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Preparing for a Job Interview
Written by: Lisette HowlettArticle Overview: No matter how confident you are interview preparation is critical to good interview performance and landing your dream job. Here are some suggestions on making a success of your job search.
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Free Download - Tackling Barriers to change By Lisette Howlett |
Preparing for a Job Interview
Preparing for job interviews is something that you
may not think too important, but most of us get to our first interview
- the first in years perhaps - and lack of planning becomes fairly
obvious. With a job interview where you really are excited about
getting a job offer, this can be hugely disappointing and the chances
are the interviewer has planned well and knows what they want to hear
and what they are looking for. Given how much time and effort you need
to put into getting the interview it makes sense to ensure that you
give yourself the best possible chance of success at the actual
interview
There are so many places you can find advice on job interview techniques that it can be a bit overwhelming, we put together below two key areas to focus on in order to assist in preparing for your next interview and making a fantastic impression:
Dress to Impress
Your interviewer will make an assumption as to what type of person you are when you arrive, and they will make this assumptions within the first few seconds of you walking through their door. This is important.
Dressing smartly doesn't have to mean dressing like everyone else - if you want to show a little bit of your personality, and it's the right environment to do so, then add a bright colour under that suit or a subtle piece of jewellery. Your attitude to work, and of course to the interview itself, can be read by what you are wearing and how you hold yourself so dressing to impress can mean thumbs up or down at your interview. Interviewers want to feel that you have taken their job and their company seriously and taking time over your dress and general appearance goes some way to giving them this assurance.
We always try to dress for the job that we want, so if you want to be the next Marketing Director or Stylist, dress in the way you would expect them to and let a little bit of your personality out!
You also need to ensure that you are comfortable in the chosen outfit. So wear it around the house a bit, practice sitting and getting up (in front of the mirror). You do not want to look like this is the first time you have every dressed like this!
Be Positive
The best interview advice anyone can give you is to remain positive - about yourself, your views and of course your last employer/s. If you left your favourite job because you and your manager clashed, then you might not want to go into detail instead preferring to say you left to find similar work which was better paid, or that you wanted to find a more career-minded company, or you wanted a new challenge. Things like this don't need a mention, but of course you will normally be asked why you left a role or why you took on a particular job. Think positively and this help you shine at your interview. Always be honest but be circumspect at the same time - this is not a counselling session but a job interview. Remember also that the interviewer will have in the back of the mind that this is how you will talk about them and their company in the future.
Related ArticlesThere are so many places you can find advice on job interview techniques that it can be a bit overwhelming, we put together below two key areas to focus on in order to assist in preparing for your next interview and making a fantastic impression:
Dress to Impress
Your interviewer will make an assumption as to what type of person you are when you arrive, and they will make this assumptions within the first few seconds of you walking through their door. This is important.
Dressing smartly doesn't have to mean dressing like everyone else - if you want to show a little bit of your personality, and it's the right environment to do so, then add a bright colour under that suit or a subtle piece of jewellery. Your attitude to work, and of course to the interview itself, can be read by what you are wearing and how you hold yourself so dressing to impress can mean thumbs up or down at your interview. Interviewers want to feel that you have taken their job and their company seriously and taking time over your dress and general appearance goes some way to giving them this assurance.
We always try to dress for the job that we want, so if you want to be the next Marketing Director or Stylist, dress in the way you would expect them to and let a little bit of your personality out!
You also need to ensure that you are comfortable in the chosen outfit. So wear it around the house a bit, practice sitting and getting up (in front of the mirror). You do not want to look like this is the first time you have every dressed like this!
Be Positive
The best interview advice anyone can give you is to remain positive - about yourself, your views and of course your last employer/s. If you left your favourite job because you and your manager clashed, then you might not want to go into detail instead preferring to say you left to find similar work which was better paid, or that you wanted to find a more career-minded company, or you wanted a new challenge. Things like this don't need a mention, but of course you will normally be asked why you left a role or why you took on a particular job. Think positively and this help you shine at your interview. Always be honest but be circumspect at the same time - this is not a counselling session but a job interview. Remember also that the interviewer will have in the back of the mind that this is how you will talk about them and their company in the future.
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Article Tags: appearance, assumption, assumptions, attitude, bright colour, getting a job, interview techniques, interviewer, interviewers, job interview, job offer, key areas, little bit, marketing, nbsp, personality, preparing for job interviews, stylist, subtle piece, taking time
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Re: New forum - online businesses!
- Thanks Evan for this great Interview and I will be pleased to be part of the new forum on online businesses!
