Job Interview Tips and Advice - How to Get the Job Interview

How To Get The Job Interview

Scoring the interview for the job that you want doesn't have to be rocket science. Sometimes you can score that interview by simply making a phone call. There are many ways that people go about trying to get an interview. The methods of achieving one vary by company. It is best to know what the company's application process is before taking your first step.

Generally, when a company is hiring they post an ad in the newspaper or an online job bank. How to contact them is usually included in the ad as well. You don't want to email a resume to a company that is requesting that you walk in with your resume. You don't want to call a company that requires a faxed resume etc. Ignoring their initial contacting information will guarantee that you will not get that interview because you have already proven that you can't follow simple directions.

Sometimes, you can get a job lead from a friend before the job has been posted. If this is the case, you can either ask the friend to give the employer your resume and cover letter. If your friend doesn't actually work where the lead came from, you can try calling about the position and ask what the application procedure is.

There are general methods of applying for a job, and include:

MAILING A RESUME

Some companies prefer that you mail in your resume. For this type of approach, it is best to include a cover letter with your resume. The cover is a basic letter that describes the position that you are interest in and a few details of your qualifications and skills. It is basically your lead in to your resume. Before writing your cover letter, you should know whom the letter is to be addressed to. You never want to begin a cover letter with "Dear Sir or Madame" or "To whom it may Concern". It shows that you have not prepared, and that you are not looking for a specific position with their company, but any job that you can get your hands on. Basically, it is disrespectful to your prospective employer.

EMAILING YOUR RESUME

Emailing resumes is becoming a commonplace way for recruiters to get resumes. Most companies offer this method as an alternative to the others. However, there are few tips on how you should go about it. You should attach your resume as a word document or PDF file. These are the most common formats and what most companies will accept. The subject line should read like this: Smith, John (clerical position). This makes it easy for the recruiter to know who the email is from, and what it pertains to. It also assures that your email will be read. Sometimes there are specific methods for addressing an emailed resume. Some companies have certain subject line requirements so follow them. If your company wants you to paste your resume, don't send attachments because your email will be deleted right away.

FAXING YOUR RESUME

Again, you will need to include a cover letter when you fax in your resume. If you are not using your own fax machine, be sure to include your proper contact information. The rules for your cover letter are the same as for mailing your resume. More about cover letters will be provided a bit later on in this book.

WALK IN WITH YOUR RESUME

For this type of application procedure, you will want to dress appropriately. You would want to dress just like you would for an interview. Company's usually ask you to do this if you are going to be working directly with customers. They ask for a walk in because they want to get a look at your grooming habits right away. Sometimes, a walk in will have the employer giving you a brief interview on the spot, to see if they will require a formal interview later. So be on your best and most appropriate behavior. Also, walk-ins do not require you to bring in a cover letter with your resume. Your appearance is sort of the cover letter. Sometimes, you will be requested to fill out an application form as well. Smile and be polite, no matter who you are talking to. That could be the difference between getting an interview and just taking an extra trip for nothing.

TELEPHONING FOR AN INTERVIEW

It is not particularly common anymore for companies to ask you to call them for an interview. That is usually saved for jobs that include sales and/or jobs that are not so easily applied for by the other methods. Telephoning for an interview is a bit common when a company requires that you be on the phone a lot. It gives them a feel for the quality and the personality of the person on the phone. When making this type of interview request, always speak in a clean and clear manner. Be polite and prepared to answer any questions that may be asked of you. You might approach the telephone interview like this:

"Hello Mr. Brown, I am Mike Sandal. I am calling with regards to your ad in the Post about the clerical position". If you are asked your experience and/or previous work experience, be prepared to answer quickly and explain how long you have been doing that type of work and give a brief description of your duties.

Interview Cheat Sheet

This is a document you prepare before important meetings. It is a personal briefing to you, from you. It helps you remember key facts, such as your major accomplishments, and serious questions or concerns. You don't read from the sheet, but you do keep it handy, and if convenient, you may want to review it as your meeting is ending to be certain you didn't forget anything critical.

Day and Date

Meeting With

· Name

· Title

· Company

· Address

· Telephone

· E-mail

Will anyone else be in on the interview

Major Accomplishments

Management or Work Style

Things You Need to Know About Me:

Reasons for leaving previous positions

My Strengths

My Weaknesses

Questions to Ask Interviewer:

What I bring to the position/company

Where do I see myself in the next

1 year

3 years

5 years

What I wore (to prevent wearing the same clothing repeatedly)

Pre-interview Checklist

Before your interview, make certain you have:

· Recent haircut / styling

· Your eyeglasses / reading glasses

· Cleaned and pressed clothing

· Up-to-date wardrobe

You won't need all the following items. Some may not apply to you, but read through the checklist to be sure you don't forget something vital or show up unprepared. The day of the meeting, take:

· Appointment book

· Folder or small briefcase

· Clean 81/2 "x 11" notepad and pen

· Your current company literature, job description, and organization chart

· Personal compensation history

· Three (3) extra resumes

· Business references (from peers, employers, subordinates, clients, vendors)-either a list of names and addresses, or actual letters of reference

· Written performance appraisals

· Memos/letters confirming achievement

· Confirmation of awards received

· College or University transcripts (if recent graduate)

· Facts about prospective employer (clippings, company brochure, annual report)

· Questions to ask prospective employer

· By-line articles (articles you've written)

· Feature articles (articles written about you)

· Text of your own past speeches

· Interview cheat sheet

· Interview evaluation / comment form

· Portfolio (non-proprietary samples of your work)-technical drawings, reports, photos (before and after), brochures of products you've sold or developed.

· Chart of experience-match areas (how you fit the job description)

Arrive 15 minutes before your interview. Visit the restroom and check yourself in the mirror. Then be friendly and cordial, but listen 80% and talk 20% unless directly questioned.