Bullseye Interviewing - Answering Service Resources

Home
>
Careers, Jobs & Employment
>
Bullseye Interviewing

Bullseye Interviewing

An interview is much like a blind date. You have sweaty palms, heart palpitations, shaky nerves and a preconceived notion of what could happen. The perfect scenario unfolds in your mind, where you are calm, cool and collected, dressed smartly, totally in control, enthusiastically meeting the other person's gaze and brimming with confidence. However, that idea has begun to unravel, because as of right now, you are LATE, because you got lost, forgot your resume, wore a shirt that is making you sweat and have pulled a muscle breaking in new shoes. As you are being led to the boardroom, you're informed that your possible Superiors will be sitting in. Panic sets in with the realization that this blind date is over before it even begun.

What is needed therefore, is a realistic and proactive approach. If you're a mere mortal like the rest of us, then you do get nervous about a job interview. If we could accurately predict the outcome of this situation, life would definitely be easier to plan. While we can't accurately control the results, we can bank our odds if we keep the pointers below in mind.

Basic Combat:

Wardrobe:

Do your homework. Find out what the corporate culture is. Check out the company's website on the net. Go to the media area and find out what type of functions they attend or sponsor. Is the work environment business casual or corporate? Wear what is considered acceptable attire and meet that standard. Make sure your wardrobe is clean, odor free and neatly pressed.

Research:

While this may not be the only job you've applied for, read information on the company involved. Understand what the position entails in detail. Keep a copy of the posting for yourself. Know your own resume inside out and be able to explain examples of your work and how it fits into their job description. Take down the name of the person you'll be seeing, how to spell and pronounce their name and note (or ask) if it's a Mr., Mrs. Ms. (Yes, this is important). Although you can't rehearse the exact answers when you don't know the questions you'll face, it's possible to find out what the latest interview trends are on Career sites or in your local bookstore.

Body Language

Greet your potential employers with a firm handshake and smile. Look the interviewer(s) in the eyes, but don't make them uncomfortable by staring. Try to relax by taking a deep breath. Tapping your foot and fingers or chewing gum is considered a faux pas. It's best to match the body language of the interviewer(s), but not in a mechanical fashion.

The Actual Interview

Think positively and keep it all in perspective. Based on your abilities, education and work history, THEY called you. This is your unique moment to market YOU. You need to believe that you are by far, the best candidate for them. Make sure you look neat and orderly and pop in a breath mint for good measure. Slang or acronyms are not appropriate in your speech. Remember not to confuse confidence with arrogance and don't interrupt or hijack the interview. When asked a question, pause and reflect on the answer and try to listen to be clear and concise. When they ask, "Do you have any questions?", ask the ones you have prepared mentally based on your research and relevance to this interview and position. If this job still interests you, let them know and thank them for their time.

Remember, an interview is really just the beginning of the process, but first impressions not unlike a blind date can either make for a great story or fodder for the fire. Make this your opportunity to distinguish yourself from the pack and get that second "date".

About The Author

Tamara Jong is the Marketing Professional for www.canjobs.com, a leading Canadian owned and operated on-line recruitment site.

tamara@canjobs.com

In The News:

Unemployment rate steady at 6.1%
National Post, Canada - Sep 5, 2008
Gord Waldner/Saskatoon Star PhoenixDalton Charles visited the Careers and Employment Services office in August. Dalton has worked in the house building ...

NAS Executive to Present HR Solutions at SHRM Conference.
PR Web (press release), WA - 3 hours ago
A-level talent carefully navigate their careers, and they take this seriously." A much in-demand speaker, author, thought leader and Senior Associate with ...

Law puts genetic data off limits
News & Observer, NC - 1 hour ago
For about a decade the US Congress has considered proposals to ban the use of such information in employment and some insurance decisions. ...

UPDATE 1-Monster employment index rises in August
Reuters - Sep 4, 2008
O: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz), an online careers and recruiting firm, said its Employment Index rose 2 percentage points to 159 during the month. ...
Monster US online jobs index edges up in August Reuters
all 30 news articles

What Color Parachute
Corsavoo.com, France - 5 hours ago
Richard Bolles has moved the topic of changing jobs and/or careers into the realm of self-reflection, coupled with a consideration of the difficult and ...

Out of the inbox, into the dog box
New Zealand Herald, New Zealand - Sep 5, 2008
The Employment Relations Authority ruled later that he was unjustifiably dismissed, but he wasn't reinstated and his career lay in tatters. ...

Ex-convicts struggling to find jobs
Rockford Register Star, IL - Sep 5, 2008
Careers etc. is offering a lifeline to Werle and hundreds of others like her in the county. The East State Street agency provides transitional employment to ...

Canada's Government and Prince Edward Island Sign New Training and ...
MarketWatch - Sep 5, 2008
This will provide the Province with the flexibility to focus job training programs and employment supports on the local and regional needs of both employers ...

Semi-retirement is no life of leisure
Financial Post, Canada - Sep 6, 2008
... advantages that go with self-employment. Taylor identifies seven "hot" semi-careers including: consulting, creative communications, full-time investing, ...

Defensive unit inspired by Eastman's absence
Clarksville Leaf Chronicle, TN - 1 hour ago
Eastman missed his first game as the Govs defensive coordinator after his visa was revoked on Thursday, his employment was ended by the university, ...

careers employment - Google News

Answering Service ResourceAnswering Service Resource