It really is a wise thought to spend time on the company's website. Do your greatest to have a general insight on what they generally do, who their clients are, who the management team is, what their vision statement is, etc. Going in totally cold can wind up being awkward. Imagine getting asked right in the very beginning of the job interview if you can spend a minute and speak about the company and you've got no concept what they're really about.

Match Your Knowledge With the Job Posting
One of probably the most successful ways to get a job is when they review your resume. It is actually a scarcely employed method but is a potent job interview preparation idea. If probable, see if you can relate your capabilities and experience towards the job role posting particulars. It helps to paint an image that you simply are the appropriate person for the work.
Make no mistake regarding this. Doing job interview preparation is highly vital. It can make all the difference.


Article source: articlebase.com

All About Interview Thank You Letters

With the economic downturn and the amount of jobs available decreasing massively by the week, it has become more important than ever to perfect an interview. In order to succeed you will need to assure the potential employer that you can be trusted, one way to do this is through a proper interview thank you letter.
One often overlooked task is sending the potential employer an interview thank you letter. This is essentially saying thank you for giving me a chance to apply for the job and the opportunity to present my strengths in the interview. This will send many signals to the potential employers, those signals being dedication, respect, politeness and your willingness to go the extra mile. If you think about it, what sort of employer doesn't want these kinds of traits for every member of their work-force?

So, what sort of things can you write in an interview thank you letter to your potential employer? Well, think of it as a thank you for my presents kind of letter, it will be the same sort of content but more in depth. Try and recall important points of the interview such as "I really liked the fact that you chose me for an interview, I really enjoyed out conversation about your companies plans for the future, I am proud to have been given the opportunity to speak with you and your colleagues ". Something like this will show your dedication, obviously you do not want the employer to think you are trying to 'suck up to them' but you are trying to convince him/her to give you the job. If you are write the thank you letter subtly and with the job in mind, you will be fine. Also try to be personal and bring up a few details about you and your background, this may also help the employer get a better understanding of your personality, and how you would fit into the job and the corporate environment.

The first paragraph should be a thank you section and remind the interviewer of your meeting. You can also include information about why you would like to be employed at this particular company. The second paragraph should explain why you are interested in the position and include any relevant information that you did not bring up in the interview. You might want to write a sentence stating why you feel you are qualified for the job. The final paragraph should let the interviewer know that you are looking forward to hearing from them and that you are willing and ready for a second interview or further discussion. Finish with your contact information and thank the interviewer again. Try to keep the entire letter short, 5-8 sentences.

Bare in mind that this technique will only help in your quest to obtain the job and is never guaranteed to get you the job every time, but if you are prepared, dress professionally and follow the interview tips on our site, you will undoubtedly be at the top of the selection pool.

Be sure to write the thank you letter immediately after the job interview, you can use email but you may want to consider a hard-copy letter if the work environment is traditional or if it is a small or family owned business. Have a look at some sample thank you letters, and choose the format that you feel best fits the work environment of your prospective employer.

Article Source:EzineArticles.com

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