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How to Interview Successfully - 12/5/2008 6:57:39 AM

xxblushesxx

Posts: 9318
Joined: 11/3/2005
From: Kentucky
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...sorry I got nothin'.

But a job interview later. And this time it's one I really want.

Suggestions, anyone?

Tia!

_____________________________

~Christina

A nice girl with a disturbing hobby

My femdom findom blog: http://www.MistressAvarice.com

Post #: 1

RE: How to Interview Successfully - 12/5/2008 7:10:00 AM

Aneirin

Posts: 6121
Joined: 3/18/2006
From: Tamaris
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Be yourself, as anything else will soon be found out if you get the job.

Be honest and turn any negatives into positives, show your ability not to take negatives as dead ends.

< Message edited by Aneirin -- 12/5/2008 7:12:43 AM >

_____________________________

Everything we are is the result of what we have thought, the mind is everything, what we think, we become - Guatama Buddha

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(in reply to xxblushesxx)

Post #: 2

RE: How to Interview Successfully - 12/5/2008 7:11:05 AM

celticlord2112

Posts: 5732
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quote:

ORIGINAL: xxblushesxx

...sorry I got nothin'.

But a job interview later. And this time it's one I really want.

Suggestions, anyone?

Tia!

First and most important....remember you are the greatest thing since chocolate. Confidence is as attractive to employers as it is to potential relationship partners. Slow down, take your time to answer questions, don't rush and stumble over words.

Second....ask questions of them. Interviews should be a two-way street. The more interest you show in the company and the job overall, the more likely you are going to come across as someone who can integrate into the existing staff.

Third....sell yourself. This goes back to the first point. You need to project confidence, but you also need to display value. The employer is going to hire the person whom he or she believes brings the greatest value to the table. Show the interviewer how you are a valuable person, a valuable professional, and a valuable worker.

Fourth.....take lots and lots and lots of good luck and positive vibes from me!

_____________________________

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Post #: 3

RE: How to Interview Successfully - 12/5/2008 7:16:44 AM

Mercnbeth

Posts: 11766
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~Christina,

Preparation.

Try and know as much about the company and the specific job you want as the person interviewing you. Bring up the competition, the economics of the job, and the company's history. If it's a public company, do some research on the executives. If the company has a mission statement answer a question pointing to how you can serve it. I don't know the level of position you are seeking, or the company, but if it's public try and raise points from the public record and/or public financial statements that would be pertinent to the conversation and/or the job you are seeking.

When money comes into the picture provide answers that would indicated you will be adding equal value to the company. Make sure they know how they can't live without you as an employee. When answering questions, try to provide examples of something you've done in the past that illustrates your ability and past success.

Ask questions as well as answer them; not just regarding salary and benefits, but about the chain of command and/or any opportunity for advancement. If the interview is with a person outside HR and a line manager ask him/her how they achieved their position. In general getting the interviewer to talk about themselves leaves them with a positive impression of you.

Before leaving ask for the job. As an answer to the last question the interviewer always asks; "Is there anything else you'd like to know?" Answer - "Yes - when can I start?"

Good luck!

(in reply to xxblushesxx)

Post #: 4

RE: How to Interview Successfully - 12/5/2008 7:25:32 AM

Termyn8or

Posts: 18681
Joined: 11/12/2005
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You should've asked yesterday, give people some time. Some detail would help, like what kind of job it is, if it is something in which you have experience etc.

So a short question on short notice, you get a short answer. Confidence. Exude it. "I can do this". "This is similar to what we did at........." . Have your answer ready if/when they ask "Why aren't you still there ?".

T

(in reply to xxblushesxx)

Post #: 5

RE: How to Interview Successfully - 12/5/2008 7:30:05 AM

xxblushesxx

Posts: 9318
Joined: 11/3/2005
From: Kentucky
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I am soon graduating with an associate's degree in paralegal studies from an ABA approved program.
The position is paralegal.
The company is a bankruptcy firm. (small)

Thanks for all your help so far!

