First Round Job Interview

First Round Job Interview

In my last article I wrote about how to be successful in telephone interviews, once you have successfully completed your telephone interview, the next stage will be the first round of interviews – face to face.

Most of us wonder what could take place at the next stage. Who will the interviewer be? What type of questions will be asked?…
Corporate companies have changed the way they organize interviews and the process of hiring. Generally if there are a large number of applicants for a job advertised, candidates are short listed by written examinations or a telephone interview.  Once you have cleared the written tests and/or are successful in your telephone interview, you will enter the first round of face to face interviews. It is more than likely that your first round of interviews would be with  HR personnel. Some companies name them the "Talent Management Team" but most call them the "HR Team".
You may wonder why HR (Human Resources) personnel conduct the first round of interviews instead of the head or a member of the department with the vacancy. Gone are the days, where the personnel of the departments with available positions actually recruit the candidates. Employers have now become more focused on the first and the most important criteria – attitude, followed by your energy level, communication, interpersonal skills, etc. If you are the right person with the right attitude, then it is easy for the employer to mould you to their requirements and culture of the company. As most HR know, the strategy previously was "Recruit Talent and Develop Attitude" but now the trend seems to be "Recruit Attitude and Mould Talent"

Success Guide
Make sure that you look professional, because your appearance creates a first impression, ensure you look your best. Formal clothing, polished shoes and a smiling face all add to your first impression. Do not be too casual, over confident, and rude, be polite and humble.
Do the basic research about the company that has invited you for the interview and demonstrate the interest, knowledge and enthusiasm. You must enter an interview with information about the company, their products, recent news in the market. Be knowledgeable about the position you have applied for and show evidence about your achievements which relate to the job. Think of examples beforehand that you can use to demonstrate your skills.
Body language is important, make eye to eye contact with the interviewer, a confident hand shake and avoid negative body language, such as, crossing your arms, leaning back, hands on your face, etc. Do not fidget.
Most importantly listen to the questions and answer them clearly, precisely and smartly. You must show your interest and link your experience on how you can contribute to the role. Do not show any signs of impatience or jump from one topic to another.
Word of mouth is very important when it comes to hiring, studies reveal that 35% to 50% of hiring comes through referrals and networking. So if you know anyone who is employed in the organization, talk to them and mention the person to the interviewer, this will add value and improve your chance of selection in the interview and lead you to a job offer.

Article source: articlebase.com

A few tips to get you through the final interview stage

Its interview time, so here are a few important tips to greaten your chances of success. Let's face it, it all depends on the interview, you have got this far, you've been picked for an interview from probably many job hunters from what is actually written on your CV. It could be your qualifications or it could possibly be your experience or just a mix of both.

Now you're at the final stage, and this is where you have to make a good impression on your prospective employer. A lot of induviduals, no matter how good they look on paper, in there related field ,will blow it at the interview stage. Not all of us are good at interviews including myself, you need to have silver tongue, to sell yourself, some of us have this gift and some of us don't, it seems unfair but it's just the way it is.
Here are a few things you can do to greaten your chances at the interview process.
1 Personal presentation: All ways and I mean always turn up for the interview smartly dressed. This is an absolute must, the way you look portrays a lot about you. A scruffily dressed person portrays the image, that he or she can't be bothered and that is the impression that a prospective employer will pick up on in the interview process. If you can buy some new clothes and shoes for this purpose then do it, they don't have to be designer clothes, just neat and tidy. Pay a visit to the barbers or hair dressers and treat yourself to a haircut, and if you male don't forget to shave.
2 Be honest: The worst thing that you could possibly do in an interview is lie, well lie and then get caught out by the interview panel. Apart from making you look like a complete idiot it will blow your chances of getting that job that you have worked so hard to get, really it's not worth it. Some of these big corporate companies employee specially trained interviewers who are as sharp as a samurai sword and will catch you out if your not truthful. Always answer the interviewers questions as accurately and a truthfully as you possibly can. You will come across as a genuine person and the interviewer will appreciate your honesty, let's face it would you employ someone who is dishonest.
3 Be Prepared: Before you even think of entering the interview room, get yourself ready. Read through your CV and memorise it word for word. The interview panel will have a copy of your CV in front of them and will be drilling you on the information based on the details that it provides.  The interview team will be quizzing you, and if they ask you a question that is based on the information that you have supplied via your CV and you give them a wrong answer it will make you look like one of two things, a liar or a an idiot. Either way it will not do you any favours and will lessen your chances of getting the job.

 

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Interview Process Made Easy - A Step by Step Solution

The majority of us experience nervous before facing an interview. Why? This nervousness stalks from improbability. While little butterflies in the stomach are really good, since it remains us fully alert; extra fear will influence performance unenthusiastically. This alarm can be controlled by preparing well, and following the appropriate interview process.

An interview is a step by step process, one stair neatly following the other. Remain all the steps in mind, and there is nothing to panic the interview.
Here is a checklist, which catalogs down all the potential steps of an interview process in a trouble-free format. Now take a printout and go from side to side it before preparing for an interview-

• Do a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) study about yourself.
• Investigate the company. Go through its executive website, study it's once a year reports and talk to its past and present workers.
• Practice and perform a few frequent questions and their answers. The questions will consist of both what the board might pose you, and what you will inquire them when given a possibility.
• Prepare the interview with a friend, a assistant or a family member. observe before a mirror.
• Dress conventionally.
• Get there 15 minutes early.
• Mind your body language. Smile!
• Answer exactly and crisply. Don't just answer in a yes or no. stay away from verbosity.
• Be sincere and truthful in your answers.
• Continue you calm and self-assurance during the interview process. Don't get aggravated if an unambiguous offer is not made, or if a predictable salary is not discussed.
• In the end, inquire the questions that you had equipped beforehand. Even if the board does not inquire you whether you have any questions on your part (they usually do), you can still inquire the questions with their authorization. It will reveal your interest in the job.
• Instantaneously after the interview is over, list down the questions asked and your reply to them. Stay this as a future allusion for yourself.
• Write a short and specialized thank you letter and launch it to the interviewer within 24 hours of the interview.
• In case a suggestion is made, respond within the specified episode. If no time period is declared, 7-10 days is a sensible time. Construct a written respond; even of you do not admit the offer.
• In case of a unenthusiastic answer, do not mislay heart. Remain trying. Stay learning from your know-how, and get better the next time.

An interview is the majority vital part of the interview process . Yet, you can crack the interview process into simple steps, and endeavor them individually. This will greatly boost your chances of achievement in the interview. Follow the above checklist, and you cannot go wrong. Wish you all the best!

Article source: articlebase.com

Management Consulting - Worst Interview Mistakes

The worst thing you can do is give bland, generic answers to the interview questions.
If you do not give unique answers that impart a bit of your personality, the interviewer will simply think you are the kind of person who is not willing to put forth an effort.

First of all, let's discuss anecdotes. If you are not much of a consulting interviewee, you will fail to provide anecdotes. Here is an example.

What interests you about management consulting?
I like the intellectual challenge of the job. I also like to be able to work with ambitious, clever people solving difficult business problems.

That is a generic response. There is nothing personal about it - no story, no anecdote.
Do you understand the problem with this answer?

If you tell a little story or an anecdote about why you want to be a management consultant, it will stick out in the interviewer's mind. If you just give a run of the mill, plain answer, it will just blend in with all the other run of the mill plain answers. You won't get a job offer, and neither will anyone else who answered that way.
Once the consultants are done with interviews, they usually have a group discussion about the applicants. Applicants who leave a strong impression get discussed. Applicants that the interviewer can't remember don't. If the interviewer doesn't remember you, he won't have anything to say about you.
Here's how you can add an anecdote or a takeaway.

A takeaway is a conclusion. It is a lesson learned or a 20/20 hindsight. Call it what you may.
In the answer that was given, there was no takeaway. No conclusion was given.
So let's put in a takeaway, and you will see that just one sentence will make a big difference in the strength of the final response.

