Articles by Carole Martin on ArticleSnatch.com

The Job Interview Is Not Just About The Job Duties

Mon, 07 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0500

"CAN HE DO THE JOB?" The first item of business for an interviewer to determine is if you have the qualifications to perform the duties of the job. That is the basic part of interviewing - to determine if the qualifications and experiences fit the requirements of the position. "DO WE LIKE HIM?" "WILL HE FIT IN?" The next item of business is to find out if this person is a good "fit" for the job. In other words, will he fit into the team and the company culture? Although this is the more subjective part of the interview, it can make or break your chances of getting the job. The way you answer a question could be sending the wrong message. Are you describing yourself in the best light? QUESTION: HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY? On the surface this appears to be a straightforward question, but if you answer too hastily you may end up sounding like every other candidate. What makes you unique? How can you make yourself stand out and be remembered? Interviewers ask this question for a couple of reasons; **End Summary** Topics: job interview]]> interviewing]]> job duties]]> fit for the position]]> job duties and responsibilities]]> sales job duties]]> administration job duties]]> executive]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Carole Martin, America's #1 Interview Expert and Coach, can give you interviewing tips like no one else can. Practice for your interview FREE at The Interview Coach www.interviewcoach.com

On Inevitable Job Interview Question - Why Did You Leave?

Mon, 17 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0500

The Inevitable Job Interview Question: "Why Did You Leave (Are Planning To Leave) Your Last Position?" and How to Deal With It. This is a question that you can almost count on being asked at your next interview What the interviewer wants to know is, "Why are you available?" The answer you give could set the tone for the rest of the interview. For instance, if you were to indicate that you were bored or burned out at your last job, the interviewer would quickly become concerned about your performance at this company. The question can be especially tricky if you've had less than favorable conditions regarding your departure from a company. Regardless of the circumstances that have caused you to move, or are causing you to think about moving, you should be prepared to answer this question. Below are examples of possible answers to this critical question. After reading them try to determine which is the strongest answer. (A) The company had a re-organization, and my department was eliminated. The work had begun to dwindle so it was not a complete surprise. **End Summary** Topics: why did you leave your last job]]> how to answer difficult questions]]> getting fired]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Carole Martin is America's #1 Interview Coach. Celebrated author, trainer, and mentor, Carole can give you interviewing tips like no one else can. Her workbook, "Interview Fitness Training" has sold thousands of copies world-wide. Sign Up to Receive Free Weekly Interview Tips at The Interview Coach

The Second Job Interview - What To Expect

Mon, 10 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Good news! You've been invited back for a second interview (or a third or fourth). But, you feel that you've already covered everything in the first interview? How will this interview be different from the first? How do you prepare for the second round? Can you do the job? When you are asked back for a second interview it means that you are considered a viable candidate for the position and you are qualified to do the job. Second interviews vary with each company. Since you are going to meet with different people, you can expect to be asked some of the same questions, beginning with "Tell me about yourself, or "Walk me through your resume." Do we like you – are you going to fit in? They know you have the skills by now, and will be looking to see personality and cultural fit. You will be measured against other candidates who have applied for the same position. It is important that you leave the interviewer with something to make you "remembered." Think of five strengths you have and pick the one that you feel differentiates you from the pack. **End Summary** Topics: preparing for the second interview]]> salary negotiation]]> benefits]]> research]]> 2nd interview]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Carole Martin is America's #1 Interview Coach. Celebrated author, trainer, and mentor, Carole can give you interviewing tips like no one else can. Her workbook, "Interview Fitness Training - A Workout With the Interview Coach," has sold thousands of copies world-wide. Sign Up to Receive Free Weekly Interview Tips from Carole Martin, The Interview Coach at The Interview Coach

Putting Yor Best Foot Forward May Start With Your Shoes - Dressing For The Job Interview

Fri, 07 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0500

If you were to ask 100 people their opinion about what to wear to an interview, the majority would answer, "Dress on the conservative side." With that in mind, here are some suggestions on how to put your best foot forward – shoes and all. - Closed-toed shoes are the way to go. Flip-flops, open-toed, or backless shoes are taboo. Run-down or worn shoes are a definite sign that the person wearing them does not care about grooming – or detail. - Jackets should be conservative - not be the type worn as outerwear. Leather jackets are too casual for most interviews – save these for your leisure time. - Grooming is everything – unwashed hair or extremely long or uncut nails are a real turnoff. You should be clean and groomed regardless of the level of the job. - Don't overdo anything – this goes for jewelry – one pair of earrings – one ring per hand. No face jewelry allowed. - Dress appropriate to the environment. No short skirts, shorts, or leggings in the interview. In most jobs it is best to leave your jeans at home. **End Summary** Topics: dressing for the job interview]]> what to wear to the job interview]]> how to dress for an interview]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Carole Martin, America's #1 Interview Expert and Coach, can give you interviewing tips like no one else can. Get a copy of her FREE 9-part "Interview Success Tips" report by visiting Carole on the web at The Interview Coach

