Here are some tips on how to interview so that you are making the best impression firsthand.
1) Know where you are going and be sure to have proper directions via mapquest or the THomas Guide. If possible, take a drive there before your interview to be sure you know the location.
2) Dress appropriately: no excessive jewelry, make-up, medium to low closed toe and heeled shoes, no short skirts or dresses, no cleavage, mild solid colors (black and white is always impressionable), no gum, no sunglasses on the head, no strong perfume or lotions.
3)) Bring all your references, letters, identification, cpr card, diplomas, certifications so that the prospective employer sees all your qualifications.
4)) Arrive on time and that means "ON TIME" not early, nor late.
5) Introduce yourself using your full name and give a firm shake of the hand when you first greet the employer.
6) Wait for the person interviewing you to direct you where to sit and speak and wait for him/her to sit down before you do.
7) Do not cross your legs, sit tall in your chair and keep very focused on the prospective employer. Do not have wandering eyes. Keep your body facing the person interviewing you. Do not fidget around in your chair.
8) Begin by presenting your resume and qualifications.
9)Answer the questions carefully, with some detail, but never overdoing the answer to the point that you become a "chatty Cathy" or "chatty Harold" - be succinct in you responses.
10) Be prepared to ask questions. Employers like the fact that you have questions about the job and family.
11)) Ask to meet other family members, if present. Attempt to bond with them as well.
12) When the interview is over, share with the employer your interest in the position.
13) End the meeting expressing your gratitude for the opportunity and how you look forward to hearing from them soon.
14) Stay in touch with the prospective employer on the progress of any other interviews you have had as well as checking on their decision. Be polite and courteous at all times.
15)If you are turned down for the job, keep the door open by expressing that if the other candidate doesn't work out, to be sure to contact you in the event you might be still available (if you go through an Agency, they will do this for you).
GOOD LUCK and STAY POSITIVE!!!
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Saturday, May 10, 2008
References
Sometimes an applicant will be very concerned about reference checks and worry that if they give the reference number for a previous employer who is not prepared to give a glowing reference that they will not get the next job. The alternative is then to "lie" about the reference. The problem with that scenario is that a lie always catches up with you and ultimately it is the lie that ruins your reputation and prevents you from ultimately getting work.
It is clearly a problem when a previous employer is disgruntled and wants to sabotage you from ever finding work again. However, this would be "illegal". An employer may not have had the best experience with someone, but short of some serious offenses like, stealing, lying, and hurting one's child, it is preferable that the employer make an effort to provide a reasonable reference. What is mandatory by the Labor Department is that the employer state the facts regarding "employment verification." In other words, the employer is obligated to state the dates of employment and duties thereby verifying that the employee indeed did work for the employer the designated time performing certain tasks.
So what should the employee do when she/he suspects a "bad" reference? My suggestion is to sit down and ask politely that the employer please give you the benefit of the doubt and while you may not have another chance with this particular employer, you are asking to please provide you with a reasonable reference so that you may get the opportunity to work again. This is a good time to "apolgize profusely" for whatever you did to upset your employer.
What should the employer do when he/she simply does not feel it possible to give any good reference besides the mere verification aspect of employment? My suggestion is that the employer find it in your heart to forgive and provide suggestions as to how one can improve their work ability, ethics, etc. and make the next job successful. If you can improve one's life and be the one to teach another how to do something that will improve their livelihood, doesn't this make you a better person? This person may not be right for you, but you can certainly help this person find the right match and offer suggestions.
It is not a good thing when any relationship ends in such a sour note that no one learns nor gains anything from the experience.
It is clearly a problem when a previous employer is disgruntled and wants to sabotage you from ever finding work again. However, this would be "illegal". An employer may not have had the best experience with someone, but short of some serious offenses like, stealing, lying, and hurting one's child, it is preferable that the employer make an effort to provide a reasonable reference. What is mandatory by the Labor Department is that the employer state the facts regarding "employment verification." In other words, the employer is obligated to state the dates of employment and duties thereby verifying that the employee indeed did work for the employer the designated time performing certain tasks.
So what should the employee do when she/he suspects a "bad" reference? My suggestion is to sit down and ask politely that the employer please give you the benefit of the doubt and while you may not have another chance with this particular employer, you are asking to please provide you with a reasonable reference so that you may get the opportunity to work again. This is a good time to "apolgize profusely" for whatever you did to upset your employer.
What should the employer do when he/she simply does not feel it possible to give any good reference besides the mere verification aspect of employment? My suggestion is that the employer find it in your heart to forgive and provide suggestions as to how one can improve their work ability, ethics, etc. and make the next job successful. If you can improve one's life and be the one to teach another how to do something that will improve their livelihood, doesn't this make you a better person? This person may not be right for you, but you can certainly help this person find the right match and offer suggestions.
It is not a good thing when any relationship ends in such a sour note that no one learns nor gains anything from the experience.
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