_____________________________

~Christina

A nice girl with a disturbing hobby

My femdom findom blog: http://www.MistressAvarice.com

(in reply to Termyn8or)

Post #: 6

RE: How to Interview Successfully - 12/5/2008 7:31:54 AM

xxblushesxx

Posts: 9318
Joined: 11/3/2005
From: Kentucky
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Mercnbeth

Before leaving ask for the job. As an answer to the last question the interviewer always asks; "Is there anything else you'd like to know?" Answer - "Yes - when can I start?"

Oooooh! Good one!
There was a lot of good info in your answer! Thanks!
And everyone else who answered was very helpful too!

_____________________________

~Christina

A nice girl with a disturbing hobby

My femdom findom blog: http://www.MistressAvarice.com

(in reply to Mercnbeth)

Post #: 7

RE: How to Interview Successfully - 12/5/2008 7:37:12 AM

windchymes

Posts: 9410
Joined: 4/18/2005
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I've been told a couple of times in my life that "I hired you because you were the only one who looked me in the eye". That, along with a confident handshake, not a limp cold fish one given all girly-style with the fingertips. Also, during the interview, I try to sit back in the chair and appear comfortable to be there. I don't mean all comfy in the chair, but sitting back against the backrest, not perched on the edge of the seat; hands relaxed, not clenched and trembling in your lap; smiling, or at least a pleasant expression on your face, not like deer in the headlights ready to bolt. People like to talk about themselves, so if there is something of interest in the room, like a family portrait, a pet portrait (pet people LOVE to talk about their pets...if they didn't, they wouldn't have a portrait of them at work!), vacation photographs, or any interesting chotchkee sitting on the desk or credenza, you can make a casual comment or ask them a brief question about it. ("Your kids are beautiful", "Ooh, where did you go diving?") It's a nice, brief ice-breaker, you appear relaxed, they relax and then the interview can begin.

I've been hired because I was the only one who called back after a few days to "touch base" and see if a decision had been made yet.

I always send a brief thank-you note, thanking them for the interview, saying I was impressed with the company and what it had to offer (if I really was impressed and wanted the job) and that I was very excited about the opportunity to work there should the position be offered to me.

Make yourself stand out in some tasteful way, if even by only making eye contact when answering their questions.

P.S. Good luck!

< Message edited by windchymes -- 12/5/2008 7:40:03 AM >

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You know it's going to be a GOOD blow job when she puts a Breathe Right strip on first.

Pick-up artists and garbage men should trade names.

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Post #: 8

RE: How to Interview Successfully - 12/5/2008 7:38:30 AM

Venatrix

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Joined: 11/28/2007
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Don't forget to send a short, handwritten note on a business-like card after the interview, thanking the interviewer for his or her time, and mentioning how much you would like to work there. I usually take the notecards with me to the interview already filled out, then pop them in a letter box as soon as the interview is over; that way, they get there the next day. Make sure you take a few extras just in case they have you meet people you hadn't expected to meet at that time. It's the little details that will set you apart from the rest, especially if you don't have a lot of experience in this field.

Damn, Windchymes, you beat me to it!

< Message edited by Venatrix -- 12/5/2008 7:39:27 AM >

(in reply to xxblushesxx)

Post #: 9

RE: How to Interview Successfully - 12/5/2008 7:41:50 AM

xxblushesxx

Posts: 9318
Joined: 11/3/2005
From: Kentucky
Status: offline

Wind,

I used to be a manager, and did my fair share of hiring.
I've noticed men have that "comfortable" thing down pat.
I have been trying to emulate it for a while now, but...I'm a jumpy person anyway, and it's very difficult for me to pull off.
I'm still trying though.

_____________________________

~Christina

A nice girl with a disturbing hobby

My femdom findom blog: http://www.MistressAvarice.com

(in reply to windchymes)

Post #: 10

RE: How to Interview Successfully - 12/5/2008 7:43:37 AM

windchymes

Posts: 9410
Joined: 4/18/2005
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: xxblushesxx

Wind,

I used to be a manager, and did my fair share of hiring.
I've noticed men have that "comfortable" thing down pat.
I have been trying to emulate it for a while now, but...I'm a jumpy person anyway, and it's very difficult for me to pull off.
I'm still trying though.