Practicing Your Job Interview Skills - Makes A Perfect Job Interview

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0500

PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE! As after any workout you may feel overwhelmed (sore muscles). Don't despair. It will get easier after the groundwork is done. It is very important that you continue to work out. Practice, practice, practice, and become stronger, smoother, and more comfortable. The goal is not to become over-rehearsed and stiff, but to be prepared and natural. Can you imagine an actor going into a performance without a rehearsal? This is your time to prepare and rehearse. It is important that you continue to work on your communication skills. If you feel you need one-on-one help, consider working with a professional, or work with a friend or relative who will give you positive and constructive feedback. It is also important that you practice the right way. If you keep practicing, but are repeating mistakes, you will not improve. Think about a tennis or golf swing - it takes a pro to show you the right way. Maybe you won't get a job offer every time, but preparation will greatly improve your chances and your confidence. Treat each interview as a new learning experience. You may even begin to enjoy the process - some people do! **End Summary** Topics: practice interviews]]> practice interviewing]]> mock interviews]]> how to practice interviewing]]> interview skills preparation]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Carole Martin is a celebrated author, trainer, and mentor. Carole can give you interviewing tips like no one else can. Try her practice interview and pick up a copy of her FREE 9-part "Interview Success Tips" report by visiting Carole on the web at The Interview Coach

How Your Listening Skills Can Help You Get The Job You Want

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0500

It's In The Ears If you thought interviewing was only about answering questions, you've been missing the point. You've also been missing an opportunity to gather valuable information. Listening is one of the skills most underutilized by candidates. Most people go into the interview thinking and worrying about how they will answer the questions, and they forget that they are there to find out about the job and the company. They forget to listen, observe and read between the lines. Ready to Answer Questions The first candidate, Reena sat answering questions and waiting for her turn. When asked, "Do you have any questions?" she was ready and took out her list of questions. Sounds like she did everything perfectly. Right? Not quite. She forgot one thing, and that was to listen. If she had been listening, she would have heard the emphasis placed on retention. There were at least three questions asked about her plans for the future; how long she planned to stay with the company; why she had only stayed with her last company two years. If she had been listening, she might have been struck by the focus of these questions. **End Summary** Topics: job interview questions]]> listening]]> job interview skills]]> listen to the interviewer for clues]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Carole Martin, America's #1 Interview Expert and Coach, can give you interviewing tips like no one else can. Get a copy of her FREE 9-part "Interview Success Tips" report by visiting Carole on the web at The Interview Coach

Knowing What You Want in Your Next Job Before Your Job Interview

Fri, 23 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Question – "When have you been most motivated?" This question is more than an interview question; it is a question that you should be asking yourself before the interview. When have you been most satisfied in your work? When did you feel like you were making a difference or making a contribution? Basically, it's about knowing what you want. A simple exercise that will help you answer this question will also help you look inside yourself to think about what you want "more of," and what you want "less of" in your next job. People usually perform at a higher level if they are satisfied with the work that they do – and as a result are more motivated to give 100% - plus. Exercise to Find the Answer An exercise that will help you with the answer to this question as well as assist you in looking inward to determine when you were working at your fullest potential is a simple one. Begin by making a list of the tasks at your last job – the tasks that you were particularly proud of, or were energized by. In other words, "when your job turned you on. **End Summary** Topics: finding the right job]]> knowing what you want in a job]]> before the interview]]> prepare]]> job satisfaction]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Carole Martin, The #1 Interview Coach in America, is a celebrated author, trainer, and mentor. Carole can give you interviewing tips like no one else can. Get a copy of her FREE 9-part "Interview Success Tips" report by visiting Carole on the web at The Interview Coach

