Career Corner Job Interviewing Ten Tips for Success continued - Hallie Crawford

Career Corner Job Interviewing Ten Tips for Success continued - Hallie Crawford Tip #3: Be prepared, know the organization. Youve probably heard this one a lot. Id hear it, and Ill be honest sometimes I still did not do my homework before the interview! At the time I just thought I was being lazy but I now I know what was happening. I wasnt really excited about the jobs in the 1st place. For you, this should be a red flag. Here something to consider if youre not jazzed about learning about the company or organization, should you really be applying there? If youre avoiding doing your homework it could be because youre not really passionate about the job. Think about this, and do some soul searching about the ideal career for you before you jump into that position and realize youve made a mistake. Now if youre sure this is it, this is a position youre interested in: You’ll notice that many companies not only have a specific “personality,” but they’re mighty proud of the little perks and quirks that make them unique. Do they have their own brand of soda, like Microsoft? Do they offer flex time for working parents? Find out if they’re noteworthy in the news. Visit their Web site and do your online research. Were they part of a recent merger or did they just win a government contract? There is no better way to show your sincere interest than actually being interested. You might learn something cool about this organization that tells you, “Go for it!” Or, you could uncover some hidden dirt that makes you think twice before working there. Good luck! Rock and roll,Your Career Coach Hallie These career tips are excerpted from one of my recent career articles published in the National Contract Management Associations Contract Management magazine. You can read the finding a career you love. Please Share This Career Corner Job Interviewing Ten Tips for Success continued - Hallie Crawford Tip #4: Take the pressure off you have options. Relax and chill. If you put too much pressure on this process, and this one interview you will get too stressed out. And you might get so nervous you cant be yourself during the interview. Think of the job interview not as the end all be all, but as an opportunity to cast seeds and check things out. This is a get to know you or feeling out phase, not a contest or do-or-die situation. Try to avoid becoming too attached to any one job. That old saying, Dont put all your eggs in one basket could not be more true than for your career search. Sometimes things take an unexpected twist or turn. You could be 90% sure that youll be on Company Xs payroll next month and suddenly the phone rings with an even better offer. You never know. So take some of the pressure off and trust that everything will work out, whether its this new job or another one. Relax and let it flow! Hallie,Career Development These career tips are excerpted from one of my recent career articles published in the National Contract Management Associations Contract Management magazine. You can read the finding a career you love. Please Share This Career Corner Job Interviewing Ten Tips for Success continued - Hallie Crawford Tip #5: If they ask about your weaknesses, answer honestly. Each person excels in some areas more than they do in others. If you are honest, you stand a better chance of being placed in the best possible career for you. So when the question about weaknesses comes up, tell the truth. Just be sure to spin it in a solution-oriented way that tells the interviewer you know how to overcome and manage such challenges. For example, if youre not detail-oriented, you could say so but also add that you always give yourself extra time on projects that involve lots of detail. Or, you could say that you make a great big picture partner and strategist when paired with someone for whom little details are their strong suit. You dont want to get into a job thats not a fit for you, so stretching the truth isnt going to help you or the employer. So be honest with yourself and with them. Youll be more likely to find a job that fits that way. Hallie,I can help you find the right job! These career tips are excerpted from one of my recent career articles published in the National Contract Management Associations Contract Management magazine. finding a career you love. Please Share This Career Corner Job Interviewing Ten Tips for Success continued - Hallie Crawford Tip #6: Write a list of five key points you plan to express in your interview. Youve heard this before prepare for the interview. Research the company, find out who youre interviewing with, and review the typical interview questions people tend to ask. But also think about the key points you want to get across in your interview. Based on the job description and what you know about the position consider what you want them to know about you. Ask yourself: What are the things I want to make sure I get across during my time with them? One way to do this is to make a list of your best qualities and accomplishments what you bring to the table that is relevant to the position. On the day of the interview, two things can potentially happen. One, the interviewer will ask you specific questions where you can simply slant your responses around the points you planned to mention. Or, two, youll end up talking about other things but when the time comes that they ask for your questions or thoughts, you can use this opportunity to make your points. Write them down and have them in front of you if youd like. Theres nothing wrong with that. Go for it and good luck, Hallie, I can help you with your job search! (keyword, related links) These career tips are excerpted from one of my recent career articles published in the National Contract Management Associations Contract Management magazine. finding a career you love Please Share This