What is it about management consulting that interests you the most?
Ever since I did my internship in asset management, I have realized that it is important to me to work with a top-of-the-line team facing difficult business challenges. The people I worked with then really knew what they were doing, and I admired that. The work I did every day was a little dull, but I liked watching them. Now I know that if I want to get ahead in the business world, I will need to have work that challenges me and become a key member of a top-notch team like that.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Dressing for a Job Interview in Summer

Dressing for a job interview on a hot and humid day presents some challenges. How to feel comfortable and stay cool and unflustered while still presenting a professional and polished image when the temperatures are up in the 90s and it is sticky and sweaty? Follow these tips on how to dress for your interview when the heat is on:

Select the right interview clothes
You still need to look professional and poised whatever the weather. For men choose an unlined light wool suit that is made from super fine wool with a smooth weave. Wool absorbs perspiration helping you to stay dry and cool. As well as been the coolest choice it doesn't wrinkle like rayon and linen blends. Match you suit with a light colored crisp cotton dress shirt.  Manufactured fabrics are less breathable and tend to trap body heat making you feel sticky and sweaty.

For women a light wool skirt and blazer is also a good option. A linen suit absorbs humidity but if you have to travel any distance to your interview it is likely to get creased. In this case try a silk-linen mix which is crease resistant and cool. A percentage of lycra in the fabric also keeps the wrinkles away.  A crisp cotton shirt in white always looks light and airy. Remember that the arteries in your neck generate a lot of heat so avoid scarves or heavy necklaces in summer. Keep the top button of your shirt open. If the position is less corporate you could select a sleeveless dress with a light, matching jacket.

Avoid a wilting hairdo
Long hair can make you feel and look very hot when it clings to your neck and face. Keep your hair away from your face and off your neck. Choose a hairdo that is simple, secure and cool. Avoid an elaborate hairdo that is likely to result in stray pieces that stick to your neck and face in the heat. A low chignon always looks professional.
If you have short hair make sure that you don't have a fringe that hangs across your face, making you feel hot and uncomfortable. For men, shave closely and have a neat hair cut before the interview.

When dressing for a job interview in the summer months lighten up on your makeup. A fresh summer look means less heavy makeup and more natural shades. Avoid heavy eyeliner and dark shades.

Don't overdo the scent
While your personal hygiene should be good in hot weather don't overdo the fragrance. It is extremely uncomfortable to be sitting in a closed interview room with a candidate who has too much perfume or cologne on.
Men can use aftershave instead of cologne. It is much milder smelling. Be aware of other strong cosmetic smells like hair lotion or gel. Women should use their perfume moderately and apply it a good couple of hours before the interview. Don't overpower the interviewer with just applied perfume or deodorant.

Travel lightly
Stay cool and comfortable on your way to the interview. Take off your jacket for the journey to your interview, this will keep perspiration down and stop you from becoming overheated. 
If you are wearing heels, take them off and wear a comfortable pair of flats on your journey. Wearing comfortable shoes avoids arriving with swollen and sweaty feet and just makes you feel cooler. Slip your heels back on just before you arrive at your interview. Sprinkling your feet with foot powder before putting on your heels can keep them cool and dry.

Give yourself extra time, about 15 to 20 minutes, to cool down properly before your interview is due to begin. Go to the lobby bathroom or a nearby restaurant and take a breather. Take a few moist toilettes and freshen up before you slip your jacket back on. Wash and dry your hands well, you don't want to subject the interviewer to a sweaty, damp handshake. Check your hair and makeup.
Feel and look cool for your summer job interview. Arriving hot and flustered will make you feel uncomfortable and unprepared for getting the job you want. For some good ideas on dressing for a job interview go to Job Interview Attire


Article Source:articlesbase.com

Police Officer Oral Board Panel Interview Questions and Answers

If you want to become a cop unfortunately you'll have to face the oral board panel. You see you'll have to answer questions like "why do you want to become a police officer" or what's your biggest weakness/strengths. Those type questions shouldn't be hard to answer at all. The questions that are a bit tough are the scenario base questions.

Here's a typical scenario base question that you'll have to articulate to the panel your next course of action.
Sample interview question:
Q. You are on patrol responding to a fight in progress. Dispatch informed you that the complainant indicated that one of the males involved in the fight is extremely intoxicated, and is refusing to leave the bar. You arrive at the scene known as Terry's bar and tavern. You quickly assess the situation and notice that the fight has stopped prior to your arrival.

As you turn to leave, you notice a male subject to be screaming and yelling at the bartender. You approach the male, and informed him that he had to leave. The male refuse your verbal commands and stood in a fighting stance, while advancing towards you with his fist clinched. what would you do next?

A. Unholster your firearm and shoot the male
B. Engage the male physically and hope that you win the fight
C. Disengage the situation and walk back to your car until backup arrives
D. Verbally instruct the male to stop walking towards you, and have your non-lethal weapon (baton or taser) in hand.
The correct answer is D. You must give the male subject clear verbal commands to stop advancing towards you before escalating to the next level of force. In this case, you would not be justified in shooting the man as you have other non-deadly options like a baton or a taser at your disposal to subdue male.


Article Source: articlesbase.com

The DOs and DON'Ts Of A Successful Interview

Whether you're presenting a product, a company, your artwork or yourself, the words you chose, your tone, your delivery and how you carry yourself all play a part in how your message will be received. Although an interview on CNN or the Wall Street Journal is different than an interview for a new job, in essence the basics of effective communication remain the same. The following are some dos and don'ts to keep in mind before going on any interview:
DO: Know your message and how to articulate it. Plan this. You might have the best product or service; you could be the number one expert in your field, or you could be the perfect candidate for a particular job, but if you don't know how to articulate your message, you're in trouble.
DO: Learning effective interview skills is not only important for business owners who are trying to effectively present their company to the public via TV, print and radio interview; it's also a necessary skill for anyone who is going on a job interview, or hoping to move up the ladder within a company.
DON'T decide to go to an interview and wing it. DO: Prepare. Review two or three primary points that you want to get across during the interview and practice your delivery.
DON'T anticipate questions. DO: Wait until the question is asked and then respond.
DON'T approach an interview as a string of facts. DO: Listen.
DON'T try and force the information. DO: Weave your main points into the interview. Make it a conversation, not a monologue
DON'T slouch. DO be aware of how you are sitting or standing.
DON'T wait to bring up important information. DO: Lead with your most important information. Job interviews and media interviews can both be very short. If you don't lead with what's truly important, you could miss your chance.
DON'T tense up. DO: Relax; smile; breathe. People have a tendency to hold their breath when nervous; so remember to breathe.
DON'T answer a question you don't understand. DO INSTEAD: ask an interviewer to clarify a question if you're unsure about what's been asked. The last thing you want to do is give an answer to a question you don't fully understand.
DON'T ramble and get off point. DO: Keep your information short, concise, and to the point.
Whether you're going on a media interview, or trying to land that perfect job, keep these points in mind, prepare, relax, have fun - and nail it.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Questions and Answers for a Behavioral Interview

Preparing for job interview questions is not as simplistic as you might think. More and more employers are looking to ditch the traditional interview questions for more open-ended, detailed ones. Behavioral questions are quickly becoming popular questions to ask during an interview. They are typically the most important and can often sabotage an interview if answered incorrectly. If you are unfamiliar with the concept, behavioral questions inquire about situations you have handled in the past. The potential employer is looking to find out if you are capable of dealing with the problems that may arise, should you be offered the position.

Traditionally, interviewers will ask you questions like, "How would you handle a customer if X happened?" or "How would you work to improve Y?" For these kinds of questions, it is quite easy to make up a story on the spot, as you have a good idea of what the "right" answers are. However, behavioral questions do not leave you any room for imagination and require you to contemplate past work experiences.