Follow-Up After The Job Interview - To Send or Not to Send a Letter

Sat, 17 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Your letter could be the tiebreaker between you and two, or even three, candidates so put some thought and effort behind what you say. Even if it doesn't get you the job, what do you have to lose – the cost of a postage stamp? Hedge your bet it could land you a job. To send or not to send - will it really make a difference? Catherine was looking for a business analyst for a position that had been vacant for four weeks. She was eager to hire, but wanted the right person in the job. She had narrowed the field to three candidates, Jim, Kelly, and Steven. She had promised to call them by Friday, and on Wednesday afternoon she was still vacillating. Each had a strength she was looking for, but each also had some issues that had made her stand back and be objective. Jim had held several jobs in the last few years. Would he stick around for the tough times ahead? Kelly was ambitious, but didn't have the depth of experience interacting with difficult people. **End Summary** Topics: job interview follow up]]> follow up letters]]> send a follow-up letter]]> how to followup]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Carole Martin, America's #1 Interview Expert and Coach, can give you interviewing tips like no one else can. Get a copy of her FREE 9-part "Interview Success Tips" report by visiting Carole on the web at The Interview Coach

Asking for Feedback After a Job Interview

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Asking for Feedback Imagine leaving the interview with a report on how you did and where there were some concerns. Not in this lifetime! You're not asking for a lot. You would just like to hear how you did - where you are lacking, or how you could improve your skills for your next interview. But, you may find it difficult to get a straight answer. The standard notification is something like, "We have identified a candidate (or several candidates) with experience that more closely matches our current staffing needs." What was it about those other candidates that matched so closely? Will they tell you? You Can Always Ask The answer is always, "No," unless you ask the question. Most HR departments have policies against giving out interview information. They fear claims of discrimination if a candidate misinterprets the feedback. But, every once in a while, you will get lucky and find someone who is willing to give you a break. They might be willing to tell you something that is quite revealing. **End Summary** Topics: job interview feedback]]> asking for feedback]]> how did I do at the job interview]]> interviewing techniques]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Carole Martin, America's #1 Interview Expert and Coach, can give you interviewing tips like no one else can. Get a copy of her FREE 9-part "Interview Success Tips" report by visiting Carole on the web at The Interview Coach

Pesky Job Interview Questions That Keep Coming Up

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Those same questions keep coming up – in every interview. They can be tough ones because they are about you and your thinking process. Preparing for them ahead of time can save you some grief during the interview. What are your weaknesses? The most dreaded question of all. Handle this question by minimizing the weakness and emphasizing the strengths. Stay away from personal qualities and concentrate on professional traits: "I am always working to improve my communication skills so that I can be a more effective presenter. I recently joined Toastmasters which I find very helpful." Why should we hire you? Prepare and know your product – YOU! Summarize your experiences: "With five years' experience working in the financial industry, and my proven record of saving the company money, I could make a big difference in your company. I am confident I would be a great addition to your team." Why do you want to work here? The interviewer is listening for an answer that indicates you've given this some thought, and are not sending out resumes just because there is an opening. Doing research should give you plenty of reasons why you want to work there. **End Summary** Topics: Job interview questions]]> prepare for questions that will be asked in a job interview]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Carole Martin is a celebrated author, trainer, and mentor. Carole can give you interviewing tips like no one else can. Try her practice interview and pick up a copy of her FREE 9-part "Interview Success Tips" report by visiting Carole on the web at The Interview Coach

What If You Receive More Than One Offer For a Job?

Mon, 05 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0500

More than one offer – caught off guard In a tight job market multiple offers sounds too good to be true. So, what's the problem? Choose the one that pays the most and move on. Wrong! If you don't take time to evaluate the offers you could find yourself right back in job search within a short time. Pat began his job search two months ago with minimum responses. He had interviews, even second and third interviews, but no offers. Then, all of a sudden, within one week, two companies called and made good offers. He is taken by surprise and caught off guard. How does he go about choosing the right one? He needs to get back to work and start paying off some bills, but he is anxious about the present economy. Which of these companies is going to survive and even thrive? He's done his research and knows the backgrounds of the companies, but there is something missing. Something he needs to do before he makes his decision. Assessing your wants and needs He seeks out the help of a friend who is in the recruiting business to get some advice. **End Summary** Topics: job offers]]> multiple job offers]]> accepting a job offer]]> which offer to accept]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Carole Martin is a celebrated author, trainer, and mentor. Carole can give you interviewing tips like no one else can. Try her practice interview and pick up a copy of her FREE 9-part "Interview Success Tips" report by visiting Carole on the web at The Interview Coach

