Employment Interviewing

百宝箱 · 发表于 2006-6-12 11:09:31

Employment Interviewing
               Seizing the Opportunity and the Job


Interviewing  is the most stressful part of the job search for many
people. But it doesn't have to be. Interviews are an opportunity to show
you are an enthusiastic worker who would do a job well.

You can make the most of that opportunity by being prepared, presenting
a professional demeanor, and describing your qualifications well.

There are many types of interviews: screening interviews, designed to
whittle the applicant pool; longer second and third interviews, intended
to help employers make final selections; and telephone and video
conferencing interviews, arranged to capitalize on available technology.

Although these interviews often have different purposes, they all
require basic interviewing skills. Read on for advice about what to do
before, during, and after a job interview. The sidebar on page 17
discusses ways to enlist good references, and the special feature on
page 19 offers tips about job fairs.

Preparation

Career counselors say a good job interview starts well before the
jobseeker and interviewer meet. Preparation can be as important as the
interview itself. Researching, practicing, and dressing appropriately
are the first steps to making the most of a job interview.

Research. One of the best, but most fre-quently overlooked, ways to
demonstrate enthusiasm for a job is to research both the company and the
position for which you are being interviewed. Employers say they are
impressed by well-informed jobseekers.

Before arriving for an interview, you should know what the company does,
how large it is, any recent changes it has undergone, and what role you
could play in its organization. Try to learn about the company's goals
and values. With these facts, you can show how your qualifica-tions
match the company's needs.

The company itself is often the easiest place to start your search. Many
businesses fill their websites with information tailored to jobseekers.
These sites often include a history of the company and a description of
its products and customers. And many companies' human resources
departments will send recruiting information if you request it.

Public libraries and career centers also have valuable information about
employers, including companies' annual reports to shareholders, reports
kept by local chambers of commerce, trade journals, and business
indexes, such as Hoover's Business Index and Dun and Bradstreet.

Practice describing yourself. Another important step in preparing for a
job interview is to practice describing your professional
characteristics. Think of examples from past jobs, schoolwork, and
activities to illustrate important skills. Recalling accomplishments
beforehand, when you don't have to respond under interview pressure,
will strengthen your answers during the actual event.

Every interview will be different, and there may always be surprising
questions. Nevertheless, interviewers suggest rehearsing with a career
counselor or friend to gain confidence and poise. As a starting point,
try to respond aloud to the following:

* How would you describe yourself?

* What did you like most about your last job?

* What types of courses do you enjoy most?

* Why should I select you over other applicants?

* What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?

* What are your hobbies?

* Tell me more about the project you described on your resume.

* Describe a work or school-related problem and how you solved it.

* Tell me about a time you worked as part of a team.

* What are your short-term goals?

* Why do you want to work in this occupation and for this company?

Each question gives you an opportunity to illustrate your favorable
characteristics. When responding, focus on subjects related to the job.
For example, if asked to describe yourself, talk about your professional
characteristics and background, not your personal life.

Some questions -- such as those about hobbies or interests -- may seem
irrelevant. Interviewers ask these types of questions to learn about
your personality and test your interpersonal skills. In addition,
answering questions about your hobbies or interests allows you to
highlight some of your other strengths. Participating in a sport might
demonstrate teamwork; ability in a craft, such as needlepoint, shows an
attention to detail.

Career centers and libraries have many books with additional questions
and possible answers. The goal is not to memorize responses to these
questions but to become comfortable speaking about yourself, your
training and experience, and your career goals. Responding to interview
questions should not sound as if you are reciting a script.

Whatever the question, be ready to accentuate the positive. The
interviewer might ask for a weakness or failure; choose one that does
not affect your ability to do the job, or describe a shortcoming you are
working to overcome. For example, if interviewing for an entry-level
job, cite your lack of paid experience. If there are weaknesses evident
on your resume; or transcript, such as being fired from a job or
receiving poor grades, rehearse an explanation before the interview in
case you are asked about them. Focus on what you learned from the
experience, being careful never to criticize a previous employer or
coworker.

Dress professionally. Securing a job is much easier if you look the
part. A useful guideline is to dress as you would for an important day
on the job, like a meeting with a supervisor or a presentation to a
client.

Clothes should be clean, well fitting, and wrinkle free. Most employers
expect jobseekers to wear a traditional two-piece suit, preferably in a
conservative color such as navy blue, gray, or black. The object is to
look reliable, not trendy. Many employers say that women's skins should
be knee-length or below.  Polished, closed-toe shoes complete the
professional image.

Avoid last-minute clothing disasters by trying on your suit a few days
before the interview. And plan for the unexpected: if you will wear a
skirt, buy an extra pair of stockings; if you have shoes that tie, get
more shoelaces. Bring such extras along with you the day of the
interview.

Keep hair neat by tying it back, putting it up, or cutting it short.
Avoid cologne and perfume, large pieces of jewelry, and heavy or
unnatural makeup. These distract the interviewer from your
qualifications.

to be continued………………………………………………

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