Behavioral Interview Questions and Answers
Most behavioral questions begin with, "Tell me about a time when" or "Give me an example of." When asked behavioral questions, consider your achievements, or a tough customer that you were able to turn around. Be sure to describe the problem, how you handled it, and what the results were.

Q: Give me an example of a time when you had to deal with an unruly customer.
A: I once dealt with a customer who was irate because another salesman treated her with disrespect. She had no interest in hearing about any of other products. (Situation)

I asked her to share her story with me and made note of her specific complaint. I then described to her how I, personally, would have handled her situation. After explaining how I could offer her much better services and relayed her some facts, she quickly changed her mind about dealing with the company.

(Action) As a result, she purchased even more merchandise than previously and referred her neighbor to me. She is now a routine customer.
(Result) The interviewee clearly stated the problem, how they handled it and what the result was. The situation served as both a challenge and an accomplishment. If the question is a little more vague, like "Give me an example of a challenge you had to face at your previous job," try to look for an example that is relevant to the position you are applying for.

While you can never be sure of what the interviewer is going to ask, it is a good idea to be prepared. Jot down some of the situations that would make good examples, and be sure to address those three key points - Situation, Action and Result. Behavioral questions are not as intimidating as some lead them to be. Even if you must do a little digging, you are sure to find a situation that can be used to answer appropriately. Remember, your past is a great predictor of your future, so choose your example wisely.


Article source: articlebase.com

Telephone Screening Interviews - Do's and Don'ts

To get the most out of the time available, here's a list of do's and don'ts you should follow:
Do's

• Ask specific carefully prepared questions. This will allow the candidate to provide examples and/or to demonstrate their knowledge in a specific area.


• Communicate clearly the position and what it entails.


• Clarify discrepancies or concerns. Each applicant is unique and so are their qualifications. After you have completed your list of questions, be sure to fill in any missing information and ask for additional information if needed.


• Start by asking "knock-out" questions. Salary would be an example of a "knock out" question.


• Use the KISS principle. Keep your questions short and easy to understand. Use every day language. Avoid acronyms where possible.


• Ask the candidate to clarify their answers or be more specific if they have not answered your questions to your satisfaction.


• With technical skill questions, test the candidate's knowledge. For example: "What is the purpose of the Auto Filter function in Excel?" Another approach with technical skill questions is to ask the candidate a question like the following: "Tell me about a time when you had to use an advanced feature of Word to complete a work related assignment. What was the feature and how did you use it?

Don'ts

• Don't allow the candidate to ramble on or control the interview. Provide boundaries or time limits in which to answer questions and politely bring the candidate back in line if they get off track.


• Don't ask leading questions. For example: "I bet you don't mind working long hours?" Instead, ask: "What type of commitment can we expect from you?"


• Don't break the silence. If the candidate responds to a direct question in a vague manner, tries to divert the conversation, has a long pause, or stumbles over answers this should not be ignored. These are all indicators that there might be something amiss. These are red flags and should not be ignored.


• Don't ask questions that yield low-level information. For example: "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?" or "Did you enjoy working at your last job?" The information is nice to know but it does not tell you whether the candidate has the required skills to perform the job. You might want to ask these questions in future interviews. However, I would avoid using them in the telephone screen.


• Don't ask hypothetical questions. They result in hypothetical answers.


• Don't ask any illegal questions.

Article Source:EzineArticles.com

Does Body Language Matter at an Interview?

Your body, the way you dress it, where you put it, the way you move it, the way you look after it, all give away precious clues to others about your state of mind and how you feel about yourself - you don't even have to speak for others to make assumptions, often surprisingly accurate assumptions about you. This is of course of paramount importance in an interview situation where you are trying to give your best impression in a short space of time.

So let's presume the interview outfit is chosen and is in a colour and a style which makes you look and feel your best - and your grooming is sorted, you are shaved, made-up, hair clean and brushed etc. The first thing to consider is your handshake, having run countless groups on creating the best impression in an interview situation - the main difficulty for people seems to be appearing embarrassed to shake hands and say their own name. It's best to develop a firm (not bone crushing!) handshake, the limp wet lettuce sort where not pressure is applied gives an appalling impression as it says that you are weak and have no backbone. Have your right hand vertical, because if your hand is on top of the handshake you can appear pushy and aggressive and if your hand is on the bottom you will appear subservient to the other person.

Also don't be afraid to say your name with some confidence and volume - something else we are not taught at school - if you say your name as if you are somebody then the listener will think that you are. Don't apologize by your tone for being you or be overloud and give an overbearing impression. And say your full name - not "I'm Sue" or "I'm John" but "I'm Susan Heath" or "I'm John McDonald"

When you're asked to sit down make sure you sit at the back of the chair and on your bottom so that you don't slouch and remain upright and make sure you can see the person or panel interviewing you clearly. I'd always advise refusing the tea or coffee in favour of water. It's difficult to handle a hot drink and answer questions and it doesn't look brilliant if you've asked for it and then leave it - also often firms tend to bring out their cups and saucers for the occasion - so if you take a sip you end up having to hang on to the saucer as well. Hot drinks and a nervous interviewee are generally not a good combination. With a glass of water you have something to lubricate your dry throat if you have one, it's not difficult to handle and it won't matter if you don't drink it all.

Be aware that if you cross your legs and arms this is perceived as closed body language and the interviewer may think you are nervous or hiding something. It's best to maintain an open body posture with your feet on the floor and your hands in your lap. Try not to fiddle with your hair, nails, clothes etc and when you give answers to the questions that are directed at you don't have your hand in front of your mouth or this may again give the interviewer reason to suspect that you are trying to hide something. It's best to avoid hand to face gestures if possible.

Speak as clearly as you can and do your best to keep eye contact with the person asking the questions. If there is a panel include them in your gaze and then look back to the person asking the questions. Don't feel you have to respond immediately, think for a second or two and then answer and if you don't understand the question ask for clarification.

At all times try to be aware of your body, hands and eyes and what you are doing with them. A large proportion of a person's impression of you (38%) depends on your body language and tone of voice.
Good Luck!

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

The Second Job Interview - What To Expect

Good news! You've been invited back for a second interview (or a third or fourth). But, you feel that you've already covered everything in the first interview? How will this interview be different from the first? How do you prepare for the second round?

Can you do the job?
When you are asked back for a second interview it means that you are considered a viable candidate for the position and you are qualified to do the job. Second interviews vary with each company. Since you are going to meet with different people, you can expect to be asked some of the same questions, beginning with "Tell me about yourself, or "Walk me through your resume."

Do we like you - are you going to fit in?
They know you have the skills by now, and will be looking to see personality and cultural fit. You will be measured against other candidates who have applied for the same position. It is important that you leave the interviewer with something to make you "remembered." Think of five strengths you have and pick the one that you feel differentiates you from the pack. An example would be a technical person who has great customer service skills.

A good way to let the interviewer know about you is through other's quotes. "If you were to ask my last boss he would tell you that I am his right hand man - or woman." Your challenge is to set yourself apart from the pack. It will be necessary to let the employer know that you are a great match for the position and that you have what it takes to do this job.
"Fit" is an important factor. Be sure to review your match to the position description - from the company's standpoint as well as your own.

Be prepared for other topics to surface
Other subjects may come up in this interview such as salary requirements and benefits. Prepare by doing some research on salary and some thinking about your benefits requirements. You cannot negotiate a salary until you have an offer, but you can prepare by knowing the "going rate" for your position -- salary.com. You should also do a budget sheet of your expenses and figure out what it costs you to live each month - your salary needs. You should know your "walk away" number. When you cannot afford to take the job.
It is a competitive job market and you will have to sell yourself whether it is a first or second interview. Continue to congratulate yourself each time you get that call for a second interview - you just got to the next rung up the ladder towards that job offer.

Article Source: ezinearticles.com

Research Strategies to Prepare For the Interview

You've submitted your resume to a prospective employer, and they've called you to schedule a face to face meeting. This is what you've been waiting for! Being prepared for your interview, and armed with information to ensure you stand out from your peers is an essential goal. Performing research in advance of the meeting is the most effective and efficient means to achieving this objective, and landing the job.
Here are the top five tips to help any job seeker uncover information about a potential employer.