Turn Up Your Listening Skills During the Job Interview

Fri, 02 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0400

It's In The Ears If you thought interviewing was only about answering questions, you've been missing the point. You've also been missing an opportunity to gather valuable information. Listening is one of the skills most underutilized by candidates. Most people go into the interview thinking and worrying about how they will answer the questions, and they forget that they are there to find out about the job and the company. They forget to listen, observe and read between the lines. Ready to Answer Questions The first candidate, Reena sat answering questions and waiting for her turn. When asked, "Do you have any questions?" she was ready and took out her list of questions. Sounds like she did everything perfectly. Right? Not quite. She forgot one thing, and that was to listen. If she had been listening, she would have heard the emphasis placed on retention. There were at least three questions asked about her plans for the future; how long she planned to stay with the company; why she had only stayed with her last company two years. If she had been listening, she might have been struck by the focus of these questions. **End Summary** Topics: listening during the job interview]]> interviewing]]> how to answer questions]]> job interviewing]]> job search]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Carole Martin is a celebrated author, trainer, and mentor. Carole can give you interviewing tips like no one else can. Try her practice interview and pick up a copy of her FREE 9-part "Interview Success Tips" report by visiting Carole on the web at The Interview Coach

More Companies Using Job Interview Phone Screening

Sat, 27 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0400

Planning and preparing before you begin to send out resumes could save you some embarrassing moments when you receive that unexpected call. You just never know when that phone is going to ring. Let's say the phone rings just as you are about to sit down for dinner, but this time it's not a pesky telemarketer -- it's a company recruiter calling. The voice on the other end of the phone says she is calling about a resume you sent in six weeks ago. "What -- six weeks ago? I sent out 40 resumes in the past six weeks? Who exactly are you and what was the job you are calling about?" You've been caught off-guard! The telephone "screen call" can come at any time -- day or night. Some interviewers find evenings the best time to catch people at home, where they will be able to talk more candidly. That being the case, you should be on-call and prepared to receive a telephone interview at any time. Even though you cannot control the timing of these calls, there are some steps that you can take to not be caught off-guard. 1. Get organized. **End Summary** Topics: prepare for a job interview]]> when have you been most motivated]]> job satisfaction]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Carole Martin is a celebrated author, trainer, and mentor. Carole can give you interviewing tips like no one else can. Try her practice interview and pick up a copy of her FREE 9-part "Interview Success Tips" report by visiting Carole on the web at The Interview Coach

Job Interviewing and the Blind Date

Wed, 24 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0400

There are several similarities between dating and interviewing. Observing two scenarios - Bob's blind date and Judy's first interview demonstrates some behaviors in either situation that are positive and negative. Imagine Bob in the interviewer role in the blind date situation and Jane as the candidate in the job scenario. 1. Before the interview thinking Bob: "I really need someone in my life and I am willing to take anyone who is a warm body." Jane: "I really need a job – I'm so desperate, I'll take anything." "Desperation vibes" can be spotted at first site. Avoided by staying focused on the experience and not the result. 2. The first impression – chemistry Bob feels the connection with his date – "She is exactly what I have been looking for." Jane gets a negative feeling from the interviewer – stiff and formal. Chemistry is felt and an opinion is formed in the first few minutes of a meeting, based on appearance, and body language. 3. Getting to know each other Bob watches and listens intently to confirm his first opinion of his date. **End Summary** Topics: job interviewing]]> Carole Martin]]> job interview outcomes]]> analysis]]> possible outcomes]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Carole Martin is a celebrated author, trainer, and mentor. Carole can give you interviewing tips like no one else can. Try her practice interview and pick up a copy of her FREE 9-part "Interview Success Tips" report by visiting Carole on the web at The Interview Coach

