09+-+Job+Interview+Preparation

====**Your determination and patience in sending out all those cover letters and résumés has finally paid off — you have been called in for a face-to-face interview! Now you have to prepare for the job interview, and the more you prepare before the interview, the better your chances will be for getting that job. ** ====


====**It is important to practice exactly //how // you will sell yourself to your potential employer, and //how // you will make yourself stand out among all the other qualified applicants during the critical first meeting. ** ====

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=**Ten important tips to help you prepare for a job interview: ** = ====**1. Do your homework: **<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Research the company beforehand so that you can showoff your commitment to the position, and your knowledge about the organization. This will increase your credibility with the interviewer and help you come up with relevant questions (Tip #9) to ask him or her. ====

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====<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">**<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">2. Secure your references: **<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;"> Find at least three people who are willing to serve as your professional references. Call them before your interview to obtain permission to use them as a reference so that they are not surprised or confused when they are contacted by your prospective employer. You should also be 100% certain they will speak highly of you and not negatively if they are contacted by a potential employer. Professional references (previous employers, professors, organizations), as opposed to family and friends, would be more ideal. Click here for more information on references. ====

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====<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">**<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">3. Get Directions: **<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;"> Make sure to find out where the office is, how to get there, how long the trip will take, the name and phone number of the person you will be meeting with, and where you will park. Knowing traffic patterns and times of high congestion are also recommended in estimating your travel time. This will prevent any unnecessary stress before the interview and ensure that you will arrive on time. ====

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====<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;"><span style="font-size: 110%; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">**<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">4<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">. ** <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">**<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Rehearse Beforehand: **<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;"> Prepare answers to questions the interviewer is likely to ask. For practice you can conduct a mock interview with a friend. Remember to come up with honest answers. Try to relate your past experiences and qualifications to the open position whenever possible and appropriate. Remember to be yourself, this will be helpful if you are asked a question that catches you off guard. Employers ask challenging questions or make requests to see if you can think cl early and quickly on your feet when under pressure. Be prepared to answer difficult questions such as the following:  ==== <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">

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 * =====<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Tell me about a time that you were disappointed with your performance? =====
 * =====<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Tell me about a time when one of your weaknesses got in the way of doing your job? =====
 * =====<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">What is the most useful criticism you have ever received? =====
 * =====<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">What is the most important thing you want me to remember about you? =====
 * =====<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Were you ever fired from a job, and if so why were you let go? =====

<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">(Source: www2.hickam.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-080311-029.doc) ====<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">The common trend with difficult questions is that they ask about your weaknesses. Be honest, but chose your examples wisely. In other words, avoid being honest about weaknesses that would hinder your ability to get the job done. ====

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====<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">**<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">5. **<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;"> **<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Look the part: **<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;"> Pick out your outfit several days before the interview and make sure your clothing is clean, neatly pressed, and professional looking. A missing button, stains, or wrinkles will be difficult to remedy the night before. Even if the job you are applying for usually calls for casual wear, show up to the interview in appropriate business attire. Click here for tips on appropriate interview attire.   ==== ====<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">**<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">6. Arrive Early: **<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Punctuality is very important and is the first thing that will speak for you. Arrive at least 15 minutes before the interview. Visit the restroom and check your appearance in the mirror. Announce yourself to the receptionist in a polite manner to let him or her know that you have arrived. Remember that you are still being observed even before the interview begins. ==== ====<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">**<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">7. Bring a copy of your résumé: **<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;"> Make sure that you bring an extra copy of your résumé in your briefcase/padfolio before leaving home. You can also bring writing samples or other professional work in case the interviewer inquires about your quality of work. Prepare all of these things in advance and avoid doing so the night before your interview so you do not forget anything. Always make sure your résumé is up-to-date, and contains all appropriate information, with current information listed first. ==== ====<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">If you do not know where to even begin, try a search on google. There are plenty of sources out there with valuable information. Also keep an eye out for sample résumés, however, be creative and make your résumé your own appropriate style. Interviewers may evaluate the layout and style of your résumé to understand you more. Still confused? Here is a helpful link: [] ====

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====<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">**<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">8. Body language: **<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;"> The interviewer will also be judging your non-verbal language. To make a good first impression: ====
 * ====<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Introduce yourself with a firm handshake, ====
 * ====<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Sit upright - no slouching, ====
 * ====<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Walk with good posture - this conveys confidence, ====
 * ====<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Maintain eye contact - this will let your interviewer know that you are listening to them, ====
 * ====<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Forgo any nervous tendencies if possible- it will prevent any extraneous distractions during interview, ====
 * ====<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Do not forget to smile - this will help you remain positive. You want your interviewer to feel comfortable speaking with you and you want them to see how seriously interested you are in their position. ====

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====<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;"> ==== ====<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">**<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">9. Ask questions: **<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;"> <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">The research you gathered on your prospective employer should have raised some questions in your mind. Now is the time to ask your interviewer for those answers. By expressing your questions and concerns about the company, it will show your level of desire to work for them. If you do not have any specific questions, you should ask for the description of an ideal employee, or how important upper management considers the open position to be. ====

