If you're the person the company wants to hire, they won't forget you if you don't call every day.
Make the person at the front desk your ally. The boss values her opinion, and she can seal your fate with a roll of her eyes or the turn of her thumb.
Job search is an awesome task, and even though your self-esteem could stand a boost from a friend, save the hand holding for a coffee break after the interview. If you can't survive an interview on your own, the boss may wonder how you'll ever make it through an eight-hour day. Significant others, children and pets should stay at home.
It's Friday, and the rest of the world wears jeans and T-shirts. No, it is not okay for you to go casual. Get the dress-for-success suit out of the cleaners and shine your shoes. Wait until you get the job offer and then maybe you can relax your dress code when you know the new company's standards.
This is a sure-fire way to delude yourself that you're actually doing something to get a job. You have a better chance of winning the lottery than obtaining employment in this random fashion.
Of course you're interested in how much money you'll make and when you can take a vacation, but save those questions until you are offered the job. Eagerness for a position is a good thing, but greed for money, vacation time and benefits is not.
Yes, I know the career books tell you to disregard official gatekeepers. But why antagonize them? Be smart and use the dual approach of contacting the department head and the human resources department. When you're looking for a job, you need friends, not enemies.
If you want to land the right job with people to whom you can relate, and with a boss that understands your capabilities, "tests" can actually help you find the perfect fit. Look at tests as tools to communicate your strengths. Companies really want to hire people who will be happy and grow with their company. Tests are not meant to exclude so much as they are designed to identify the right person for the right job. A test may actually help you avoid getting into a situation you may regret!
Research the company with whom you are interviewing. Nothing impresses an interviewer more than a candidate that knows about the company. It shows that you have initiative.
Get there on time. The importance of punctuality cannot be stressed enough. Plan to arrive about 15 minutes early. It shows your regard for the interviewer's time. If you have to wait, use the time to go over your notes.
It shows that you cared enough about the interviewer and the company to present yourself in a professional manner. In today's work place, most companies do not have a strict code. So if you are one who hates pantyhose or a shirt and tie, relax. This may be the only time you have to do so.
Practice makes perfect. All the information that you would have obtained about successful interviewing would be wasted if you do not practice. You can know all the questions the interviewer will ask but if you do not practice, it would be as if you did not. Have a friend go over the questions with you until you are able to answer them promptly without suffering.
Give the interviewer a firm handshake, even if the interviewer is a woman and you are a man. Nobody like a limp handshake but by the same token do not take the person's hand either. While shaking, introduce yourself keeping eye contact at all times.
Nothing is worse than an interviewee who looks depressed or indifferent. Would you want to work with someone who is always depressed?
You are confident about yourself and your capabilities. Relay that. Do not stare out of the window or fiddle with your pencil. The interviewer is talking to you or you to him. Be attentive.
Do not mumble your words. It portrays a lack of confidence.
If he makes a joke, smile to acknowledge that he made one, even if it was not funny.
Never be late for an interview Answer promptly and intelligently. However, when asked yes or no questions, elaborate.
For salary requirements put negotiable, unless specified not to do so. Then put the salary range for your profession with your experience
Even if he does not ask you " Do you have any questions," ask him anyway.
Be sure to thank the interviewer for his time It may be obvious to some that most of the things you should not do are the opposite of what you should. However, some people need reinforcing.
If an employer asks, " Do you know about…" and you do not, say No. If you say yes, the next question is almost always "Tell me about it."
Chew gum during the interview. It's tacky and inappropriate. I would recommend that you do not before the interview either. You may forget to remove it.
Do not smoke, even if the interviewer does and offers you a cigarette.
Don't ever refuse a job offer until you have had the time to think about it. It may be the only one you get.
Make sure your answers are short and to the point.