Leah K. Job Interview Tips

Job interviewing never seems to get any easier, even when you have done more than you can count on your fingers and toes. Meeting new people, selling yourself and your skills is always an intimidating process. These are the basic interview tips one should always be well acquainted with before that big day.

1. Network
The first thing you need to do is to network to get that interview. Knowing someone personally can go a lot farther than filling out an application. Start asking your professors now for potential job resources. Be sure to network in a good way, also. Jessica Taylor, one of the blog team writers may have said too much one day when she made it clear to some family members how much she did not like her friend’s new girlfriend. Turns out the people she was telling this to were related to the new girlfriend. When meeting new people, always remember you might run into them in the workplace someday!

2. Practice, Practice, Practice!
Employers often ask similar questions in their field to potential employees. A simple google search of “common interview questions in the field of _______” can yield some potential questions to practice on. Jobsearch.about.com has a list of common interview questions.
For example, if you were preparing for a management position interview, you should meet with your management professor for some helpful tips. '

3. Interview Attire
The nature of the attire is heavily weighted on the position. Assuming that the interview is for a professional position, dress should be appropriate. Tattoos should be hidden, no matter what the company dress code is. Nail polish should be removed or only light colors and not chipped.
If you look sloppy, the employer will think your work is sloppy also.

4. Stay Calm
Be sure to maintain constant eye contact with your employer. If you mess up your words (it happens to everyone) don’t worry. Take a few seconds to regroup your thoughts and move on. The employer will know you are nervous, just try your best to be confident.

5. Show what you know
This is your time to shine, show your personality. Relate your accomplishments to how it will contribute to the company.

6. Stay focused and on target
One of our blog team members, Takamasa Yanai, had a story where a friend of his went for an interview with an African American employer. His friend decided to talk about her history of Africa with her potential employer. After no call back, one could assume that it is best to stay focused and talk about only what you can bring to the table career wise. Employers may not have a lot of time, so be sure to get all of the important things out about yourself.

7. Follow up
Always send a thank you letter for the time the employer spent with you and to reiterate the interest you have. Share a short blurb in the letter on what contributions you can make to the company.



http://jobsearch.about.com/cs/interviews/a/jobinterviewtip.htm
http://jobsearch.about.com/od/interviewquestionsanswers/a/interviewquest.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUtE1d2fGkY