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====<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">**<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">What to ask: ** <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;"> ==== <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"> <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">**<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"> <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">What NOT to ask: ** <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;"> ====<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;"> **<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">10. Follow-up: **<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;"> After the interview, be sure to thank everyone on your way out. When you get home, send a <span class="wiki_link">typed letter or email thanking the interviewer for their consideration, and restating your interest, commitment, and your qualifications for the position. Whether the use of a letter or email depends on the technologies of the company and their processes. It is also a good idea to follow up even after you are not accepted in order to inquire about possible ways to improve yourself as an applicant to better your chances of landing a job at your next interview, or in case you apply for another position with the same company in the future. Be polite and interested, but don't "nag" the employer, as this could decrease your chances of landing the job. <span class="wiki_link_new">Click here for more info on writing your follow-up letter.   ====
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">What are the traits and skills of people who are the most successful within the organization?
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Can you describe the company's management style?
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">How would you describe a typical week/day in this position?
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">What do you like about working here?
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">What don't you like about working here and what would you change?
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">What are the responsibilities of this position?
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Why is this position available? Is this position new? If not, what did the previous employee go on to do?
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Who will be directly supervising my position? If not interviewer, ask to possibly meet supervisor.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">How many people will I be working with?
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Is there any travel involved? If so, how much?
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Is this facility the only companies building? Is the company located anywhere else? Is it possible to be relocated?
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Is working overtime expected?
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">What are the prospects for growth and advancement?
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">How does one advance in the company? Could you give me an example of someone who advanced in this company?
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">If I am extended a job offer, how soon would you like me to start?
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">What can I tell you about my qualifications?
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">When can I expect to hear from you?
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Are there any other questions I can answer for you?
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">What does this company do? (Always do your research ahead of time! Tip #1)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">If I get the job when can I take time off for vacation? (Wait until you get the job offer to discuss prior commitments or conflicts.)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Can I change my schedule if I get the job? (If you need to figure out the logistics of getting to work do not mention it during the interview.)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Did I get the job? (Chances are that at least ten other people are applying for the same positionjob. Do not be impatient or become discouraged, they will get back to you.)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">In the event that you are not accepted, don't sweat it! Thank the employer for his or her time and the opportunity to interview for the position (Tip #10). Do not ask why you were not offered the job because it may come off as being rude. You might want to kindly **<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">ask **<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;"> the employer questions on how you could improve your job hunting skills and resume (if given the opportunity to speak with them again).
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">How long do I have to work here until I can get my first bonus? (While you //<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">are //<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;"> working for money, this type of questions can make you look immature and money-oriented. You want to appear goal-oriented, and you want to show your possible future employer that you will be taking this job seriously.)

<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;"> =<span style="font-size: 120%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 128);">How to deal with pre-interview jitters: <span style="font-size: 120%; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;"> =

[[image:http://holidaylonging.files.wordpress.com/2008/12/19-job-interview1.jpg width="420" height="257" align="right"]]
===<span style="font-size: 108%; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Preparing for a job interview is a stressful event for most people. It is important to deal with this stress and nervousness before the interview because it will prevent you from becoming confused when speaking, feeling you will forget what you prepared to say, and keep you from becoming so nervous while you are speaking that you forget what you know. ===

====**<span style="font-size: 103%; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">There are several things you can do to keep calm before going into an interview while waiting to <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">be called in: **==== <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">

<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;"> <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;"> <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;"> <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">1. Meditate **<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Before you begin your interview, take a moment for yourself to clear your mind. Focus on the positive outcomes and experiences you wish to gain from the interview.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">2. Take deep breaths. **<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Deep breathing is one of the best ways to lower stress in the body. This is because when you breathe in deeply it sends a message to your brain to calm down and relax, and your brain in turn sends this message of relaxation to your body. Breathing deeply helps bring your heart rate and blood pressure down to normal and allows you to relax. ¹
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">3. Imagine or focus on something that calms you. **<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Focus for a moment on a friendly face in the waiting area, think of someone who makes you smile, or think of a place where you can relax (like the beach). Knowing what relaxes you before you get to the interview will be a key factor in lowering your stress level.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">4. Try progressive muscle relaxation. **<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">In progressive muscle relaxation, you tense a group of muscles as you breathe in, and you relax them as you breathe out. You work on your muscle groups in a certain order, usually starting by tensing the muscles in your feet and working your way up. ²

Sources 1. Murray, M. T & Pizzorno, J. E. (2006). //<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Stress management: Textbook of Natural Medicine //<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">. St. Louis: Churchill Livingstone.

2. Payne, R. (2005). //<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Relaxation Techniques: A Practical Handbook for the Health Care Professional //<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">, //<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">3rd ed //<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone.

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=<span style="font-size: 120%; color: rgb(0, 0, 255); font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;"> = =<span style="font-size: 120%; color: rgb(0, 0, 255); font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;"> = =<span style="font-size: 120%; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;"> = =**<span style="font-size: 120%; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 128);">Need more help? Here are some useful links and videos: **=

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<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">** AEE3033- Business and Research Writing ** //<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">**C** ////<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">**ollege of Agricultural and Life Sciences** ////<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">**University of Florida** //<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">
 * PO Box 110270 Gainesville, FL 32611

//Compiled By:// <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Lauren Griffis Norma Lizardo Mina Iravani Robert Scholl <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-weight: normal;"> <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;"> Rachel Rubin 2009 **