Yeah, but we women have that "faking it" thing down pat

You can do it!

_____________________________

You know it's going to be a GOOD blow job when she puts a Breathe Right strip on first.

Pick-up artists and garbage men should trade names.

(in reply to xxblushesxx)

Post #: 11

RE: How to Interview Successfully - 12/5/2008 8:21:16 AM

calamitysandra

Posts: 1682
Joined: 3/17/2006
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Mercnbeth
Before leaving ask for the job. As an answer to the last question the interviewer always asks; "Is there anything else you'd like to know?" Answer - "Yes - when can I start?"

Lots of good advice in all the above posts.
The only thing I can think of in addition is to dress classy,and appropriate to the job that you are there for. However, if possible, do not choose new clothing that you are unused to, but something you know you will feel comfortable, and confident wearing.

As for Mercs last point, well, I would advice against using it. It sounds arrogant in my ears, giving the impression that there can not be any other possibility. Plus, you might make the interviewer feel uncomfortable with that.
I for one would not like being confronted with that at the end of an interview I was conducting.

_____________________________

"Whenever people are laughing, they are generally not killing one another"
Alan Alda

(in reply to Mercnbeth)

Post #: 12

RE: How to Interview Successfully - 12/5/2008 8:24:45 AM

LadyHibiscus

Posts: 27124
Joined: 8/15/2005
From: Island Of Misfit Toys
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Remember that YOU are also interviewing THEM! I do like Merc's suggestion, but I would only use that line if I actually wanted the job, and felt like it would actually fly, and not make the interviewer uncomfortable.

Good luck, and have FUN.

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[page 23 girl]

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Post #: 13

RE: How to Interview Successfully - 12/5/2008 8:25:21 AM

xxblushesxx

Posts: 9318
Joined: 11/3/2005
From: Kentucky
Status: offline

hmmm.....

I think I would have laughed. But I can see where you're coming from.

Much to think about.

_____________________________

~Christina

A nice girl with a disturbing hobby

My femdom findom blog: http://www.MistressAvarice.com

(in reply to calamitysandra)

Post #: 14

RE: How to Interview Successfully - 12/5/2008 2:14:27 PM

Mercnbeth

Posts: 11766
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: calamitysandra

quote:

ORIGINAL: Mercnbeth
Before leaving ask for the job. As an answer to the last question the interviewer always asks; "Is there anything else you'd like to know?" Answer - "Yes - when can I start?"

As for Mercs last point, well, I would advice against using it. It sounds arrogant in my ears, giving the impression that there can not be any other possibility. Plus, you might make the interviewer feel uncomfortable with that.I for one would not like being confronted with that at the end of an interview I was conducting.

Sandra,
You raise a great interview scenario. Were I back in my old corporate training days, I would have used it for role play.

Would you want to work for someone who wouldn't hire you for being that aggressive? Would you impress a person to put you over the top by asking?

Sandra and I interview with the same questions and getting the same sense of the applicant. Ask her, and you go to the bottom of the pile; ask me and you go to the top. Don't ask, and you just get in the pile of both.

There's something to be said for studying the body language of the interviewer.

(in reply to calamitysandra)

Post #: 15

RE: How to Interview Successfully - 12/5/2008 2:21:22 PM

SteelofUtah

Posts: 5307
Joined: 10/2/2007
From: St George Utah
Status: offline

Have to Agree with Merc on this one.

Corporate Hiring Firms are taught to look for the competitive edge and it is one of the things Raport Leadership International which is Taught using Tony Robbins Business Planning Programs says to do the exact same thing. If you want to be hired from an interview when you walk in you need to already have the job.

I Don't ask when I can start but rather "So Do I start Monday?" they may laugh it off but they will remember you when it comes time for the secondary interview. In at least three situations in my life I was told Yes you start on Monday after asking this question.

