Improve your ability to communicate the value you offer an employer with
Gary Will's book
How to Prepare for an Employment Interview -- now available by e-mail in Microsoft Word format.
Sample chapters:
Selling Yourself in an Employment Interview
What You Need to Know About Business
Asking Questions -- An Essential and Overlooked Step
Other articles:
Putting a Spin on Work Experience
Claims & Credibility -- The Essence of Selling
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Gary Will's WORKSEARCH:
Selling Yourself To An Employer
Chapter 17: (continued)
Beyond the answers-image and presentation
From the book How to Prepare for an Employment Interview.
Get the entire book by e-mail in Microsoft Word format.
[Chapter 17: continued from here ]...Some do's and don'ts:
Keep your answers brief-no more than a couple minutes each, and often much less.
Show interest, enthusiasm, alertness.
Smile, but don't get carried away. Try to look relaxed and at ease.
Make eye contact, but don't stare.
Listen attentively-don't interrupt or be distracted.
Ask for clarification of any question you're not sure you understand.
Bring extra copies of your resume-and know what's on it.
Hear and remember the interviewer's name.
Feel free to take notes-the interviewer probably will. They will be useful for follow-up or subsequent interviews. You can even bring in notes to refer to during the interview.
Finish with a clear statement of your interest in the position and what you can contribute.
Be sure to find out what happens next-and when.
DON'T put down previous employers or supervisors ... even if invited.
DON'T be afraid to say "I don't know."
DON'T use halfhearted weasel words like "maybe," "I think so," and "kind of."
DON'T mumble or slur your words.
DON'T play with your hands or display other nervous mannerisms.
DON'T sound rehearsed. Be prepared but don't have canned responses memorized.
DON'T show arrogance, overconfidence, or a know-it-all attitude.
DON'T make excuses for any previous failures. Treat them as learning experiences.
DON'T argue with the interviewer. Disagree if you must, but don't be confrontational.
DON'T discuss salary until as late in the interview as possible.
DON'T tell the interviewer how badly you need the job or share any personal problems. Act as if your only care in the world is helping this employer.
Listen to the questions you're asked and try to answer them
Although it's important to go in knowing what you want to say...[Continued here ]
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