11+-+During+the+Interview

=  The Job Interview =

This site will help you ace that interview; see below for some great tips on getting the job of your dreams.



**Want to Prepare for Your Interview? Check Out the Other Wikis Pages for More Help**

 * What will they ask? Here is a list of Possible Interview Questions
 * What is the best way to Prepare for a Job Interview ?

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Deal With Your Nervousness Before You Get to the Interview
Unsure how to deal with the pre-interview jitters? Brian Krueger from CollegeGrad.com addresses 3 tips to help with nervousness.

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 * If the rowboat technique discussed in the video is not enough to calm your nerves and keep your head clear, there is another technique that requires a bit more calming concentration. In this technique you would still use muscle contractions, but instead, while seated, contract (or curl) the muscles in your toes. Slowly work your contractions all the way up your body by contracting the next set of muscles and relaxing the previously tense muscle area. This should have your body and mind relaxed.

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10 Tips for a Successful Interview

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 * **Dress appropriately.** See Professional Dress for detailed advice on suitable interview attire.
 * **Be on time.** It's a good idea to arrive at least 10 minutes early for your interview. Make sure to allow time for accidents, construction, etc. in your travel time that could make you late. Arriving late to an interview makes a bad first impression which is really hard to make up for.
 * **Bring extra copies of your résumé.** You may need to bring extra copies with you to the interview, just in case. Your extra copies should be bound in a professional padfolio along with a professional pen and your references, so as to give a good impression to the interviewer.
 * **Be aware of body language.** Smile and be confident (there is a reason they asked you for an interview). Give a firm handshake when greeting the interviewer. Maintain good and adequate eye contact and have good posture. Nonverbal actions can show focus and confidence.[[image:http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/img/Bts01_LifeHandShakeHowToInterview.jpg align="center"]]
 * **Give qualitative answers.** Avoid answering questions using simply "yes" or "no" responses. Instead, elaborate on your positive qualities, this is your time to shine. Mention past experiences that could display how well you handled yourself in a tough situation.

Career consultants and others advise how to answer questions effectively so you are addressing why you should be hired for the position. media type="youtube" key="NnVWngElbMw" height="184" width="219" >
 * **Emphasize your strengths.** Inform the employee of your good qualities. Share with them times in which you succeeded in the workplace and/or showed leadership. Don't forget to share with them the skills you posses that may set you apart.
 * **Be honest.** Never lie in an interview. If you have experienced some tough times in the past that may be on your record, it is best to explain the reasons surrounding the incident and elaborate on how you have improved yourself. Falsifying information on a resume or in an interview is grounds for immediate termination, so honesty is always the best policy.

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 * **Ask questions.** See below for a list of questions that you should and should not ask the interviewer along with topics that your questions should cover.
 * **Remain calm.** Try some stress relieving activities before your interview. Everyone gets nervous, it's understandable, so just try to cut down on nervous tendencies such as fidgeting, ringing your hands, twirling your hair, etc. Practicing the interview ahead of time will help you feel better prepared.
 * **Close the job interview positively.** Make sure to thank the interviewer for his/her time and shake the interviewer's hand. Let them know that you look forward to hearing from them and re-express your interest in a position with their company. Make sure to answer all their questions and have a few of your own prepared.

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Be Aware of Your Environment!
- [] - Warner, Anna (2009, January 16). Interview Strategies. Presented at an AEE3033c lecture at the University of Florida.
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 * **Position Yourself for Comfort, Professionalism.** After the initial handshakes and introductions, make sure you adjust the chair and position yourself **comfortably** . There's nothing wrong with adjusting your chair and position towards the beginning of the interview. You **do not** want to find yourself adjusting yourself during a critical moment of your interview. This initial positioning can help keep you comfortable, and help you relax during a potentially long and tough interview. And remember, position yourself in professional manner!




 * **Sit Professionally.** Believe it or not, the way you sit during an interview can communicate all types of messages. Arrogance, lack of confidence, and lack of interest can all be exuded based on how you sit. The most important thing to remember is to sit up straight. Sit with **good posture** - straight and upright body. Men should sit with their legs straight forward; women can cross their legs at their ankles. **Do not** slouch, lean back, lean forward, or sit with your legs far apart. Fold your hands in a professional manner, and avoid keeping your elbows on the table.

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 * **Be Aware of Distractions.** Turn off your cell phone. Take your keys out of your pockets. Do your shoes squeak? You <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">**don't** want to be distracted while your interviewer asks an important, deep question that requires a well thought-out response. You know yourself best, and try to remove and avoid all distractions before and during the interview. Just as well, you don't want your interviewer to undermine your good responses because you are distracting him/her with your gum chewing.
 * **Avoid Leaning on the Table.** Your interviewer is human as well; you want him/her to feel <span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 0);">**relaxed** during the interview. If you are leaning forward, or on the table, you may come off as too aggressive to your interviewer. The last thing you want to do is <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">**overwhelm** your interviewer. This clip from NBC's The Office shows how a character can come off as too aggressive.

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 * **Fidgeting.** Do you have any nervous habits? Does your foot shake when you get nervous? The best way to avoid fidgeting is to become <span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 0);">**aware** of your habits. Practice your interview with family, or friends, and see if your fidgeting is manifested. If you recognize your fidgeting, you have a better chance of preventing them during an interview. 5 minutes to the interview, practice the <span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 0);">**rowboat** technique (or its <span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 0);">**alternative** as stated above); it will help with your fidgeting.


