Interview tips.... anyone have any!!

kayla's mama wrote: I have an interview coming up on Monday and I really want this job. It is right down the street from us and farely close to the sitters house.

I have been on soo many interviews but never land the job. So if anyone has any tips....please share

C&K*s Mommie replied: Hard to say, since it depends on what you are doing now. It may be that all the other jobs were just not the right ones for you, and the right one will come along soon (I know... that does not help to pay the bills) but soon enough the perfect job will come along.

Since you are even asking for tips, I would not doubt that you have the basics down pat already. Something is a barrier, and it may be that the right job has not presented itself to you yet.

holley79 replied: Dress, attitude, presentation. Those are the only things I can think of. I try not to figit (sp?) when I am on an interview. I try to act like I actually have confidence. LOL. Best of luck to you though. I really hope you land it.

Nina J replied: Be confident and curteous. You should show enthusiasm for the job, show that your really want it. Ask questions and show a real interest.

A long time ago a friends mother told me to never say "How are you?" to you interviewers, say "How do you do?". Every job interview that I've said :How do you do?" I've got the job. So maybe it'll work for you. (I sound crazy lol).

Most importantly, just be yourself. Don't stress to much, and don't stress to little. And listen to happy music in your car when you go, so you get in a happy mood.

Good luck

amymom replied: All good tips so far. As a person who has hired hundreds of people here is what set me off ... either good or bad

1. Person not prepared. Long story but I NEVER hired someone who came to an interview without a pen. Whether it was for an entrylevel position or a doctor for potential partnership.
2. Person looks me in the eye. Is confident and seems enthustiastic. All good and reasons to hire.
3. Person puts positive spin on previous employment (even if I know it was awful!) But positive speaking is good for morale and I would hire a positive person who had a bad experience over someone who was negative with positive references etc.
4. Did I say be prepared! This is a biggy for me. Bring a pen, bring phone #'s address of your references, bring a copy of your resume whatever you may need HAVE it with you.
5. Wear comfortable clothing that is suitable for the position. Do not dress WAY up but dress a little above what you would wear in this position. If it is a jeans & tshirt kind of place then put on nice chinos and a nice blouse or a simple skirt. If it is a suit & tie kind of place then dress up, nylons and all!!

6. Be prepared, know where you have to go, be sure you will be able to park and remember you are interviewing them too. So have questions to ask, even if you know the answers, so when they say What ?? do you have. You will have a response.

7. A tip I received recently: If apporpriate follow up their question with a question. I am still learning this myself, but the point is to make you seem interested in them. For example They say: How was your weekend? Your response could be "Good"or "Good, the weather was great so I spent it outside" (positive response) But better still would be "Good, the weather was great so I was outside most of the weekend. Did you get out too?" Shows interest and doesn't prolong the convo too much. Like I said, I am still learning this technique, since I have been told I come across as cold and not interested at times. (I just say I'm a good listener ) Obviously you wouldn't use this when they have a long list of questions they want answers to. But if it is more conversational you could use this technique.

8. Finally BRING A PEN! I never ever ever hired someone who did not bring a pen!

salmndr007 replied: Be confident but at the same time relax. As a business owner, when I am interviewing people, I like to see that they are confident in their abilities but at the same time are relaxed when talking about it. I know it just gives me that warm fuzzy feeling about people. I know you are an amazing person who is probably perfectly qualified for the position. Just know that you are. Good luck and Jess and I will keep you in our prayers.

J-rod replied:
couldnt have said it better...be confident but relaxed....dont be afraid to ask questions.

moped replied: I have gotten almost all jobs I have applied for:

Neutral suit - depending on the position
Hair up and out of the face
smile and be freindly and professional
Do your research on the company
Be flexible
Tell them you can start right away, sometimes that helps decide
Tell them you are willing to learn

moped replied: And everything amymom said - good tips!

lisar replied: I agree with everyone else that has responded. When I interview people for here I always look at how 1. they present themselves. 2. Their attitude ( I have to work with them all day I dont want someone who will drag me down) 3. Job history and the normals I want someone who is active and not Lazy. When they come into the room stand up and shake thier hand and ask them how there day is in an up beat voice. I always like that.

DVFlyer replied: Nothing negative........ ever. It's so easy to go on and on about what you didn't like about this-or-that, but don't.

Interviews are mostly personality tests. If you can "click" with your interviewer, you'll have a better chance at getting the job.

Good luck.

MommyToAshley replied: I used to interview/hire people and you've already received a lot of really good tips.

Here's a few that I strongly agree with or would like to add.

1. Appearance is important. Dress appropriately and I suggest doing something that makes you feel good about yourself before you go. For me, that's a manicure. If you feel good about yourself then it shows. First impressions are very important.

2. Be confident. Don't be afraid to tell them why you are right for the job. Try to think of it from the interviewer's point of view. What qualifications and traits are they looking for? Then be sure to touch on those points in your interview.

3. I strongly agree with not being negative about a previous employer. Try to put a positive spin on it.

4. Be prepared-- Not only with pens, resumes, references, etc, but practice your interview in a mirror or with someone. Try to think of the types of questions you will be asked and and be prepared. I don't mean memorize your answers, but this will give you an opportunity to organize your thoughts ahead of time. Do your homework on the company so you can ask informed questions. The more prepared you are, the more confident you will be in your answers.

Also, I would bring more than one copy of your resume. I have been to interviews where several people sat on in the interview and I always had a copy of my resume ready for them (so no one had to go make copies).... just another subtle sign that you plan ahead and are prepared.

5. Ask questions about the company and the type of work you will be doing. This will not only show that you are interested in the job, but you also want to make sure that the job is the best fit for you.

5. Immediately after the interview, type a thank you letter (touching on some key points and saying that you are enthusiastic at the prospect of working for their company) and drop it in the mail that same day. There will most likely be several people interviewed and this will help to set you apart and give the impression that you follow-up in a timely manner. You'd be surprised how few people follow-up after an interview.

And, the most important thing is to relax and be yourself.

Good luck, let us know how it goes!!!!

Kaitlin'smom replied: ALL great tips, one thing I was told from a prior job and why I got it over the girl sitting next to me is I SMILED simple but effective.

Best of luck!

kayla's mama replied: Thanks for all the tips. I actually have 2 interviews on Mon. now so I hope I can land one of them using the tips from y'all. I'll keep you guys updated

luvmykids replied: Everyone had great tips! Best wishes, KUP! You'll do great!