How to Survive the Job Interview If You Are Tanking

Fri, 19 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0400

How To Know You Are Tanking 1. Watch the interviewer's eyes. An interviewer that is simply going through the motions will not make eye contact. Check for a glazed or glassy stare and heavy eyelids. 2. Listen carefully. A bored or disinterested interviewer may quietly hum a tune, whistle softly, or shuffle papers repeatedly. 3. Observe actions. Constant watch- or clock-checking, the eating of a sandwich, and lots of phone calls are all signs that a job offer is not forthcoming. If You Are Late 1. Call ahead. If you are stuck in traffic or otherwise running late, call. Ask if you should reschedule or if you should come in anyway. 2. Clean up. If you are sweaty and disheveled, ask to use a bathroom before meeting your interviewer. If you are nervous, put anti-perspirant on your palms and face (make sure it's clear) to reduce moisture. 3. Apologize, but do not overdo it. Say you are sorry for your tardiness, but do not give a sob story: Never discuss personal information in a job interview. If You Are Asked a Difficult or Leading Question 1. Always respond with a positive. **End Summary** Topics: job interview]]> late for the itnerview]]> difficult questions]]> personal questions]]> at the interview]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Carole Martin is a celebrated author, trainer, and mentor. Carole can give you interviewing tips like no one else can. Try her practice interview and pick up a copy of her FREE 9-part "Interview Success Tips" report by visiting Carole on the web at The Interview Coach

The Job Interview Follow Up Letter

Tue, 09 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0400

Your letter could be the tiebreaker between you and two, or even three, candidates so put some thought and effort behind what you say. Even if it doesn't get you the job, what do you have to lose – the cost of a postage stamp? Hedge your bet it could land you a job. To send or not to send - will it really make a difference? Catherine was looking for a business analyst for a position that had been vacant for four weeks. She was eager to hire, but wanted the right person in the job. She had narrowed the field to three candidates, Jim, Kelly, and Steven. She had promised to call them by Friday, and on Wednesday afternoon she was still vacillating. Each had a strength she was looking for, but each also had some issues that had made her stand back and be objective. Jim had held several jobs in the last few years. Would he stick around for the tough times ahead? Kelly was ambitious, but didn't have the depth of experience interacting with difficult people. **End Summary** Topics: job interview follow up]]> letter]]> writing a followup letter]]> what to say in a follow up letter]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Carole Martin is a celebrated author, trainer, and mentor. Carole can give you interviewing tips like no one else can. Try her practice interview and pick up a copy of her FREE 9-part "Interview Success Tips" report by visiting Carole on the web at The Interview Coach

Matching Your Qualifications With Their Needs

Thu, 04 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0400

The number of resumes received by employers continues to be overwhelming as the job market begins to pick up this year. The challenge for you, as a job seeker, is to get your cover letter/resume noticed - to stand out from the crowd. More and more candidates are using a cover letter/resume that demonstrates the "match" between the employer's requirements (Your Needs) and the skills and experience that they have to offer (My Qualifications). An example of this type of cover letter/resume is shown below. For some candidates this can be a very effective tool. Your Needs - Marketing Experience My Qualifications: *5 plus years as a marketing consultant. *Significant consumer-oriented technology marketing in the retail industry. Your Needs - Product Management experience My Qualifications: *Led product marketing efforts for an online store. *Spearheaded product management efforts for major retail chain as a product manager. Your Needs - Analytical abilities My Qualifications: *Excellent qualitative and quantitative marketing analysis with high impact results. Your Needs - Interpersonal Skills My Qualifications: Leadership qualities with the ability to lead projects and teams to highly successful outcomes. Ability to communicate through presentations to all levels of management. Strong ability to influence others. **End Summary** Topics: Job qualifications]]> matching needs with qualification]]> how to determine your qualifications for a job]]> job interview qualifications]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Carole Martin, America’s #1 Interview Expert and Coach, can give you interviewing tips like no one else can. Get a copy of her FREE 9-part "Interview Success Tips" report by visiting Carole on the web at The Interview Coach

Making a List and Checking it Twice - Before Your Job Interview

Mon, 24 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0400

Some people are more organized than others, but it never hurts to have a checklist to make sure you're prepared for your upcoming interview. Preparation for the interview â€¢ Read the job posting over several times read between the lines what will it take to do this job? Personality traits, skills, knowledge and experience? â€¢Take a piece of paper and write, "What they are looking for." Compare that against your qualifications "What you have to offer." â€¢Research the company, and the industry, and the competition. â€¢Prepare a "personal statement" summarizing what you have to offer. This information can be used to answer open-ended questions like "Tell me about yourself" â€¢ Write at least five success stories to answer behavioral interview questions. ("Tell me about a time whenâ€¦," or "Can you give me an example of a timeâ€¦.") â€¢ Answers to the 10 most common interview questions Tell me about yourself. -- Why did you leave/are you leaving your last position? -- What do you know about this company? -- What are your goals? -- What are your strengths/weaknesses? -- Why do you want to work for this company? -- What has been your most significant achievement? **End Summary** Topics: job interview check list]]> preparing for a job interview]]> how to prepare]]> interviewing]]> check list of job interview preparation items]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Carole Martin, America’s #1 Interview Expert and Coach, can give you interviewing tips like no one else can. Get a copy of her FREE 9-part "Interview Success Tips" report by visiting Carole on the web at The Interview Coach

