Stop! Don’t Go to Your Interview Until You Read This!

You got the interview now what? I’ve got the 10 Basic Tools You
need to have prior to your Interview. I Have a short prep list of
10 *must embrace* tasks for you to complete prior to your 1st
interview.

Task #1 Prepare a portfolio of your professional career.
Highlight the examples based on key words included in the job
description. This will be a good test to see if you really do
have what they are looking for. Or you may need to rework some of
the resume’ information you have to fit the job description in
preparation for the interview. Always include a *behavioral*
example; this has become popular method of interviewing. Here is
a quick link if you’re not sure what this type of interviewing
format is. http://www.quintcareers.com/sample_behavioral.html

Task #2 Research, Research & Research the company. Gather
information, search the web, check online forums and inquire with
other professionals on what the perception in the industry is
well in advance of your 1st telephone or personal interview.

Task #3 Understand and thoroughly investigate the position you
have applied for and are interviewing to get. If there is any
doubt contact the HR professional yourself, do not rely on the
headhunter or service you may be working with.

Task #4 Create as list of questions formed while performing tasks
2 & 3. Write these question out in a manner in which you can
categorically ask and write in the response. This will serve you
in two ways, keep you organized and establishes you organization
and pep skills to the interviewer. Also, if there happens to be
multiple people interviewing any contradictions can be quickly be
brought to light in a positive manner.

Task #5 Research salary ranges for the position. Balance your
perception of self worth vs. the marketplace. Business owners or
HR professions will normally have a number in mind and if you
exceed that number without backup … your out! On the same hand,
do not sell yourself short, you regret it and it may translate to
your job performance.

Task #6 Determine the type of benefits that are important to you
and prioritize each of tam because these may be the keys to
negotiating beyond just the money. Some companies are more
flexible at the beginning with vacation, flex schedules etc.

Task #7 Revisit your questions so you can add to, subtract and
re-categorize as necessary. Yes, this takes time!

Task # 8 Practice answering questions your friends and family
come up with. Nothing is out of bounds because you do not know
what some one will ask. The more you can do this the better off
you will be at it. If you get asked a question that throws you
off, just as the interview to repeat it or you ask the question
back to them.

Task # 9 Dress professionally, men this means a suit or as a
minimum a dress sport coat an, tie and slacks. Women, a pant suit
or appropriate dress/skirt. Overdressing is preferred, it also
shows respect to the people you are interviewing with. You can
not overdress, but do limit jewelry, shine your shoes and be
conservative with the make-up and colors you choose.

Task # 10 You must be yourself, be confident and try to have fun.
Practicing will help you out tremendously in this area.

One tip is that you should also carry a business card with
contact information such as phone number that you will answer and
an email you do check.

If you are looking for some self improvement courses and
programs, one online resource I utilize is Success University.
For just a small donation, you get 14 free days to check out all
the resources, great place. Check it out here:

shortcut2success.subuilder.com