Candidates Tips

Tips for a Successful Interview

Decide what your 5 most marketable skills are, specifically catered to the position. To do so, review your previous experience and determine major responsibilities and special accomplishments. Your 5 best are your most marketable points. Incorporate these points in as many answers and discussions as possible. Repetition works. When you leave, you will stand out in the employer's mind because they will remember your specific accomplishments.
Keeping all answers and statements brief and concise while still mentioning all pertinent information with vocal variety and enthusiasm. This technique will help you come across as interesting and boost the employer's confidence in you.
Also, create and memorize a 60 second speech based on your 5 most marketable points to deliver when the interview is complete. This will leave the employer with confident and positive thoughts of you. This can also be utilized during the "Tell me about yourself" portion of the interview. Don't be afraid to use your 60-second speech more than once.
Your employer is deciding if you are an appropriate person to represent the company. Generally speaking - dress well, appear neat, and lean toward a conservative look. Avoid excessive jewelry, perfume or cologne, unkempt hair, uncared for fingernails, short or sagging socks that reveal a bare leg, and wrinkled clothing.

  • Men should wear a navy blue or dark gray business suit (unless other attire is specified) with a white or blue shirt and conservative tie.
  • Women should go with a business suit, a business coatdress, or a jacket over a skirt (unless other attire is specified). Wear a color that complements you or navy blue is always a safe choice.
Allow a generous amount of time so you arrive early. Get everything done the day before (i.e. fill fuel tank, have suit cleaned, map out directions) to make sure there are no last minute problems. If you arrive excessively early, stay in your car or walk someplace nearby to relax, go over your notes, or review corporate literature.
Wait until after you have been offered the position and even then, keep in mind that the first person to mention money loses in actual dollars. If asked during the interview what type of compensation you would expect if hired, state that you deserve to be compensated fairly and once it is determined you are the right person for the position then an agreement can be worked out. Stress that it is the job itself that it is most important to you.
When the interviewer asks if you have any questions, “No” is not an acceptable answer. Either review your notes and ask a legitimate, insightful question that arose during the interview process or ask a pre-planned question that was not yet answered.
Be straightforward and let the employer know that you want to be a part of their organization.
Be meticulous. It's not a good idea to submit your resume with typos and other blatant mistakes. It implies that you don't pay attention to details or have poor communication skills.
Your resume is your calling card, your very first impression. It requires your utmost attention.
If you can't write well or have doubts about writing your own resume, that's okay. Hire a resume writing service instead. Fees range from just a few bucks to critique your resume, up to $200 or more for consulting and writing packages. It’s worth it. At minimum, use a spell checker or dictionary for all employment-related correspondence, even if you're just sending a quick email.
Some other tips include:

  • Never type your resume in all UPPERCASE characters.
  • Don't include personal details in your US resume.
  • It is illegal for US employers to ask about personal information such as religion or race. There may be exceptions for Affirmative Action programs and jobs that require security clearances.
  • Volunteering unnecessary information may implant negative thoughts
  • Never put your social security number in your resume.

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