Job Search Tips for College Grads

Seven Interview Tips for Success

By: Patricia Dorch

Interviewing is an art of persuasion. It is essential you sell your unique promise of value by communicating your skills and achievements. During the interview listen to the interviewer’s needs and provide examples – short stories of your past work experiences that qualify you for the job. Use interview tips that will position you for success.

1. Receptionist your first point of contact. The interview begins when you walk into your potential employers building. The receptionist role is to observe the time you arrive, your manners, behavior and provide feedback to your interviewer after you leave.  Use these strategies to make your first impression with the receptionist successful.

Do’s:

1. Be on time. Arrive 15-20 minutes prior to your appointment to collect your thoughts and relax.
2. Greet the receptionist with a friendly smile and hello.
3. Clearly state your full name.
4. State the first and last name of your contact and department. Have the phone number or extension available just in case you need it.
5. Inform the receptionist the time of your appointment.

Don’t:

1. Be rude or arrogant to the receptionist.
2. Talk on the cell phone while you are at the receptionist desk.
3. Talk on the cell phone while you are waiting for your contact.

Know your Strengths and What You Have to Offer

Take time to prepare and practice for the interview. Prepare to answer routine questions.  Practice questions about your strengths, weaknesses, problem-solving ability and others based on the job description. It’s natural to be a little nervous – concentrate on being yourself.

2. Establish rapport. As you walk to the interviewer’s office or designated area talk about the weather, non-political news events or general topics. If you are in the interviewer’s office look for conversation topics such as pets, sports, vacation or family pictures, awards or certificates – something you might have in common. This is how you establish rapport. Wait for the interviewer’s cue to start the interview.

3. Communicate your strengths. The best way to communicate your strengths is to tell a short story how you used your skills to achieve goals. Job seekers who do not provide examples of their skills become another candidate with a job description instead of achievements.

4. Dress for success. Men and women should dress for success by wearing a conservative business suit – not a coordinate. Your suit should be in the same fabric and color.

5. Confident. Be confident in your ability to do the job. Maintain positive eye-contact and good posture.

6. Interview Questions.  Be prepared to answer interview questions about previous or current employers. Watch for body language cues or concerns about your skills. Overcome any concern before you move forward with the interview. If you do not overcome the concern you risk not returning for a second interview.

Prepare a list of powerful uncommon interview questions you want to ask your interviewer. These questions will differentiate you from other candidates. Use this strategy to position yourself for a second interview.

7. Close the Interview.

• Ask for a second interview.
• Ask about the next steps in the interview process.
• Thank the interviewer for their time.
• Close the interview by asking for what you want – the job offer.
• Type a thank-you note and mail it within 24 hrs.

Copyright © 2010 by Patricia Dorch. All rights reserved.

Patricia Dorch is the CEO of EXECU DRESS a Business Image and Career Consulting Company. Patricia is a forward-thinking innovative Career Speaker and Strategist – Author of career book: Six Figure Career Coaching Advice: The Ultimate Guide To Achieving Success. Get hired today! Visit: http://www.jobsearchskillsandtips.com Follow me on http://twitter.com/tipsforjobs

Job Search Tips for Older Workers

Six Strategies to Sell YOU!

By: Patricia Dorch

It’s essential you distinguish yourself from other candidates in your industry. Carefully evaluate your skills and identify what makes you different. Use strategies to prepare for your next interview and position you for the close – the job offer.

1. Personal Branding. Personal Branding is one of the most powerful tools for achieving career success. If differentiates you so you can “stand out” from others in any job market.

2. Selling YOU. When you prepare for an interview think of yourself as a service you want employers to purchase.

·        Make a list of your strengths, weaknesses and include an anecdote or example that showcases your strengths.

·        Your strengths reveal why you are valuable to the employer.

·        Provide examples that illustrate how you used your strengths to achieve goals.

·        Discuss strategies you used to improve weaknesses and what you learned.

3. Unique Promise of Value. Ask yourself what can I do better than anyone else? What value and experiences can I deliver that is unique to me? What successes can I bring that add value to this position? Research the company, review the job description and make a list of your important attributes that correspond with the job description, values and vision of the company.

4. Problem-Solver. Most employers will ask you how you solve problems. Do not underestimate the importance of this question. Use past experiences and successes to show how you are an effective problem-solver.

5. Power of Social Networking. Leverage the power of Social Networking by establishing an online presence. Share your expertise and position yourself as an expert in your field by starting a blog. Write articles and submit them to industry websites. Make a name for yourself – brand difference.

6. What’s In It for Me? What can you do for an employer that hires you? What’s in it for them? Clearly communicate strategies you would implement to manage change, problem-solve, lead others and accomplish goals.

Interviewing takes practice - just as you would prepare to make a presentation to a group of people use the same effort for each interview. Rehearsing what you will say out loud will build confidence and allow you to make revisions. The interview goal is to “sell you” and your unique value to get hired.

Copyright © 2010 by Patricia Dorch. All rights reserved.

Patricia Dorch is the CEO of EXECU DRESS a Business Image and Career Consulting Company. Patricia is a forward-thinking innovative Career Speaker and Strategist – Author of career book: Six Figure Career Coaching Advice: The Ultimate Guide to Achieving Success. Get hired today! Visit: http://www.jobsearchskillsandtips.com Follow me on http://www.twitter.com/tipsforjobs