1. Google the organization's name.
Browse the results, looking specifically for unique data that is not widely known. Don't just look at the links that pop up on the first page of the search engine. For example, look at the results on page 8, 15, 24, etc.

2. Write down questions to ask your interviewer, based on your research.
You're performing deep internet research on this company. As you find rare facts, create a list of probing questions you can ask your interviewer. The purpose of this meeting is to determine whether the position is a good fit for the company and YOU. This not only sets you apart from your competition for the job, but lets the hiring authority know you've done your due diligence.

3. Read every word of the Employer's Website.
This is the information the hiring manager expects you to know. When he or she asks, "Tell me what brings you to ABC Company," you can provide a well-researched, educated answer.

4. Look at recent press releases on the organization.
You need to know what makes this company tick, and press releases are very revealing. For example, "ABC Company is proud to donate $1 million dollars to the Earthquake Recovery efforts in Haiti." Why not mention your awareness of the company's donation during the interview, and show your interview prowess? Press releases give excellent insight in to the heart and soul of any company.

5. Research the interviewer by name.
Utilize Google, LinkedIn, as well as other search engines and social networks to get the scoop on the person you will be meeting with. This gives you an opportunity to connect with the hiring manager on a more personal level, and will serve to differentiate you from other candidates being interviewed for the same position.
Regardless of where you stand in your job search process, it's never to late to begin implementing a successful research strategy, as a means to having a stellar interview performance. You know the old saying, "no one plans to fail......they simply fail to plan."

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/

Phone Interview Preparation Guidelines

First, let me say that the old adage "You never get a second chance to make a first impression" is just as true for phone interviews as it is for face-to-face. For that reason, being well-prepared and attentive to the details of the interview process can put you ahead of your competition. With that in mind, let's cover some basic ideas that will help give you a "leg up" on the process.

1. First, do some basic research. Go and review the company's website, giving particular attention to their "About Us" pages, product line pages, and any other content areas that are relevant to your particular position. It always impresses an interviewer when the candidate demonstrates that they are familiar with the company and its mission, product lines, etc. Also, consider reading any recent press releases on the company if these are available. If possible, research the people who will be involved in the interview and learn as much about their backgrounds as you can.

2. Second, you will want to have an updated copy of your resume sitting in front of you during the interview. Frequently, the interviewer will want to walk down through your career history during the interview and having that information front and center will be quite helpful. For face-to-face interviews, bring at least four copies of your resume to the interview.

3. Review the job description itself and think of how you would respond to questions related to each of the identified job requirements. Be aware that your interviewer is listening for specific illustrations of how you have demonstrated that skill in past work environments and, equally important, how you are going to bring value to their company with that skill in the future. Remember that your interviewer is looking to see "How you are going to bring value to their company?" throughout the interview.

4. For the interview itself, make sure that you are in a quiet place where you do not have to worry about any interruptions. You don't want dogs barking in the background, people opening or closing doors, phones ringing, or any other background noise to threaten the quality of the process. Be prepared to receive the interviewer's call up to 10 minutes early or late...some interviewers will check a candidate's flexibility this way, trying to determine either preparation or frustration. Others may simply have an unexpected interruption that comes up on their end.

5. Interviewers are always interested in why past job transitions took place. Have an elevator speech ready for each one (very short and to the point). Be aware that they are listening for sticking power as they consider you for the position. "Will this person be around long enough for our company to realize their value and justify our investment in them?" is a question that is usually revolving in their mind.

6. Have 2-3 questions prepared for your interviewer (no more). Typically, an interviewer will ask you if you have any questions. This represents a real opportunity to impress your interviewer. The questions you ask can reveal a great deal about your intelligence, insight about the position, and/or the value that you might bring to an organization.

7. Be very, very, careful not to talk too much or too little. Be very attentive to social cues that your interviewer is wanting either more information regarding a question or wants to interject a comment during the discussion. Many candidates lose points during an interview because they either talk too much (provide more detail than necessary for a given question) OR they don't provide enough information to really answer the question being asked. If you are uncertain of your ability to strike this balance, do a practice interview with someone you consider to be a strong interviewer. Give them the job description and then ask them to ask you questions...follow-up by asking for their candid feedback.

8. Do you want the interviewer to call you on your cell phone or a land line? Obviously, a land line is more reliable but is not always convenient or available.

9. Prepare a brief "Thank You" note after the interview and have someone well-versed in spelling and grammar proof it for you. If you are working with a reputable recruiting firm, they should be able to help you with the proofing and tweaking process. They are in a unique position to provide feedback since they have first hand knowledge of the client, their culture, and the unique qualifications for the particular position. Since they often are the only ones with the hiring manager's email address and given that they may not be allowed to give it out, ask them to forward it for you. Also, consider sending a hard copy directly to the hiring manager, being sure to use high quality stationary. Provided your penmanship is strong a hand-written note is a nice touch

Article Source: ezinearticles.com

Give a Thank You Letter For the Interview and Get Employers to Dial Your Digits

Landing an interview is indeed an opportunity not every applicant gets to have. It is just right to show appreciation for the chance by simply sending a thank you letter for the interview. Why? After the interview it is appropriate to send a thank you letter because this is a good way to follow up the flow. However, very few do it, but doing so will help you stand out among other job seekers.

As a matter of fact, most employers are quite disappointed with those interviewees who fail to follow-up in good time. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind when sending a thank you letter for interview.
When an employer hears from your end the words THANK YOU, it will mean that you are seriously interested with the position and it will certainly push you up amongst the pack. Make sure you specifically thank the employer for the chance and the time given for you to have that interview.

Always keep in mind that though this is just a thank you letter, address it professionally and properly. Send a message clearly stating that you are a solid candidate by showing a smart personality in your letter. Put more effort in it and always give your best as this is one proof of your work output to be expected when hired.
Thank you letters can be viewed as a follow up or sales letter. This is another chance for you to reaffirm your desires for the job, how you can make significant effects on the company, what qualifies you and why you are deserving of such post. This is simply a perfect opportunity for you to discuss some questions that you thought your employer neglected to ask.

Also, always remember that the more you deliver a personalized thank you note the more you will give yourself a better impression from an interviewers end. Try to observe your employer, if you noticed during your interview that the employer is fond of colors and flowers, try sending a note card that is colorful or with flower designs in it.

There are times that you are interviewed by a panel or a group. You may send a group letter with an approach that you think suit best the character of the group. But, if you are willing to go ahead and make an individual impression, then an individual letter will certainly do.
If you want to get a potential employer to dial your digits then give him/her a thank you letter for interview and always make sure that it is delivered free from letter and grammatical errors. Remember, this letter has the power to either give you a spot in the company or not.

Article Source:EzineArticles.com

Job Interview Preparation: Finding Information On A Small Company!

Job interview preparation, if done properly, can instill in you a proper level of confidence and make a positive impression on the interviewer.
With larger organizations there is usually a wealth of information to help you in your research and interview preparation. Researching smaller or privately held companies can be more difficult and time-consuming. With an all important job interview just around the corner you normally do not have a great deal of time to do the necessary research.

Here are some ideas to help you in researching the smaller sized prospective employer.
When you are discussing the scheduling of the job interview ask to be sent some company literature. Product brochures, press releases, annual reports if available are all important.
Study their website. You'll now have information about company background, recent developments, products and services, locations and industry. In the employment section you'll learn if other jobs are open. An excellent question in the job interview is to inquire if the posted jobs are newly created or filling open positions.

Search the internet and look at the websites of competitors. How do they compare, not so much in flashy graphics but content? What questions are raised by this additional information? Where will you find the answers?