The Game Inventor's Guidebook
- by Brian Tinsman, 2002
I checked this out of my local library today and its pretty interesting... didn't address what I wanted to know, which was how to actually design an online gaming system (indeed this doesn't cover online games at all), but for board games etc. it's pretty good.
Here's the TOC:
1. How they diid it:
Trivial Pursuit
Magic, the Gathering
Dungeons & Dragons
Pokemon Trading Card Game
Interview with an inventor
Interview with a publisher
2. How the industry works
1. What's in it for you
2. How new games happen
3. Anatomy of a publisher
4. Markets for games
3. Games and companies you should know
1. Mass market games you should know
2. Mass market companies you should know
3. Hobby games you should know
4. Hobby companies you should know
5. American specialty games and companies you should know
6. European specialty games and companies you should know
4. Self publishing
1. What am I getting into
2. Before you print
3. After you print
5. Selling a game step by step
1. How to invent a game
2. Game design
3. Game development
4. Targeting publishers
5. Before you submit
6. Eight submission strategies
7. Contacting publishers
8. Protecting your property
9. What to do if they don't say yes
10. What to do if they do say yes!
11. The game industry's dirty little secret
6. Resources and examples
Publishers and mnufacturers
Distributors
Brokers
Game conventions and trade shows
Industry publications
Sample query letter
Sample record of disclosure
Sample licensing agreement
Sample option agreement
Preparing for the worst - long
- These forums exist to help entrepreneurs start and successfully maintain their businesses, but I thought I'd get in a thread about entrepreneurs protecting their families should the unexpected happen, and they pass on in a car crash, plane crash, natural or man-made catastrophe.
No one expects to die - even old folks! - but especially not young, healthy, strong folk like most of us here. But, as is evident any time you read the news...stuff happens.
So, what happens to [i:4atezzia]your [/i:4atezzia]family if you die? Or are seriously injured...or if your house is leveled by fire or flood?
Do you have a will? Does your will state who in your family is to get what, so that there will be absolutely no argument come probate time? Better to get everything in writing so that there will be no bad feelings when the time comes.
Do you have insurance, including long-term disability insurance? If you've got a family, this is something you need to have, even if you have to scrimp and save to pay the premiums.
Same goes for funeral insurance. Funerals are very expensive, and your family shouldn't have to come up with that money on their own when they're busy trying to grieve.
What will happen to your business if you die? Is there enough money to pay your creditors? Will your family be able to figure out who your creditors are? Where your stocks and bonds are? And so on.
We're living in an increasingly uncertain world. Preparing for the future is imperative.
Actress Sarita Chou
- I've subscribed to the Ladies Who Launch newsletter, and share their feature articles here. However, there's lots more on offer at Ladies Who Launch so I suggest you also subscribe...
Meet Sarita Choudhury Interview
The voice on the audio book of Jhumpa Lahiri's The Namesake belongs to Sarita Choudhury. Suspended without visual cues, Choudhury's proper English narration belies the actress's rich cultural background. Her Bengali mother and British father married in Jamaica but her primary education took place in Italy and Canada. Her career was launched when she costarred with Denzel Washington in Mira Nair's film Mississippi Masala. Choudhury's gone on to portray a number of exotic, if troubled, women including a Chilean maid, a lesbian mother, and a Pakistani country-western singer.
But Hollywood is as famous for its films as it is for its cutthroat competitive culture. It's a crazy soup of idol worshipers, egomaniacs, high rollers, taboo-breakers, and dreamers of every stripe all stirred up together. Throughout her career, Choudhury has remained true to herself and relatively unscathed. She's made the most of the experience while standing solidly on the ground -- priorities in place and gaze steady toward the future.
Acting boot camp
I spent a year touring the world with Declan Donolan and his theater company Cheek By Jowl. For the first six months I wasn't very good, but Declan didn't care. He taught me how to learn from my mistakes. It was the hardest training I've ever had. When I got a little better I could see him smiling with me. It was really fun. I think he changed everything for me. When I left the theater and got back into film I felt like I had a real base.
It's funny how the image of show business is so bad. Truthfully I only meet supportive people. Even if it's a bit fake sometimes, it definitely always feels supportive.
The big time
Denzel Washington had just got the Oscar for Glory and he was a big star but it was new to him, so it was kind of charming. I was so beside myself working with him (on Mississippi Masala). I was just so shy. He used to say to the director "Do you think she's ever going to speak?" and still I wouldn't. But I had no problem when the camera was rolling. That's how I knew I loved acting. It was just like - I couldn't be at all outside of that.