Pre-Job Interview Thinking - Knowing What You Want

Mon, 17 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0400

Question "When have you been most motivated?" This question is more than an interview question; it is a question that you should be asking yourself before the interview. When have you been most satisfied in your work? When did you feel like you were making a difference or making a contribution? Basically, it's about knowing what you want. A simple exercise that will help you answer this question will also help you look inside yourself to think about what you want "more of," and what you want "less of" in your next job. People usually perform at a higher level if they are satisfied with the work that they do and as a result are more motivated to give 100% - plus. Exercise to Find the Answer An exercise that will help you with the answer to this question as well as assist you in looking inward to determine when you were working at your fullest potential is a simple one. Begin by making a list of the tasks at your last job the tasks that you were particularly proud of, or were energized by. In other words, "when your job turned you on. **End Summary** Topics: before the job interview]]> pre-interview thinking]]> know what you want before the job interview]]> interviewing skills]]> interview coaching skills]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Carole Martin, America’s #1 Interview Expert and Coach, can give you interviewing tips like no one else can. Get a copy of her FREE 9-part "Interview Success Tips" report by visiting Carole on the web at The Interview Coach

Job Interviewing and The Electric Toothbrush

Sat, 15 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0400

Many electric toothbrushes have a shut off mechanism that turns off the toothbrush after two minutes of brushing which is the time that someone decided was enough teeth-brushing for any one period. Coincidentally, it turns out that two minutes (or less) is the recommended time period for the desired length of any one answer during the interview. When answering an interview question it is best to be as focused as possible so that you can be succinct and to the point in as little time as possible two minutes. . When you ramble and bring in details that are not relevant to the question, you lose your audience, who in this case is your interviewer. A successful answer to an interview question is one that addresses the question asked and gets to the point while not rambling. Here are two examples of answers to the same question. Note how one question addresses the question, and one rambles on and is not specific. Question Asked: Can you give me an example of a time when you worked on a project that required a great deal of written communication? Rambling Example: "I've always been a good writer. **End Summary** Topics: answering job interview questions]]> how to answer interview questions]]> answers to interview questions]]> interview answers]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Carole Martin, America’s #1 Interview Expert and Coach, can give you interviewing tips like no one else can. Get a copy of her FREE 9-part "Interview Success Tips" report by visiting Carole on the web at The Interview Coach

Interview Bloopers And How To Correct Them

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0400

I'm sure you've sat through movie or TV "bloopers" at the end of shows and laughed at the mistakes the actors make during the filming of the show. If I could put together a film with bloopers that people make in interviews it might seem funny as well but not when it happens in real life - to you! How do you avoid bloopers? First you become aware of what some of the pitfalls of interviewing are and then you prepare and practice so that it won't happen to you. Here are 10 of those very pitfalls to watch for. 1.Poor non-verbal communication slouching fidgeting lack of eye contact It's about demonstrating confidence - standing straight, making eye contact, and connecting with a good, firm handshake. That first impression can be a great beginning, or a quick ending to your interview. 2. Not dressing for the job or company "over casual" Today's casual dress codes in the office, do not give you permission to dress as "they" do when you interview. It is important to look professional and well groomed, above all. **End Summary** Topics: interviewing mistakes]]> how to recover from interview mistakes]]> problems with an interview]]> job interview errors]]> job interview mistakes]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Carole Martin, America’s #1 Interview Expert and Coach, can give you interviewing tips like no one else can. Get a copy of her FREE 9-part "Interview Success Tips" report by visiting Carole on the web at The Interview Coach

No Time To Prepare For The Job Interview?

