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During
Your Interview |
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Be
positive. Show openness and make others comfortable
by leaning into a greeting with a firm handshake and smile. |
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Show
self-confidence. Make eye contact with the interviewer
and answer questions in a clear voice. Work to establish
rapport with the interviewer. |
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Listen.
Communication is a two-way street. If you talk too much you
will probably miss cues concerning what the interviewer feels
is important. |
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Reflect before
answering a difficult question. If you are unsure how to
answer a question, you might reply with another question.
For example, if the interviewer asks you to tell them about
yourself, try answering with "Sure. Where would you
like me to begin?" This tactic also gives you time to
formulate an answer to unexpected questions. |
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Show you
want the job. Display your initiative by talking about what
functions you could perform that would benefit the organization,
and by giving specific details of how you have helped past
employers. Present your skills by describing the Situation, Task, Action and Result
(STAR). |
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Explore the
position. Acceptable off-the-cuff questions include subjects
such as job function, responsibilities, team structure, and
supervision. |
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DOs
and DON'Ts |
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Never make
negative comments about current or former employers. |
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Do not ask questions
that raise red flags. Do not ask questions about money.
The employer already knows what you're making and what
you're looking to make in your next move. If asked, just
reply, "Money, the company and my position are all
important. I will give careful consideration to your best
offer". |
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Beware of too many
questions about benefits. Focusing on your compensation
and benefits at this point may cause the interviewer to
think you are more interested in helping yourself than
in helping the company. If you must ask such questions,
make sure the interviewer understands why. |
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Avoid negative body
language. An interviewer wants to see how well you react
under pressure. Specifically, avoid these signs of nervousness
and tension: |
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• Frequently
touching your mouth, nose, or glasses |
| • Biting
your lip |
| • Tight
or forced smiles or posture |
| • Swinging
or tapping your foot or leg |
| • Folding
or crossing your arms |
| • Slouching
or shifting in your chair |
| • Avoiding
eye contact or rolling your eyes. |
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After
Your Interview |
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Ask for
the job. Simply say, "This is an exciting opportunity
for me and one in which I know I will excel. What are
the next steps"? End the interview with a handshake
and thank the interviewer(s) for their time. |
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Show
self-confidence. Make eye contact with the
interviewer and answer questions in a clear voice.
Work to establish rapport with the interviewer. |
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Send a
thank you note. After the interview, send a brief letter
or email to thank the people you met. Remember the 3
B's: Be sure to send one. Be bright. Be brief. |
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Be ready
to make a decision. If the interview went particularly
well, don't be surprised if they offer you the job on
the spot. If you have all the information you need, be
prepared to accept or negotiate an offer immediately.
That way you can reaffirm your commitment to the company. |
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