Go through your network of contacts and ask if they know of anyone who is currently working for the company or recently left their employ. Perhaps they know of the company through vendors or one of its competitors. Use your contacts to learn about things not found in more formal sources. Things like company reputation, standing in the industry, corporate culture, competitive strength and results from new initiatives are all important information to learn.

Use the resources in LinkedIn to further research the company. Can you find anyone who recently left the company? They could provide a wealth of information. You can check the profiles of individuals currently working for the company. There may be a possible connection where you can uncover additional information, or they may be able to put in a good word regarding your application.

Your local library could be a valuable source of information. Ask the reference librarian for assistance. They can find the latest newspaper articles and relevant articles in local business journals. If you feel you do not have enough information on the company (It's closely held or very small) learn what you can about competitors. At least you'll be well aware of the challenges facing the company.

Now write out 30 or more facts you learned about the company. From this list what additional information would you like to learn about the company? This list of questions will be the basis of the questions you will ask during the job interview.

With this aspect of your job interview preparation behind you your next step will be the actual preparation for the interview. Taken together, you'll approach the interview with confidence, be relaxed and with a positive attitude. All are vital requirements for a successful job interview.

Article Source: ezinearticles.com

How to Know If You Had a Good Phone Interview?

Interviewing in person is really tough but having a phone interview is even tougher. Why? Because you can't see the interviewer's face to know how things are actually going. During an in person interview, you can pretty much read how things are going by just watching the expressions on the interviewer's face. Over the phone, they could be making all kinds of faces; they could be laughing; rolling their eyes - pretty much anything and you would never know.

So how do you know? Well, in my experience I can usually tell if it was a good phone interview just by the "tone" of the person on the other end of the phone. If they sound excited or happy and upbeat during the conversation, that's a good sign. On the negative, if you get the feeling that they are trying to pull things out of you, it means that you are not giving them the answers they are looking for.

During the interview, are you smiling? Believe me - it makes all of the difference because the interviewer can tell. Are you interrupting when they are speaking? You know how it is when you are talking to your best friend on the phone and they say something that reminds you of something you wanted to tell them? So you just jump in there so that you can get it out before you forget? Do NOT do this during a phone interview. Wait until they are finished speaking. If you are afraid you are going to forget, jot it down.

A phone interview works relatively the same way as an in-person interview. The interviewer will describe the position or ask if you read the job description and then you can discuss any questions about it. From there it usually goes into discussions about projects or the company where you get a chance to ask questions. The ultimate goal of this interview is to pass the first round and get scheduled for a face-to-face interview. For the interviewer, the phone interview is to find out if it's worth bringing you into the office for the next round.

How do I know if it was a good phone interview? If the interviewer is smiling or laughing and sounds very upbeat - I know I have at least one foot in the door! So, when you have a phone interview, truly listen and you will get a read on where the interviewer stands. If the conversation ends with the interviewer saying something like "thank you for your time" and then ends it - it probably wasn't a good interview. If they indicate that they will follow up with you - GOOD JOB!

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Tips for Multiple Round Interviews

When you have been called for multiple round interviews, be aware that each interview round is testing you on different aspects, and some common aspects. Here are some tips to deal with such interviews.


Be Prepared for Subject Matter Rounds:

Usually multiple round interviews check for your subject matter expertise. Brush up on your technical skills. If you are going for a non-technical interview, it's always better to brush up on your Microsoft Office skills because you may be tested on them. Also, remember your shortcuts.


Be Ready for an Analytical Round:

Check through various websites for analytical questions. While most interviewers don't really expect you to solve an analytical question in a few minutes, they want to know how you think through your questions.


Be Consistent:

Many people are tempted to change their answers or their demeanor based on what they think the interviewer wants. However, remember that your interviewers will talk to each other after they are done and that you want a consistent image of you to be reflected.


Be Prepared for Anything:

Certain organizations will tell you exactly what they are looking for in each round. However, others believe that they can best judge you if you don't know what you are in for.


Certain Pointers for Multiple Rounds:

Here's a list of things that are usually checked for during Multiple Round Interviews-
•    Ability to fit in with the values of the organization
•    Technical skills
•    Decision making skills
•    Analytical abilities

•    Computer skills
•    Ethics and values
•    Pay Package
•    Ability to fit the Job Description
•    Subject matter expertise
•    Leadership skills
•    Ability to work in a team

Make sure that you are prepared for a long day and that you maintain the same level of energy and passion throughout.


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    Finance: If you have purchased an interview for Morgan Stanley, then your mock interview will be conducted by a top MBA alumnus working or who have worked at Morgan Stanley.
    General Management: If you have purchased an interview for Amazon, then your mock interview will be conducted by a top MBA alumnus working or who have worked at Amazon.


Article source: articlebase.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: articlebase.com

How to Follow the Interview Process

Is common consideration necessary in the interview process? Does behavior matter? The understandable answer is yes. Yet recently, I have witnessed a number of applicants that seem to think otherwise. In spite of the economic temperature applicants are still no-showing interviews, blowing off customer requested tests and not returning calls. I am left speculating...do applicants really think this is satisfactory?

Interview process
People don't blow off doctor, hair, or even car preservation appointments for fear that they will be charged. Yet, many don't consider it is a big deal to no-show an interview process when the cost is much vital.
Basics of Interview Process
Here are a few explanations why this is poor business etiquette and interview process,

• Someone will suppose you are reckless and impolite during interview process.
• You are putting your status on the line. This is a very small business and the world is getting smaller, with community networks everyone is connected. You never distinguish who knows who. Don't give someone a cause to talk awful about you...word travels.
• You could damage a future employment chance in your interview process. The period that someone spends with a given firm today is much shorter and the majority people work for numerous different firms. In short, the person you blow off for an interview today could be the hiring power at the next firm you desire to work at.
• Your resume will be red flagged in these firms. Nearly all firms have candidate path systems that accumulate every resume that is applied and their interview process status. If you don't comport yourself in a specialized manner, it will be tracked and you will never be measured for any situation with this firm again. Period.
• Many firms only use investigate firms to fill their gaps and often have limited relationships with them. If you are unprofessional to a recruiter for one chance- you could miss another.

Interview Process
Here is the foundation line- if you don't desire to go to an interview process, can't complete a test or just plain modify your mind about a location. All you have to do is send an email to the possible manager/recruiter thanking them for their time, and letting them recognize you have determined to chase other chances. It is that simple interview process or not replies me…
Interview process duration
When you are looking for service, you have to go through the interview process so that you can it can be strong-minded if you are fit for the job. When you are from side to side with the interview, then you have to study to wait for the reply from the hiring sector which might take longer than you anticipated. It may take days, weeks or yet months ahead of you get the whole reaction from the hiring sector depending on how the interview process was carry out, this can be very annoying since you cannot contentedly move with your life since you wait for to result.


Article Source: articlesbase.com

Learn From the Job Interview Mistakes I've Made, and Be Better For It

I've made a lot of job interview mistakes in my lifetime of looking for jobs. And although at this point, I can navigate the labyrinth of the interviewing process fairly well; I have definitely committed my share of blunders. I'd like to share some of those with you, in hopes that you might not repeat them; or at least give you a good chuckle.
Learning from your mistakes is a good thing. Learning from the mistakes of other is a great thing.
So, without further ado; here are a few of my blunders.

1. Not respecting the interviewer's time.
There are essentially 2 ways you can blow this. First is in taking too long to give an answer. There are all kinds of pithy advice out there about having 2 ears and 1 mouth, meaning that you should listen twice as long as you speak. That could work. The key is that an interview is a give and take between you and interviewer (s). The interviewer asks a question. You answer in bite-size pieces that she can digest and end by framing it into a relevant question. She answers, giving you time to think. If you don't, you run into the 2nd way that you disrespect an interviewer's time; which is overstaying your welcome.
This is hard - I get that. You've been out of work for a while; and finally, you are in front of a human being that can give you a job. The last thing you want is to get in and out without fully presenting your case. And yet you must. You must be out in 20 minutes - absolutely no more than 30 minutes. Even if the interviewer wants to spend more time with you; respect her time and get out. If you cannot persuade the interviewer to move your along the hiring process with a 20 to 30 minute session - an hour will not improve your chances, to the contrary, it will only make it worse.
And speaking of worse - don't make the interviewer looked at her watch.
I had an interview that I thought was going great. I was hitting on all cylinders. This guy was simply enamored with me. I was in - like Flint. Then he yawned. Then it was over. I was in there for over an hour. Pathetic. Don't you make the same mistake.
So, don't make the interviewer look at her watch; and definitely, don't make her yawn.