The Interviewer is there for the job not to worry about the person who is giving the interview they are to answer thier questions and prove why they should be hired instead of the other people in the lobby it is because of this that you should know the company and act as if you already work there. It shows you are INVESTED in the company and this is something that both Business wise and Psycologically will put you as a front runner when applying.

Does this work for working at a Gas Station Attendant? Maybe not as well but it does still work.

If you want this job just go in there knowing that they are already going to hire you.

Steel

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Thanks for the Grammatical support : ) ~ Term

(in reply to Mercnbeth)

Post #: 16

RE: How to Interview Successfully - 12/5/2008 5:55:13 PM

NuevaVida

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Partial repost from an earlier thread about resumes:

* Be confident in your interview. Practice with someone if you feel you might be rusty in your interview skills. You don't want to get there and start stuttering nervously while trying to come up with your answers to their questions. Also, this is your interview, too, meaning you should interview them as much as they are interviewing you. Do your homework about the company and ask questions about what direction they're taking, and about the department you're interviewing to be placed in - what are their goals and objectives, what projects do they have on the horizon, etc.

* Know why you want to work there. The odds are, you'll be asked. You love what they do, and why. You are impressed with their company values (this is where doing your homework pays off). They make a great product and you want to be part of it, or they have a great reputation in the community, etc.

* When you receive an offer, a rule of thumb I have often heard (and only occasionally exercised) is whoever states a dollar figure first loses the negotiation. While this is not always true, there is some substance to that. Do your homework - go to www.salary.com to research what the going salary is for that particular position in that particular area in that particular industry. The Bureau of Labor Statistics site can also be helpful in this regard.

* Be careful about name-dropping, if you already know someone in the organization. Unless done with great finesse, name-dropping can be obvious and annoying, and can work against you.

* Dress for success! Wear a suit and present yourself as well put together, alert, and ambitious.

I would also add, while you want to look good, be comfortable in what you're wearing, too. If you have an awesome suit but it's not comfortable to wear, you might inadvertently end up fidgeting in it.

_____________________________

Live Simply. Love Generously. Care Deeply. Speak Kindly.

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Post #: 17

RE: How to Interview Successfully - 12/5/2008 6:12:09 PM

TheHeretic

Posts: 19100
Joined: 3/25/2007
From: California, USA
Status: offline

My last job interview (for a job I was completely unqualifed for, on paper at least), the guy heading the panel commented on my tie. I told him he could have it.

I've been there about a year and half now...

_____________________________

If you lose one sense, your other senses are enhanced.
That's why people with no sense of humor have such an inflated sense of self-importance.

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Post #: 18

RE: How to Interview Successfully - 12/5/2008 6:52:41 PM

xxblushesxx

Posts: 9318
Joined: 11/3/2005
From: Kentucky
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Thanks, all!

The person who interviewed me made it clear that they do not enjoy interviewing. They are the top-gun in the firm.
I let them know why I like their company, and why I think I would be a good fit. (all true)
I also asked them when they were looking for someone to begin, and they said "yesterday". I let them know that I could not begin yesterday, but that I do have finals on Monday, and would be thrilled to begin on Tuesday.
As far as looking alert, I was dismayed to realize, after showering, doing my hair, make-up and dress today, that...I may not look as alert as I normally would. I am in the middle of finals, HM is sick, and gave it to me (which means I sounded like Rudolph today), and it's quite possible, that I could lose 3/5ths of my family that is older than me very soon. All people who mean the world to me.
But anyway, I need to work, and this company would be ideal to me.
I do believe that I was honest, sincere, and (hopefully) impressive enough so that I will get a call back.
If I could choose any firm in town, this would be on my top three.
*crosses fingers*

_____________________________

~Christina

A nice girl with a disturbing hobby

My femdom findom blog: http://www.MistressAvarice.com

(in reply to TheHeretic)

Post #: 19

RE: How to Interview Successfully - 12/5/2008 7:34:44 PM

NuevaVida

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Oops I didn't realize I posted my little list after the fact. But I'm glad it went well. Let us know when you start!!

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Live Simply. Love Generously. Care Deeply. Speak Kindly.

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Post #: 20

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