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0400

You didn't see it coming at least not this fast. The call came in last night and you have until Friday to prepare for that important interview and today is Tuesday. What to do!! Don't panic. You can prepare in three days by using this step-by-step guide. If you don't have three days you may have to stay awake a little longer to prepare by compressing the exercises. Day One Key Factors The first step is to get a copy of the job posting and study it. Read it first for content, the second time for words, and the third time for the factors that are needed to do this job - reading between the lines. By doing this exercise you will be able to identify the "Key Factors" needed for the job. For example, if there are many references to "deadlines and pressure," you will need good "Time Management Skills." That will become one of the factors that you will prepare to discuss and how you work well with deadlines and pressure. How Do You Fit The Requirements? Next, do a quick exercise comparing what they are looking for against what you have to offer. **End Summary** Topics: quick interview tips]]> interview preparation]]> how to prepare for an interview]]> job interview]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Carole Martin, America’s #1 Interview Expert and Coach, can give you interviewing tips like no one else can. Get a copy of her FREE 9-part "Interview Success Tips" report by visiting Carole on the web at The Interview Coach

Don't Discount the Temporary Position Interview

Fri, 07 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0400

If you think, "it's just an interview for a temp job -- no big deal," that's where you're mistaken. Some wonderful opportunities, networking connections and careers have resulted from temporary positions. Temporary assignments today run the gamut from receptionist to CEO and beyond. And since an agency is usually the first contact with the company, much of the marketing and negotiations have been done for you. And if you believe "but the interview is set up and all I have to do is show up," you're wrong again. The mind set you bring to that interview will make a big difference as to whether or not you get the job. Most employers like to conduct interviews for temporary positions, even though they are slated only for a few weeks or months of service. They are particularly concerned about people in positions of higher responsibility. The employer is interested in selecting quality people who can be trusted with company information, knowledge and secrets. Steps to Take to Prepare For Your Interview -- Step #1 - Do Your Research. Many companies have Web sites where you can access valuable background information to use in your interview. **End Summary** Topics: temporary jobs]]> interviewing for a temp position]]> temporary possitions]]> interviewing skills]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Carole Martin, America’s #1 Interview Expert and Coach, can give you interviewing tips like no one else can. Get a copy of her FREE 9-part "Interview Success Tips" report by visiting Carole on the web at The Interview Coach

Assessing Your Skills: What Makes You Different from All the Others?

Wed, 05 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0400

Summary Make yourself stand out from the competition. The three skills categories. Put the 3 P's of marketing to work for you. Gina had recently been laid off after working as a marketing manager in a high tech company for the past five years. She was distracted as she walked through the aisles of the supermarket. She was thinking about ways to market herself into a new job. She stood in front of the cereal selection, overwhelmed by the number of brands to choose from -- more than 100 varieties. Suddenly, it dawned on her: This must be what it's like for hiring managers to look at all those resumes received in answer to ads and postings. How do they choose? What do they look for? How does one get selected? How can I make my product stand out? The Packaging The packaging on the cereal box is certainly the start. Eye-catching colors and descriptive words will draw attention -- low fat, energy boosting, added vitamins -- all the things consumers are looking for. But what are employers looking for? The words you choose will be key. Using words that will interest the companies will grab their attention. **End Summary** Topics: interview follow up]]> followup]]> after the interview]]> how to follow up]]> how long to wait before followingup]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Carole Martin, America’s #1 Interview Expert and Coach, can give you interviewing tips like no one else can. Get a copy of her FREE 9-part "Interview Success Tips" report by visiting Carole on the web at The Interview Coach

Three Common Deadly Mistakes Made In Job Interviews

Tue, 04 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0400

As with any workout/fitness training you must make a commitment in order to improve your skills. You must be willing to put in time and energy and take an active part in the process - to build up your interview muscles. The interview is a type of performance, or presentation. You will need to do some preparation and have a rehearsal. You will need to put effort into your exercises to become a stronger presenter. The goal is to be prepared and natural. Since no two interviews are alike, it is difficult to be prepared for what lies ahead, but you can focus on your presentation skills, which may be even more important than what you have to say. Three areas of performance, which should be considered dangerous and deadly, are worth spending some time thinking about before your next interview. 1. Poor non-verbal communication image It's about demonstrating confidence â€¢ Stand straight, and make good eye contact. (Note the color of the interviewer's eyes.) â€¢ Connect with a good, firm handshake. (There's nothing like a limp response in a handshake.) â€¢ Sit erect and lean forward in the chair, appearing interested and attentive. **End Summary** Topics: interviewing mistakes]]> interview]]> job interview]]> preparation]]> at the interview]]> presentation skills]]> interviewing skills]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Carole Martin, America’s #1 Interview Expert and Coach, can give you interviewing tips like no one else can. Get a copy of her FREE 9-part "Interview Success Tips" report by visiting Carole on the web at The Interview Coach