The underrated art of listening
Being part of many cultures I think has made me very open to other people. But when I first came to University in North America I met many people who, if I mentioned that I grew up in Rome, would respond by saying "I've been to Rome" and they'd proceed to tell me all about their experience. But they would never ask me a thing. And so I thought "How do people learn?"
I think if you meet great people you often find that they ask many questions and they listen. When I meet a great teacher or a great mentor, I find that they know so much because they listen. They have nothing to defend, nothing to prove.
When I walk into an audition I really look at everyone and smile. Then I just sit down and listen to what they have to say - I don't just launch into my own thing.
Finding a mentor
I saw Mira Nair's early documentary work and recognized that she had a very strong voice. Then I discovered that she was also doing feature films in Mumbai. I felt a connection to her. I'd gone from studying arts theory and criticism to acting. There was something familiar in her transition from documentary to features. And of course she was an Indian and living outside of India. Here was a role model that really fit. My feelings towards her work were so strong that it seemed very natural for me to reach out to her. Like most things if you really feel that connection, it gives you the courage to reach out to that person.
Resilience and rejection
Oh my God, rejection happens all the time. But if I don't hear back from the agency I don't ask why. I don't really want to know. I mean, unless I've done something outrageous. But in general there's so many reasons why you don't get a role that I'm used to it now. I am sure I've made a complete fool of myself. And the thing is... you keep going.
Every rejection is heartbreak. The trick with acting is that you have to really fall in love with a role to do it well so then if you don't get it, it hurts. You have to get thick-skinned but not so thick-skinned that you lose your sensitivity. Actors have to have access to their emotions. It's a fine line.
On acting
I tend to go for one thing only. When I look into my interviews from the time of my first film, they seem like pretentious. But what was interesting about those interviews, people would ask me - "Do you want to direct, do you want to write?" and I'd always say, "No, I just want to act." I'm still like that now. I would always pursue acting over anything else.
A woman of the world
I think that if you don't travel, you get brainwashed. Travel is so important. You must see things for yourself. The more you witness, especially internationally, the more you're able to judge as opposed to just showing off. With travel and a lot of reading definitely comes an open mind.
Instinct = shine
I think we all have instincts. You might see someone walking down the street and they just look great -- what they wear seems right for them, and yet it wouldn't be right for you. When people really go for their instincts, they shine.
Happiness is success
I'm lucky enough to work and live in New York City. But I don't work all the time. If I lived in LA, I'd work much more. Often people ask me why I don't move to LA. They ask if I'm scared of success and I say no, not at all, I love success, I'm not scared of success a bit. But I just feel happier in New York and that is a form of success.
I think true success is really about being happy. I go to yoga, which is all about getting to a point where you are just naturally in a state of happiness. And I thought wow; people have to work to get to this place, because life is so stressful nowadays.
Ruling the world
It's shocking that women haven't ruled the world. In a way they do. I mean, it depends on what world you're looking at. There are so many -- the world of children, the world of the heart. Women are already so successful that you want to say, "Don't change what you're doing. Just know that if it makes you happy, it works."
This Featured Lady was profiled by Noa Jones, a writer based in New York City.
Erica Ehm profile, Ladies Who Launch
- Meet Erica Ehm Interview
Meet Erica Ehm in Toronto at Ladies Who Launch LIVE on September 29.
Erica Ehm rocks.
And she does it with the lights on. At least, she used to. One of Canada's most recognized media personalities, Erica was barely in her 20s when she became the first female video jockey on Canada's MuchMusic cable TV station. Erica went on to launch a multi-media career that has included television, radio, film, theater, journalism, songwriting, and music publishing. The birth of her son, Joshua, however, changed her pace and direction on a dime.
As a new mother, she found herself confused, afraid, isolated and depressed, and she wasn't alone. Yummy Mummy Club was launched to create an online community for women with "kids, guilt and no time for themselves."
Cheeky and playful, it speaks to "finding the impossible balance between the single sexpot she used to be, the woman she's become, the professional she works hard to be, the wife she aspires to be and the mother she has to be."
What I learned from Erica: the key to success is to dream. "To make your dream come true, you first have to have a dream." And,"You have to be very specific as to what you're trying to achieve. Go at it, day in and day out. Meet people. Network. Use others' expertise to your mutual benefit. Find the 'frenemies' around you. And, be prepared for more work than you ever thought possible."
