How To Get That Job
I interviewed teachers and other staff for a school for 14 years. What I learned came from all of the mistakes people would make that would give me the impression that they were not a good match for the job. On the other hand I took note of the characteristics that influenced me to hire someone without any doubt in my mind. I slowly became better and better at determining a good match for a job and a person who would do a great job.
When I went on an interview for United Airlines I dressed in a navy blue blazer white button down shirt, navy and burgundy tie, tan pants and loafers. I was not so surprised when I was one of the few selected from a large group where many people were eliminated, most of whom wore clothing that was not just bad but truly inexcusable. It was then that I understood that dressing for the job one is interviewing for is very important and an essential part of the process. Whether you are interviewing for a major bank or an elementary school making sure that your outfit coincides with the job will get you closer to being hired.
The way you look is going to set the an immediate impression, either good or bad. Make sure it is a great one, down to the shine of your shoes. Navy blue is a perfect color to wear to almost any interview.
Interview tips:
Don't get negative:
Never talk about anything that is negative or can be interpreted as negative. Even if you did not like a co-worker, boss or job it isn't a good idea to frame anyone or anything in a bad light. If you are asked why you left a job one of the best responses are: "it was not a good fit for me". By saying this you are letting the person interviewing you know that for whatever the reasons you left for your own good. That is all you have to say.
Be confident, not arrogant:
It is one thing to be confident but be careful that you are not coming off as arrogant. Confidence is expressed softly while arrogance comes off as harsh. Keep a tone that is humble and confident not arrogant and loud. The tone and words that you use should be one of kindness and understanding, especially if you sense the job is one that merits a person who is both sincere and humble. Arrogance is when you cross the line from confidence to boldness.
Just answer the question, don't elaborate:
When you are responding to a question do your best to be brief and to the point. If you have not said enough you will likely be prompted to elaborate more but if you are not don't take it upon yourself to say too much. It is better to just respond to the question than to be perceived as someone who talks too much and down the road may be a problem. Knowing how much to say is important and less is more.
Ask pertinent questions when prompted:
If you are asked if you have any questions keep them down to a minimum and make sure they are ones that are related to the company. Do your due research on the company so that the questions you ask are related to the company and show you have done your homework. It shows them that you have done some work and taken the time to know what they are about. It is a compliment to anyone who is interviewing you.
Responding to why you should be hired:
When you are asked why you should get the job or you feel you are the best candidate simply say: "I feel I have the knowledge base to do a good job". Responding to this question can be tricky because the temptation is to become nervous and rant. Stay calm and simply respond with one simple sentence that tells them that you have the skills and knowledge to do a good job. Mentioning pertinent experience in a simple statement like: "I feel I have the skills and experience needed to do a good job" is a clean response.
Getting a job is easy when you know how to present yourself. Stay simple and concise in your responses and look at the person in the eyes. Remember that your body language must match what you are staying, taking care not to nod no when you are saying yes and having good posture. Shake the hand of the person you are meeting when you come in and when you leave. Follow up in a day or two by calling and simply checking in, making a comment like: "I enjoyed being interviewed and wanted to check in with you on the status of my employment". Above all be sure to arrive on time for your appointment if not early. Remember if this job is for you then doing your best will land you a position. Stay positive and go in with the intention that if this job is suited for you then it will manifest. Lastly, don't be desperate or appear as though you are desperate, even if you are. And keep that smile on your face and that open heart.
When I went on an interview for United Airlines I dressed in a navy blue blazer white button down shirt, navy and burgundy tie, tan pants and loafers. I was not so surprised when I was one of the few selected from a large group where many people were eliminated, most of whom wore clothing that was not just bad but truly inexcusable. It was then that I understood that dressing for the job one is interviewing for is very important and an essential part of the process. Whether you are interviewing for a major bank or an elementary school making sure that your outfit coincides with the job will get you closer to being hired.
The way you look is going to set the an immediate impression, either good or bad. Make sure it is a great one, down to the shine of your shoes. Navy blue is a perfect color to wear to almost any interview.
Interview tips:
Don't get negative:
Never talk about anything that is negative or can be interpreted as negative. Even if you did not like a co-worker, boss or job it isn't a good idea to frame anyone or anything in a bad light. If you are asked why you left a job one of the best responses are: "it was not a good fit for me". By saying this you are letting the person interviewing you know that for whatever the reasons you left for your own good. That is all you have to say.
Be confident, not arrogant:
It is one thing to be confident but be careful that you are not coming off as arrogant. Confidence is expressed softly while arrogance comes off as harsh. Keep a tone that is humble and confident not arrogant and loud. The tone and words that you use should be one of kindness and understanding, especially if you sense the job is one that merits a person who is both sincere and humble. Arrogance is when you cross the line from confidence to boldness.
Just answer the question, don't elaborate:
When you are responding to a question do your best to be brief and to the point. If you have not said enough you will likely be prompted to elaborate more but if you are not don't take it upon yourself to say too much. It is better to just respond to the question than to be perceived as someone who talks too much and down the road may be a problem. Knowing how much to say is important and less is more.
Ask pertinent questions when prompted:
If you are asked if you have any questions keep them down to a minimum and make sure they are ones that are related to the company. Do your due research on the company so that the questions you ask are related to the company and show you have done your homework. It shows them that you have done some work and taken the time to know what they are about. It is a compliment to anyone who is interviewing you.
Responding to why you should be hired:
When you are asked why you should get the job or you feel you are the best candidate simply say: "I feel I have the knowledge base to do a good job". Responding to this question can be tricky because the temptation is to become nervous and rant. Stay calm and simply respond with one simple sentence that tells them that you have the skills and knowledge to do a good job. Mentioning pertinent experience in a simple statement like: "I feel I have the skills and experience needed to do a good job" is a clean response.
Getting a job is easy when you know how to present yourself. Stay simple and concise in your responses and look at the person in the eyes. Remember that your body language must match what you are staying, taking care not to nod no when you are saying yes and having good posture. Shake the hand of the person you are meeting when you come in and when you leave. Follow up in a day or two by calling and simply checking in, making a comment like: "I enjoyed being interviewed and wanted to check in with you on the status of my employment". Above all be sure to arrive on time for your appointment if not early. Remember if this job is for you then doing your best will land you a position. Stay positive and go in with the intention that if this job is suited for you then it will manifest. Lastly, don't be desperate or appear as though you are desperate, even if you are. And keep that smile on your face and that open heart.
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