 * **What can an Interviewer see?** Your body can say a whole lot without talking. During an interview, the employer is not only listening to your responses, but he/she is also watching your physical actions. Be aware of this, and act appropriately. This all goes back to the lingering theme of <span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 0);">**professionalism** . Be professional in all that you say, all that you don't say.



= And remember to... = source[|: http://www.afge.org/Index.cfm?Page=HowToCorner&file=archives/2004_09_24.htm]

Brian Krueger from CollegeGrad.com discusses the importance of eye contact during an interview.
 * **Show confidence**[[image:http://www.blogstew.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/confidence.gif width="220" height="231" align="center"]]
 * **Maintain eye contact**[[image:http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v413/n6856/images/413589aa.2.jpg width="264" height="359" align="center"]]

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 * **Keep a positive attitude**


 * **Have a firm handshake**


 * **Research the company beforehand**

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<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">source: [|http://www.nbcactionnews.com/content/financialsurvival/workerswanted/story/10-Things-Not-To-Do-During-Your-Interview/Jho_7Zcq4EeMjZfmNQpB8Q.cspx] <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"> You got the interview! Avoid making these 10 mistakes to assure you will not sabotage your chances.
 * 1) **Complain about parking**
 * The interviewer already deals with parking on a daily basis. They don't need to hear your complaints too.

2. **Bad-mouthing your previous job, manager, or company**.
 * This will only reveal a nasty side to your character. No company wants an employee that is going to bash someone's reputation. It just looks bad.

3. **Digging into details off the bat**.
 * Keep it simple. Once you get the job they'll fill you in on all the important details. Until then, just focus on yourself and why you should be hired.

4. **Groveling**.
 * Revealing yourself as a beggar won't give the interviewer any sympathy for you. Be confident - this is a much better tactic.

5. **Answering a question before you understand it**.
 * It's perfectly okay to take a few seconds to think about your answer. The interviewer is not looking for you to babble your way through an answer. You want to make yourself stand out, so make sure your thoughts are together and you have the perfect response.

Here is an example of how an interview can go very wrong even if a large amount of time was spent preparing for possible questions. The lesson to be learned: It is OK to stop for a moment and think before responding to the interviewer!

media type="youtube" key="lj3iNxZ8Dww" height="195" width="210" 6. **Spacing out**.
 * Make sure you're giving the interviewer your undivided attention. If you're already zoning out during the interview, what do you think they will expect you to do once you have the job?



7. **Slouching.**
 * Sit up straight and be alert. This is not the time to kick back and relax.

8. **Cursing**.
 * Letting loose during an interview is not going to give anyone the right impression. Make sure to censor yourself if needed. You may be representing this company in the future - they need to know that you can act professionally.

9. "**Opening the kimono**."
 * Unemployment rates are up, but you don't want to bring this negative energy into the interview. Although you may be struggling to find a job, keep it to yourself and stay focused on the available position.

10. **Doing anything disgusting**.
 * Remember your manners. If the interviewer sees you picking your nose or scratching your butt, they will most likely be very turned off by you.



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5 More Tips to Follow to Ace Your Interview

 * This video will help you ace that interview and let you know what to do during an interview.

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= Interview Questions =

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 * After you have answered all of the interviewer's questions, it's time to address your own questions and concerns. When the interviewer asks if you have anything you want to ask, be sure to have some thoughts in mind. It is also important to inquire about something mentioned by the interviewer which you would like more information on. In order to leave the interviewer with a lasting impression of you, be confident and show them that you want to know more about the company and the position. Don't be afraid to ask questions, it shows that you are engaged and willing to learn.


 * <span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 0);">Interview Questions to Ask **
 * How would you describe the responsibilities of the position?
 * How would you describe a typical week/day in this position?
 * Is this a new position? If not, what did the previous employee go on to do?
 * What is the company's management style?
 * Who does this position report to? If I am offered the position, can I meet him/her?
 * How many people work in this office/department?
 * How much travel is expected?
 * Is relocation a possibility?
 * What is the typical work week? Is overtime expected?
 * What are the prospects for growth and advancement?
 * How does one advance in the company?
 * Are there any examples?
 * What do you like about working here?
 * What don't you like about working here and what would you change?
 * Would you like a list of references?
 * If I am extended a job offer, how soon would you like me to start?
 * What can I tell you about my qualifications?
 * When can I expect to hear from you?
 * Are there any other questions I can answer for you?


 * <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Interview Questions NOT to Ask **
 * What does this company do?
 * If I get the job when can I take time off for vacation?
 * Can I change my schedule if I get the job?
 * Did I get the job?
 * How much money will I be making at this position if hired?
 * What's your policy for working on holidays?
 * How long do we get for lunch?
 * What is your policy on smoke breaks?
 * What is your policy on interoffice relationships?


 * <span style="color: rgb(255, 35, 0);">Illegal Questions Employer should NOT ask involve **
 * Race, color, national origin, or religion
 * Gender, sexual preference, marital or family status
 * Age or disability

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**More Tips on Questions to Ask**

 * <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"> source: []**


 * Rich Alexander from SellYourSmarts.com provides 5 general topics that should be covered when addressing your questions to the interviewer. By covering these various topics you can discover the pertinent information about the company and the position.

media type="youtube" key="DPHhDnk_0XA" height="181" width="222" You can also look at Group 10'sPossible Interview Questions<span class="wiki_link_new"> to find a more in-depth explanation on what to do.

Now That You Have Mastered the Interview, Check Out the Other Wikis for More Help
After the Interview
 * What to do <span class="wiki_link_new">

Authors: <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Rafael Seminario, Sharon Garner, Amanda Sookdeo, Natalia Menningmann, and Renee Campbell