Birth of a Video Jockey
"I always wanted to be in music and acting. They were my passion, and, as a VJ, I could combine the two.
"When I was 16, I worked at a local radio station. My next jobs were at larger radio and TV stations. They saw that I was passionate and driven. I was able to make a demo tape and I basically thrust my talent on MuchMusic.
"I also ran the school yearbook, wrote a student newspaper column and did my college yearbook. A pattern emerged that I didn't notice. It was that I've always been a spokesperson for my generation."
School of Hard Knocks
"I went to the school of hard knocks. I learned on the job. I had no formal training, script or director and I was on the air live for four hours every day. I survived and flourished."
Fearless Good Girl
"I learned to be fearless in front of an audience and camera.
"I was creating my own persona and messaging from the time I was in my early 20s on live national TV. This forced me to examine my priorities and what kind of message I wanted to send.
"I positioned myself as a good girl, an inspiration and a role model, as opposed to the party animal rock and roller. I used the platform to spread inspiration to young people and women. No one ever wrote a script for me. It all came from my heart."
Ups and Downs of Celebrity
"I was somewhat of an introvert and initially not comfortable with people. I just wanted to interview rock stars and understand their creative abilities. I didn't think about and wasn't prepared for celebrity.
"It did allow me the opportunity to get my message out. I learned how to use the media for my own ways and how to navigate an interview."
Shock of Motherhood
"I was totally unprepared for the psychological, emotional and physical changes when I had my son, Josh. I did all the research, but it hit me over the head like a hammer. I was in a fog and totally depressed and terrified."
Dirty Little Secrets
"I wondered if anyone else was having such a terrible time. Out at parks and places, I started to talk to other mothers and tell them my experiences.
"They'd say, 'Me, too.' I realized it was a dirty little secret that no one is sharing because they're too ashamed that they're not the perfect mother.
"I thought, there has to be some way to talk to moms and tell them they're not alone, that we're all going through same thing and it's OK."
Yummy Mummy Club
"I wanted to create a place on the internet to share and celebrate our lives as mothers. The idea was to stop talking to moms like they're just moms.
"We are women first. Part of the discussion will be about motherhood, but we are also lovers, girlfriends, athletes and so much more. A mother is not just a caretaker of children. So many of us forget that when we have a child and start to lose our identity.
Definition of a Yummy Mummy
"It means different things to different people. She's an inspired multi-tasking mom who feels good about herself and takes good care of herself. She's a great role model for her friends, kids and family."
Hooked up With a Delicious Daddy
"A Delicious Daddy is a father who is connected to his family on a domestic level. He doesn't just go to work, come home and say, 'Honey, where's supper?' He's connected on an emotional and physical level.
Imperfect: The New Perfect
"Moms need to lose the guilt and fear. It's all a state of mind. It's important to keep the idea of 'happy mummy, happy family' in perspective. Sometimes a mom has to take care of herself and put her needs first. Refreshed and inspired, she'll be able to be there for her kids in a better way."
Prepare For Chaos
"For all the talk about balance, really there is no balance. As soon as you have it, something goes out of whack. Be prepared for chaos."
Turning Point
"My business model has been based on my own intuition. I built my website by hand myself on intuition. Its message and feel reflected my strong vision. I was a one-woman operation until recently.
"Now I've hit a plateau. I'm still doing most of the hands-on, but now someone does the site for me. I hired a mom-preneur of Craigslist. I've hired a firm to handle the invoicing and I have virtual assistants. My sister in law is the 'prize queen' and she contacts our contest winners.
"I love the transition. I'm very careful about who I'm asking to join my team. Everyone has exceeded my expectations. The secret is, hire moms. They know how to multi-task, they take great pride in their work and they know about self-employment. Moms are the best untapped market."
Yummy Future
"YummyFriends is my new social networking site for women and moms to meet and support each other. It's a place to share sexy secrets,
fave books and cool questions.
"My biggest initiative to date is a user-generated contest to find Canada's Yummiest Mummy. It's a 12-week contest beginning over Labor Day. Thousands of videos will be uploaded and there will be prizes for winners, voters, and people who forward news of the contest. It's a huge undertaking with a cheeky, playful vibe."
Yummy Last Words
'The only way you'll succeed is to put work and time in. It can't be all about money because then you'll start compromising left, right and center.
You have to be consistent about your dream. Have the attitude, 'If you build it, they will come.'
"Starting out in the spotlight so young, I learned that the key to success is to be fearless. Don't be afraid to ask, to take chances and to risk being turned down. Roll with the punches and get back up."
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