First, Graduation, Next The Job Search

As difficult as it is to believe - it is time to stop celebrating that wonderful moment in your life --- the diploma and the graduation ---- and get down to the really challenging training of life.

Like -- going out and getting a job.

Hopefully you have sent out a number of resumes and are beginning to get some nibbles from employers. If you are not, maybe you need to have a look at your resume.

But if you are fortunate enough to start getting some invites to come in and interview, this is the time to start learning a few up-to-the-minute strategies on interview techniques.

Interviewing is a learned proficiency.

As with every skill you've ever learned, you have to understand the technique and then practice, practice, practice. A mock interview will not simply assist you practice your skill, but allow you to get constructive advice and coaching on your performance.

Sue's Story

Sue is an accomplished tennis player, and has worked on her stroke and technique for several years. She has taken training from pros, and listened to their guidance when they gave her their critique. She has read guides and talks to fellow tennis experts evaluating advice.

She is now graduating from college and has signed up for several on-campus interviews with recruiters. She feels certain that she knows her field of study and is a fairly skillful conversationalist, so she decides to blow off the job center and the need to get advice. She can overcome this stuff on her own, no training considered necessary here.

Unfortunately, Sue does not perform too good in her interviews. Out of three on-campus interviews she had, there are no offers for the face-to-face at the company. To say she is "bummed" would be an understatement. .

Jill's Story

When her roommate, Jill, returns from her job interview session she is bubbling with excitement. She can't wait to inform Sue that she's already been invited for an on-site business interview in two weeks.

While Sue is happy for Jill, she is even more depressed regarding her presentation. She has always done better at physical activities than Jill, and she has a higher GPA. What happened to her in the course of that job interview?

Even though it is not easy, Sue asks Jill why she thinks her job interview went so well. Jill laughs and tells Sue that she has been working demanding to prepare for these interviews.

"You know all those mini-classes I've been taking during job week, well, I got several great strategies and advice," she tells Sue. "But, the thing that helped most was the mock interview offered. Receiving advice on the responses I was giving to those usual inquiries was a true eye-opener. I did not understand how much I say things similar to, "You know" when I talk. I left that mock session with a task that I took seriously - to prepare and rehearse," Jill tells Sue.

"How can you prepare for something when you won't know what they will ask?" says Sue.

"Allow me to give you the information that the career center coach gave to me, it aid you to see the advantage of preparation," says Jill.

Sue does not let on that she is paying attention, just tells Jill, "Thanks."

As soon as Jill leaves for the evening, Sue picks up the brochure - Pitfalls of Interviewing.

The Brochure

Here are 10 of those very pitfalls to look out for.

1.Poor non-verbal communication, slouching, fidgeting, lack of eye contact

It's always about demonstrating self-confidence - standing straight, making eye contact, and connecting with a decent, firm handclasp. That opening impression can be an ideal opening, or a sudden conclusion to your interview.

2. Not dressing for the profession or corporation, "over casual"

Today's casual dress codes in the workplace, don't give you consent to dress like "they" do when you interview. It is essential to give the impression of being professional and well groomed, above all. Whether you wear a suit or something a little less formal depends on the business culture and the position you are looking for. If possible, telephone and find out what the corporation dress code is prior to the interview.

3. Not listening, only worrying about what you are going to say

From the beginning of the interview, your interviewer is providing you with information, either openly or indirectly. If you are not listening, turning up your intuitive - you are missing a major opportunity.

Accomplished communication skills include listening and letting the individual recognize you heard what they said. Watch your interviewer and match that manner and tempo.

4. Talking too much -- revealing it all -- even if it's not appropriate

Telling the interviewer more than they have to know may well be a important blunder. When you have not prepared beforehand you may perhaps tend to ramble on, at times talking yourself right out of the job. Get ready for the interview by reviewing the job posting; matching your knowledge with the requirements of the position, and relating only that information.

5. Being over-familiar -- your latest best friend is NOT the interviewer

The interview is a professional meeting to talk business. This is not about making an additional friend. The level of familiarity should mimic the demeanor of the interviewer. It is critical to convey energy and enthusiasm to the interview, and to make inquiries, but not to over-step your place as an applicant looking for a job.

6. Using inappropriate language -- you "guys" know what I mean

It's a given that you must use practiced language all through the interview. Be aware of any inappropriate slang expressions or references to age, race, religion, politics, or sexual preferences, these subjects could get the door slammed very quickly.

7. Acting arrogant, being overconfident -- "king of the hill"

Manner plays an important role in your job interview success. There is a fine balance between confidence, professionalism, and modesty. Even if you are putting on a presentation to demonstrate your capability, over-doing is as flawed, if not worse, as being too reserved.

8. Not answering the question asked, "leaping in without thinking"

When an interviewer asks for an "example of a time," you did something, he is in search of a sample of your former actions. If you fail to recount a "specific" instance, you not only don't answer the inquiry, but you fail to take an opening to demonstrate your capability and tell about your expertise.

9. Not making inquiries -- a missed opportunity you will live to regret

When asked if they have some questions, the majority of candidates respond, "No." Wrong response! It is tremendously important to ask questions. It demonstrates an interest in what goes on in the business. It also gives you the chance to determine if this is the correct situation for you. The best questions come from listening to what is asked during the job interview, and asking for supplementary information.

10. Appearing desperate -- "Please, please hire me!"

It's a difficult job market, and you need a job! But, when you job interview with the "Please, please, hire me," approach you appear desperate and less confident. Maintain the three "C's" during the interview: Cool, Calm, and certain! You know you can do the job, now, make certain the interviewer believes you can, too.

Sue Gets An "A" By Following the C's

It doesn't take a brick to hit Sue on the head -- she gets it. She set out for the Career Center the following day to obtain some guidance and assistance.

Everyone makes mistakes, that is what makes us human. We are able to laugh at ourselves a great deal of the time when we tend to get tongue-tied or fail to remember someone's name, even our spouse's. But in the interview you need to be as prepared and polished as possible. If you do make a slip, consider it as human error and learn from the incident. In the meantime do your homework and get prepared.

School is back in session -- at least until that job offer comes through.