Topic: career-goals

Your goal is to look as though you would fit in with that group of people. Page 264 * Pay attention to your grooming. Untidy hair, body odor, dandruff, unshined shoes, a hanging hem, stains on your tie, excessive makeup or cologne, a sloppy Job of shaving”if the interviewer notices any of these, your prospect of being hired takes a probably fatal hit. * Look alert, poised, and friendly. When that interviewer looks into the waiting room and calls your name, he or she is getting a first impression of your behavior. If you’re slouched in your chair, dozing or lost in the pages of a ver with your hands in your pockets, he or she will not be favorably impressed. What will earn you points is rising promptly and walking briskly toward the interviewer. Smiling and looking directly at that person, extend your hand to shake his or hers, saying, “I’m Lesley Brown. Thank you for seeing me today. ” * Expect to make a little small talk. This is not a waste of time; it is the interviewer’s way of checking your ability to be politely sociable, and it is your opportunity to cement the good impression you’ve already made. The key is to follow the interviewer’s lead. If he or he wants to chat about the weather for a few minutes, do so. But don’t drag it out; as soon as you get a signal that it’s time to talk about the Job, be ready to get down to business. 6 Be ready for the interviewer’s questions. The same questions come up again and again in many Job interviews. You should plan ahead for all these questions! Think carefully about each question, outline your answer, and memorize each outline. Then practice reciting the answers to yourself. Only in this way are you going to be prepared. Here are common questions, what they really mean, and how to answer hem: * “Tell me about yourself. ” This question is raised to see how organized you are. The wrong way to answer it is to launch into a wandering, disjointed response or”worse yet”to demand defensively, “What do you want to know? ” or “What do you mean? ” When this question comes up, you should be prepared to give a brief summary of your life and work experience”where you grew up, where your family lives now, where you went to school, what Jobs you’ve had, and how you happen to be here now looking for the challenge of a new Job. * “What are your strengths and weaknesses? In talking about your strong points, mention traits that will serve you well in this particular Job. If you are well organized, a creative problem-solver, a good team member, or a quick learner, be ready to describe specific ways those strengths have served you in the past. Don’t make the mistake of saying, “l dont have any real weaknesses. ” You’ll come across as more believable if you admit a flaw”but make it one that an employer might actually like. For instance, admit that you are a workaholic or a perfectionist. Page 265 * “Why should we hire you? ” Remember that it is up to you to convince the nterviewer that you’re the man or woman for this Job. If you Just sit there and hope that the interviewer will magically discern your good qualities, you are likely to be disappointed. Don’t be afraid to sell yourself. Tell the recruiter that from your research you have learned that the interviewer’s company is one you would like to work for, and that you believe the company’s needs and your skills are a great match. * “Why did you leave your last Job? ” This may seem like a great opportunity to cry on the interviewer’s shoulder about what a Jerk your last boss was or how unappreciated you were.