2. Dumb jokes to break the ice.
I was invited to a panel interview with 3 individuals (2 HR and 1 Management). I had already met with one of the interviewers and that got me in front of this panel. I was very excited. The opportunity was with a major airline and I had already cleared a few hurdles.
Somewhere toward the beginning of the interview, I make a joke about "how great it would be to work here, at least you get to fly for free." What was I thinking?
No jokes, no funnies - no irrelevance. Respect the interviewer, respect the company, and don't be compelled to break the ice (they're break it for you).

3. Late to an interview and being "different."
Don't be late and don't dress in anything other than a conservative business suit with a plain, matching tie. I was late and I wore a red tie with white sheeps all over it except for one black sheep right in the middle of the tie. I thought it was cute. I thought I was quite magnificent in using the black sheep symbol to illustrate my willingness to stand for my principles and willingness to do the right thing in spite of tremendous pressure to go along.

You know - HR folks like people who fit in. They want to preserve the corporate culture. They aren't necessarily looking for Lewis and Clark to beat a new path through the wilderness. An owner might, but chances are, HR is not. I was meeting with an HR manager.
She probably thought I was a potential troublemaker and a blowhard. I was magnificent in my mind, but obviously not in her's. I didn't get a call back. Of all the things you must do; the one thing you cannot do is shoot yourself in the foot.
So, there you have it - three of the biggest blunders I have made in the past. Before you do into any interview, spend some time dissecting and analyzing your last performance. Learn from your mistakes. Better yet, learn from my job interview mistakes.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

How to Dress for an Interview if You Want the Job

Do you know that most people develop a lasting impression of you and what you're like based on the first few seconds of meeting you?  That's way before you've said anything important…you've barely said "hello."  Some of that impression is based off your body language and handshake, true, but the rest is based off how you look—what you're wearing.

Your interviewer is even more focused on you than most people.  They're really looking for clues to base their hiring decision on.  So, when you really want that job, it's important to keep ‘professional' at the top of your mind when dressing for the interview. A good rule of thumb is to dress one step above what you would be expected to wear on the job. In other words, dress for success.

Suit
For men, this means wearing a full suit rather than coordinates. A full suit shows respect and attention to detail. The suit should be dark in color over a white shirt. The tie should be conservative.  At the first meeting, it's better to be safe than sorry.

Besides color, women need to also consider whether a skirt suit or a pants suit is more appropriate. While most hiring managers prefer women in a skirt suit, they tend not to penalize women for wearing a pants suit. It's important for both men and women to remember that the suit should be professional and comfortable.
Comfortable, in this case, is not synonymous with "comfy" which implies sloppy. Since what you wear reflects your attitude, "comfy" clothing will reflect a relaxed attitude that could hurt your chance of getting the job. What comfortable should mean:  clothes that fit; that allow you to move easily and not feel restricted. You do not want to adjust your clothing during an interview.

Accessories
Your interview outfit doesn't end with the suit. Coordinating shoes are also important. Women should wear low heels with closed toes and sensible hose and men should wear clean, black leather shoes with black socks. Never wear tennis, or sports shoes. Hiring managers also notice if your shoes are clean and well-cared for.

As for accessories, you want to keep your look conservative: men- a muted tie is a ‘must' and a watch is appropriate, but remove earrings and facial piercings. If you are emotionally attached to your beard, keep it closely trimmed and neat. If, however, you have had several interviews but haven't been offered a job, you might want to consider a clean-shaven look and see if that makes a difference.

Women, be sure your jewelry is not too flashy: earring posts or simple hoop earrings are fine, but be careful of other facial piercings that could be distracting and get in the way of landing the job.   Speaking of distractions…absolutely NEVER show any cleavage.

When deciding on what to wear to your interview, remember to leave off wearing cologne or perfume. "Clean" is the only smell that should emanate from you during an interview.
Being ultra-prepared (good resume, 30-60-90-day plan and brag book) and appropriately dressed for the interview means the hiring manager can concentrate on your skills and abilities, and you'll have an excellent chance of landing that DREAM position. Your appearance says it all.


Article Source:articlesbase.com

Perfman HR - How To Handle Panel Interviews

In some circumstances—especially campus interviews and work-group interviews—you may be interviewed by a panel of people. Each person might take a different focus, or the panel may work well together because the members are a cohesive team. But in some circumstances they won't have decided beforehand who should focus on what, and the interview may become quite chaotic. Members of the panel may compete with each other for airtime for their questions, or one panel member may dominate the questioning to the annoyance of others. You may or  may not get time to clarify your answer to one question before another, entirely different question comes sailing your way.

For these reasons, it's especially important in panel interviews to make your brief presentation right up front, so that the group members can focus on what you have had to say about yourself. It's also vital to make sure you (and others on the panel) really understand each question so your answer will be on target and have maximum effect. Ask for clarification if necessary. Also try to remember the panel members' names so that you can address each person by name and perhaps ask any who have not asked a question if they would like to do so. Take care in panel interviews to include everyone in your discussion. Only one person has asked the question, but they're all listening. You don't need to be obvious about it, but instead of focusing only on the person who asked the question, give at least some attention to the others in the group. If one panel member seems to disagree with or be confused by your response, you might ask—if it seems appropriate—if the person has a comment or a question about what you just said.

In screening interviews, such as campus interviews, or preliminary interviews  with human resources people, you should try to stick to the group's preset agenda. But in work-group panel interviews, your objective is to break out of the formal structure into a conversation about the work the group does, the prevailing culture, and the challenges. If the panel members feel that their first conversation with you was informative and enjoyable, they are likely to support your candidacy.
indian recruitment firm perfman hr is headquartered in mumbai our aim is to connect, engage, retain and develop talent we offer the following services recruitments, industry data mapping, devising performance bonus systems, psychometric test development, framing policies, drafting hr policy and procedures in the hr manual, hiring support


Article Source: articlesbase.com

Green Card Interview - Do Your Homework So You Don't Mess Up The Green Card Interview Questions

If you are nervous about your green card by marriage interview you are not alone. Several thousand other people are feeling the way you do right now. The truth is that several legitimate spouses face a more forceful interview than ever to make sure the USA is protected from individuals that may want to cause harm to the country and its people.

Of course, if you are reading this I'm confident you are an authentic loyal resident who simply needs a bit more self-confidence for interview day. That's all right and by reading this article you will hopefully pick up a lot of information that will help you and cut your stress levels a couple of degrees.

It is worth remembering what is at stake on interview day. Ultimately the worst case scenario is refusal by the I.N.S to hand out a green card to the interviewee. What repercussions' would this have on your marriage, children (if you have some), future plans, job prospects etc? A scary thought isn't it?
Your interviewing officer will be very well trained and will take this interview very seriously. It is very important that you think of it the same way and don't be complacent in any way.

The questions you will be asked will cover a broad spectrum of you and your spouses' private life. The aim of the interview is to ensure that the marriage is not a fraud and that you have a legitimate right to obtain citizenship.

