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.
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[Chapter 17: continued from here
]...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, this doesn't mean that you can ignore the questions you're asked.
Nothing will annoy an interviewer more than hearing you recite a prepared speech no matter what you're asked. This shows contempt for the interviewer and tells them that you don't take their questions seriously.
You may hear some questions you think are stupid-and they may be -- but don't show any trace of disdain until you get home. Listen carefully, and respond to the questions directly.
Don't say anything bad about anyone ... including yourself
The interviewer may make it easy for you to reveal things that show you in a bad light. Uncomplimentary remarks about former co-workers and supervisors ... how you were unjustly fired by your last employer ... how you exaggerated some things on your resume just a little.
Don't fall into their trap.
Don't be lured in by apparently friendly, off-hand comments that invite you to reveal inappropriate traits. Nothing is "off the record" and anything you say might be put under a microscope. There's no reason for you to volunteer anything negative about yourself.
Project enthusiasm, confidence and professionalism
Your appearance and attitude determine the first impression you make -- the judgment the interviewer forms when they first meet you. Much of this is just common sense. I'll assume I don't have to tell you not to show up late, chewing gum, reeking of cologne and wearing rags.
Act confident-no matter ...[Continued here ]
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