You will be asked open questions. An open question requires more than a yes or no answer. The first questions are likely to focus on the time ahead of your marriage and are likely to include the circumstances of your first meeting, what month did you first meet, who introduced you, how long after did you go out on your first date, where did you go, who met each others family first,

The next set of questions will concentrate on the time leading up to your marriage and the marriage service itself. Several of the questions you will be asked will be related too, who proposed, where did it happen, was the engagement ring bought before the proposal, did you have any financial assistance for the wedding or honeymoon, if so who assisted you, how many guests attended, did you have a reception after the ceremony,

To finish, you will be asked questions about your residence. Common questions are what side of the bed do you sleep on, who wakes first in the morning, what are the housing costs for your home, how many televisions do you have in the home, what is the color scheme in the lounge, what day does the refuse get taken away, where do you routinely do your food shopping, what did you do yesterday evening, what did you eat yesterday evening, etc

Please don't forget to take all ID requested of you for the interview. It will aid the process a lot if the interviewing officer has documented evidence that clearly shows a legitimate marriage which is the complete point of the interview.

The green card interview is vital to your future happiness so make certain you are as well prepared as you can possibly be. How would you feel if you failed the interview because you didn't do everything to get ready?

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Do You Know How to answer behavioral interview questions?

When you get enough qualification then the next step that you have to take is to get a job that can give you personal and professional satisfaction. It is important for success. But before getting any good job you have to go through an interview. Here you may be bombarded with some difficult questions but with a little intelligence and deep patience these difficult questions can be answered very easily. For this, you need to know how to answer behavioral interview questions . In such questions you are cross checked with your behavioral qualities. Here are some points that should be included in the personality when anyone goes through an interview. These will definitely prove to be helpful. You can answer such question with:

• • Confidence: it is a key factor that is counted first. If you don't have this, you can't grab the opportunity. It is important to involve it in the behavior. Confidence is all about destroying your fear of interview or job or anything. You can read any motivational book or can take inspiration from famous people for this. Your confidence will let the interviewer to believe in you. It helps win his faith and also tells about your potential to handle any situation.

• • Eye contact: know how to answer behavioral interview questions and these can be answered properly by making eye contact with the interviewer. You can make people to believe in you through this attribute. Through eye contact you can keep the interviewer alert. He will listen to you more attentively. It's important. Eye contact will reflect your confidence and leaves a good impact over the mind of the people. It also shows that you have good knowledge about the topic. You can make others comfortable too.

• • Honesty: it is well said that honesty is the best policy. When you are asked with any sharp question like why you leave your previous job or any others then stay honest and give them solid reason and clear your point of view it will be better to clear your side rather than just giving a reason. The interviewer can get impress with this quality and to succeed in any profession it's important also.

• Communication skills: Communication skills are also important to know How to answer behavioral interview questions . Every company wants to keep such people in their team who can mix up easily and can create a positive aura. Communication skills are noticed very much so when the interviewer asks questions stay cool and think before speaking anything. Besides this, a good smile is also important.

These few skills can play important role if adopted during interview. Positive and optimistic approach is also necessary for winning the heart of the interviewer.


Article source: articlebase.com

Interview Tips on How to Secure the Job As a Air Hostess

Millions of youngsters worldwide want to join airlines as cabin crew. Few will succeed and many will fail in the interview process. One of the reasons for the failure is the lack of preparation.
This short article shares the tips based on the personal experience of an ex-cabin crew who had succeeded in the interview with an international airline.
The key to success is early preparation and positive mind set. After submitting the application and even though you are not sure whether you will be called for the interview, the preparation has to start. This is because, the gap of time between receiving the notification and the actual date of interview can be very short.
These are the tips she likes to share:
1. Resume: Getting a well written resume is the most important start as it the document that will be used to decide whether you will be called to attended the interview or not. A good resume will highlight your strong point and covers the important areas. If you feel that you need helps, then an investment in professional writer can make the different between getting a job or not.
2. Early preparation will enable you to research deeper into the relevant topics. It will also develop the confident in facing the interview panel. Start your reading on the company, its background, the top management, the vision and mission and the achievements of the company. Maintain a positive mindset all the way.
3. Build rapport with existing staff and find out more about the interview questions and the job. This can open up the channel to know the relevant person in the airline and understand the airline better.
4. Keep yourself updated on the current issues, both at the national level and the international level. Cabin crews are expected to maintain a certain level of knowledge on current issues to unable meaningful conversations with the passengers.
5. Ensure that your are computer literate. This is because cabin crew is part of the airline's absent workforce and the working documents and internal communication will be done through e-mail and portals.
6. Make sure you are early for the interview, If you are not very familiar with the location, it will be a good idea to survey the place before the interview day.
7. Be properly groomed and dressed for the occasion. Avoid wearing clothing that easily wrinkled. For a gentlemen, make sure your shoes are properly polished, and for girls, do not wear excessive accessories.
8. Travel light. Do not bring too many things with you. Suffice to have one handbag and a file for your resume and certificates.
9. This is especially important for the ladies, avoid wearing sexy dress and the perfume need not be too strong. Your hair should be neat and tidy.
10. Do not allow your negative emotion to interfere, keep your personnel problem to yourself and attend the interview with positive outlook.
11. Do not be overdone to show you skill and capability but at the same time do not be too modest about yourself.
12. At the closing and before you leave the seat, do not forget to give them your attractive smile and say "thank you".
It is suggested that you practice the interview with friends who are familiar recruitment exercise. You may have to brush up you presentation and public announcement skills.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

How To Conduct A Telephone Screening Interview?

More and more employers are using telephone interviews for their initial screening of candidates. Job candidates should be prepared for such interviews just as they would for an interview in person. In other words, they should:

• Be ready to interpret and sell every achievement noted on their resumes.
• Have available a clear, appealing outline of their research, if they are graduate students or practicing scientists.
• Offer a well-rehearsed presentation of their work and academic achievements.
• Understand their goals, abilities, skills, and developmental needs, and their expectations of an employer.

A telephone interview can be a relaxed and effective experience. In some ways, it can be more comfortable and natural than a face-to-face interview, especially if you have access to a speaker telephone to free your hands for note taking.
Telephone interviews have other advantages. Interviewers and candidates can schedule the interview based on their mutual convenience - conducting only morning interviews, for example, if that is their best time. They can also avoid back-to-back interviews, and concentrate more closely on each interview, increasing likelihood of success.
A telephone-screening interview operates as follows:
Set the stage. Contact the candidate by e-mail or telephone to explain the job opening, elicit the candidate's interest, and schedule a screening interview to occur within the next three business days.
Conduct the interview. A good interviewer starts on time, stays on time, and ends on time. Since you and the candidate have already met once by telephone, the usual small talk to get an interview rolling may be kept brief.
The outline of the interview. Use the candidate's resume to formulate specific lines of questions, and take notes during the interview to document key information. Research by the National Association of Colleges and Employers and by Dr. William Swan, a leader in interviewer training, advises probing a candidate's background in the following order:

1. Work experience. For a new graduate, spend about 25 percent of the time on this topic; for an experienced candidate, up to 50 percent. The work history may consist of summer and part-time jobs dating back to high school. Start at the beginning but spend most of the time exploring recent experience. Try to learn what the candidate actually accomplished, liked or disliked, and learned in each job. If teamwork was involved, determine the candidate's role. How were obstacles overcome? Your goal is to grasp the candidate's various talents, growth in experience, productivity, interests, and transferable skills. Since undergraduate and graduate research, as well as cooperative assignments, are part of education, many recruiters include those topics as part of the discussion about education.
2. Education. For a new graduate, devote 30-35 percent of the time to education; for an experienced candidate, perhaps 20-25 percent. Start with college, including how the candidate selected his or her institution and major. Explore areas of academic achievement, interest, and challenge. Include extra-curricular activities. If the candidate is a new Ph.D. or a postdoctoral scientist, request a fifteen-minute review of graduate (and postdoctoral) research. This is a challenge but can go smoothly if the candidate truly owns the research. Be politely firm about limiting the presentation's time. This is an opportunity to measure the candidate's output, creativity, independence, drive, maturity, and, sometimes, the direct applicability of the work to a current job opening.
3. Outside activities. Productive people have scant free time. How they spend it can reveal their deep-seated values. These may include desire for advancement, autonomy, balanced life, challenge, security, and service to some important goal. An interviewer who devotes 10 percent of the time to explore outside activities and their meaning to the candidate can often gauge how the candidate's values are aligned with the employer's.
4. Self-assessment. Now test your impressions of the candidate. Ask the candidate to state three leading strengths and, for each, give an example of how that strength led to a success. As you listen, check what you hear against your impressions. Next, ask what specifically the candidate is doing for self-improvement, to advance to a higher level of performance. Investing 8-10 percent of the interview this way can reveal much about the candidate's maturity and ambition. Conclude your part of the interview by asking if the candidate wants to bring up anything else. If so, cover it quickly. Then ask, as your last question, what the candidate wants to do next in a job and what he or she wants from it. Now invite the candidate to present questions to you.
5. Candidate's questions. Candidates want jobs where they can succeed and employers where they can be happy and fulfill their goals. Their questions are important to them. Allot 10-15 percent of the time to address them. If, at this point, you are trying to attract the candidate, give truthful and enthusiastic answers to persuade him or her to come for a site interview. Otherwise, give truthful but matter-of-fact answers. Every candidate deserves respect and should feel treated fairly. If they don't work for you, they will likely work for a supplier, customer, or competitor. You want their good will, no matter what.
6. Conclusion. Briefly explain what comes next in the review process and when to expect a reply. Thank them for investing their time with you, then hang up. Finally, complete your interview report while the information and impressions are fresh.

The telephone interview is an invaluable tool to the recruitment process. The primary advantage of telephone interviewing is cost-effectiveness: you can screen a wide pool of candidates and select the right few to invite back for a site interview. Another advantage is timeliness, when you are trying to fill immediate openings. While the telephone interview lacks the benefits of seeing candidates in person and assessing them visually, by listening carefully you can still make confident predictions of future performance from your evaluations

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Job Interview Body Language - 6 Things You Can Say To Get The Job Without Speaking a Word

Job interviews are your opportunity to communicate to the prospective employer why they should hire you. During a face to face job interview, you want your spoken words to match your unspoken words. And gestures and facial expressions can say a lot. Your overall presentation, which includes your body mannerisms, can be just as important as the verbal answers you give during your face to face job interview.
If you want your body to say:

1. "I am interested..." Lean forward a little with your head slightly tilted when the interviewer is speaking, particularly about the company, the job description and duties. This can show the interviewer that you are 'physically' listening and interested in what is being said. This is also an opportunity to show you know the importance of your listening skills and using your 2 ears over your 1 mouth.

2. "I am comfortable..." Have a genuine smile. A fake, plastered on smile just won't do. Imagine how good you will feel your first day on the job or after receiving your first check. That is the smile you want to convey during your face to face job interview.

3. "I am trustworthy..." Maintain good eye contact. It is an opportunity to establish trust with the job interviewer. But, be careful to avoid intense eye contact. Instead, aim to maintain eye contact about 75% of the time.

4. "I am happy for this opportunity and I appreciate your time..." Give a firm hand shake at the start of the interview and at the end of the interview, if your culture allows. Think of your handshake as a piece of uncooked spaghetti, as opposed to a wet noodle.

5. "I am alive and energetic..." Use hand gestures to express yourself . But only to bring home certain points or for emphasis. Don't overdo it. You don't want to look like a spastic chicken.

6. "I am confident, prepared and alert..." Sit up straight with your shoulders back . Do not sit with your arms folded across your chest or with your hands. Instead you want to exhibit a an 'open' posture. Sit still and do not fidget. You do not want to make your interviewer sea-sick.

Your self- awareness of your job interview body language can be uncovered through the practice of your nonverbal communication skills prior to your next job interview. You can practice in the mirror, with a friend or family member or video tape yourself to see how you will really come across to the job interviewer.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Second Job Interview Preparation

It's becoming increasingly common to have a second job interview these days and sometimes even a third or fourth!

Since it can be very costly to train new hires, companies want to prevent wasting money on employees who are less than suitable for the position. They prefer taking more time in the selection process than hiring the wrong person!

Many companies will put prospective employees through as many as three interviews routinely, reducing the number of applicants in each round, down to as few as two or three jobseekers for the final round of interviews.

For government positions, this may be far more complex, consisting of as many as 7 interviews!
The first round will be a very typical sort of interview. Applicants who do not meet the criteria of the employer will not being asked back for the second job interview.

The second round of interviews and all interviews which follow will examine the qualifications of applicants in more depth, with the following areas being assessed.
o Intellectual capacity - the intelligence of the applicant will be evaluated, generally by using aptitude tests which are relevant to the position.
o Personality or psychological summary - This is meant to assess the professionalism and suitability of the applicant for the position.
o Motivation - the determination of the candidate needs to be evaluated.
o Management ability - this is to determine the capabilities of the candidate to cope with the workload of other employees and their ability to delegate.
These are the criteria which will you will usually be evaluated on in multiple interviews. Fortunately, you can prepare for most of these ahead of time.

Article Source: ezinearticles.com

Tips And Strategies For Passing Any Job Interview

In this careers article we are going to take a look at some important elements of preparing for a job interview.
Personal appearance
This carries far more weight than people think. First impressions are so important. It says a lot about who you are. Remember that you only get one opportunity to create a first impression. Unless it is specifically not required you should always dress in proper business attire such as a suit and tie or equivalent if you are female.
Your shoes must be clean too, and if you need a haircut, then get it done a few days before. I always advise people to prepare the night before the interview and lay everything out pressed and ready for the morning. Even down to your underwear, which sounds ridiculous, but it is all about limiting the stress that you will already be under on the day of your interview. The last thing you want to be doing is rushing around for your clothes or shoes on the big day only to find you threw away those smart shoes months ago!
Travelling to the interview
- How are you going to get to the interview?
- Do you know where you are going to park?
- Are the trains or buses running on time?
- Do you need a congestion charge ticket if in London?

These are all obvious questions but important nonetheless.
Again it is all down to preparation. Remember to take a contact number with you just in case you are going to be late for the interview. Then you can call them well in advance to tell them you will be late due to a breakdown or traffic congestion. If you are travelling by car, don't wear your jacket. Hang it up on a coat hanger so that it is not creased when you arrive for the interview.

Punctuality
This can be related to the above subject but is still just as important. Make sure you leave with plenty of time to spare before your interview. It's far better to arrive an hour early than 5 minutes late! I usually arrive 30 minutes before my interview and sit in the car and re-read the job description for the role or information about the company that I am applying to join.

The interview format
Just by virtue of the fact you have been offered an interview indicates that the employer believes you have the potential to work for them in that particular role. They will have already carried out a screening process based around the qualities and attributes relating to the post that you have applied for. The interview is designed so that the employer can see you in person and look at your demeanour, presence, personality and appearance along with the opportunity to ask you questions based around your application form and the role that you are applying for.

You may be competing against up to 30 applicants, so it is important that you stand out in a positive way and not for the wrong reasons. The basics of interview etiquette are key to your success, and you need to prepare for these as much as you do the interview questions themselves.
Most interviews will follow the following format:

Introduction and icebreaker
The interviewer should give you a brief overview of the interview and possibly the role that you are applying for. De pendant on the interviewer, you will be given the opportunity to tell the panel about yourself. Your response should be prepared beforehand and you can use this as an opportunity to sell yourself. You should cover brief topics relating to your experience, qualifications, outside interests and ambitions. If you tell the panel that in your spare time you are working towards a qualification that can relate to the role you are applying for then this can only be a good thing. Try to keep your introduction as brief as possible and don't go over two minutes in length.

The interview itself
This is the area in which you are asked a series of questions relating to your application form and the post that you have applied for. This is where you should do most of the talking and if you have prepared well enough you will be able to answer most questions, although it is not unusual to find yourself struggling to answer one or two. In this situation it is always best not to waffle. If you really don't know the answer to a particular question then just say so.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/