Key Interview Question

"We would like you to come in for an interview"

Are the wonderful words every job hunter longs to hear. All that stands in the way of your new job is acing the interview and handling the questions like a pro. Long, babbling answers or monosyllabic replies aren't effective. There are four key components to successfully answering interview questions:

Advance preparation
Giving short, concise, specific answers that never exceed 60 seconds.
Demonstrating ability to perform the job.
Exhibiting the ideal worker personality traitsWhenever possible.
Give a specific example of how you've operated in the past.
Employers want assurance you'll be able to do the job.
Keep in mind that the ideal worker is productive, gets results, and has a success-oriented,

"can-do" attitude.

Plus, he or she is eager to learn, flexible and adaptable.
Match these characteristics with some key answers and you are surely going to be a standout among the competition.

Practice answers in advance.
To get you started, here are the key questions you'll likely be asked with appropriate answers.

Tell me about yourself.
Forget your life story.

Open the interview by using what I call your "60-Second Sell" -- a customized, memorized statement that summarizes and links together your five top selling points, skills, experience and strengths into a one-minute verbal business card.

Other potential inquiries that this answer is perfect for include:

What are your strengths?
What makes you think you are qualified for this job?
What makes you think you will succeed in this position?
Why do you want this job?
Why should I hire you?
Why did you leave your last job, or want to leave your current job?

Wanting more challenge or growth opportunities;

relocation
layoffs
reorganization or downsizing are all acceptable reasons to depart.

An effective answer might be;

"The company went through a downsizing, that's why I'm available."

Or,

"My current employer is small and I've gone as far as I can with their organization. I'm looking for a challenge that will really use my abilities and strengths, allowing me to continue to grow and make a larger contribution."

What is your greatest weakness?
A little humor, such as

"Don't ask me to repair the copier... ha-ha-ha,"

is definitely OK. Point out something that will have no negative impact on the hiring decision, and stress a needed skill.

For example;
if the position requires excellent computer skills using Office software, you might offer this response:

"I have excellent computer user skills. I know Excel and Word inside and out, but I am pretty weak at actual programming and would need more training if you need customized programming..."

The employer isn't asking for the candidate to program but this answer reinforces a major selling point -- computer usage skills.
I'm a little worried about your lack of...If the employer is unaware of your experience, then it's easy to give an answer using a specific example demonstrating that skill.
If they are concerned about a skill you do lack, but are eager to learn, try

"I have excellent customer services skills, but you are right, I have not been a salesperson. I do know the key to success is the ability to build good client relationships, persistence, efficient time management and good follow-up skills, all of which I have. I have read numerous books on selling, and I intend to take seminars at my own expense to learn everything I can. I am a hard worker who lets rejection roll off my back. My goals include landing a sales job and then becoming one of the top sales people in my company. I've set a three year date to achieve this goal and I am determined to succeed."

You have a lot of experience.

Why would you want this job?
Desperately needing any job isn't going to score points with the interviewer.
The employer worries you won't stay, are burnt-out, looking for an easy paycheck, or worse, you'll go after the boss's job once you come on board.
The best strategy is to not oversell your abilities. Stress why this job fits for you now, that you seek a job with less travel, or that you wish to utilize a specific skill such as training or design.
Be careful not to say you want an easy, no-stress job, causing the employer seek a more eager worker.

Robin Ryan has appeared on the Dr. Phil Show, Oprah, NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw, CNN, CNBC and is considered America's top career coach.

She is the best-selling author of:

"60 Seconds & You're Hired!"
"Winning Resumés"
"Winning Cover Letters"
"What to Do with the Rest of Your Life."

She's the creator of the highly acclaimed audio training program Interview Advantage and The DreamMaker.

To purchase her books and audio training programs
go to http://www.robinryan.com.
Sign up here for Robin Ryan's eNewsletter.

THE PREPARATION

TIPS:The Job Interview
After you have submitted your application letter, resume and have filled up the application form, the recruitment personnel will screen it, and if your application shows potential, the company will invite you over for an interview. Make sure your impressive features and expertise are well presented to show that you are the best person for the position.

Here are some pointers to prepare you for the interviewbefore the job Interview

Know more about the company you are applying at.This is to give you an advantage.
any information you may get will surely help you to gain more confidence about being ready to answer any question the interviewer may ask of you about their company. Be ready to know the fallowing;
1. The company's current address, branches and subsidiaries (if any)
2. The services is offers and how the company operetes.
3. Their products and some linkages with other companies.
4. Their growth pattern and their future target.
5. Their management style and training opportunities provided to employees.
6. Their salary scale and opportunities for promotion. take note at the salary range given to the persons similar to your educational qualifications and how work experience is given weight.
7. The company's financial status against its competitors of the sanme nature.

Know more about the Job.
Regardless or how glamorous or technical the job maybe, try to find out what are the working conditions of the job; working hours, day off, policies on holiday work or any travel opportunities.

What are the Interviewers is lookimg for.
In the job interview, the interviewer will be evaluating not only your skills but yuor attitude as well. Here are some of the charateristics the interviewer will be looking for.

1. Ability to communicate-
Use standard english. avoid slang expressions and broken english. Use relatively short sentences, which are clear and connected with meaningful transitions.

2. Responsiveness-
Be attentive! it is embarassing to ask the interviewer to repeat the question. furthermore, attentiveness will lead you to effectively and appropriately respond.

3. Alertnes-
The attention you give the interviewer will show your enthusiasm and desired for the job.

4. Self-confidence-
Gestures and tone of voice will express yuor confidence and assertive behavior.

5. Dependability-
Promptness and punctuality will be shown in your good attendance in school and commitment to deadlines.

6. Motivation-
Your future plans will signal your motivation and will give you a chance to be noticed. it may be difference.

7. Appearance-
Dress neatly and appropiately for the occasion.

8. Decision-making skills-
The interviewer may ask you questions which means to test your decision-making skills, so be ready to answer questions.

9. Knowledge about the current trends in business and in jobs-
Your knowledge and awareness on the trends and updates will create an impression that you are serious with your career.

10. Total projection-
Your overall impact is how you present yourself in totality the way you answer questions, physical appearance, personal and educational background. and you must create an impression that you are a person to be relied on and will be an asset to the company.

PERSONEL SELECTION PROCESS

Personnel selection is the process used to hire (or, less commonly, promote) individuals. Although the term can apply to all aspects of the process (recruitment, selection, hiring, acculturation, etc.) the most common meaning focuses on the selection of workers.



The professional standards of industrial psychologists require that any selection system be based on a job analysis to ensure that the selection criteria are job-related. The requirements for a selection system are knowledge, skills, ability, and other characteristics, known as KSAO's. U.S. law also recognizes bona fide occupational qualifications (BFOQs) which are KSAOs which are truly required for successful performance (as opposed to requirements that are included maliciously or through incompetence and which adversely discriminate against a protected demographic group (men, women, people of color, etc.)).


The goal of personnel selection, as all business processes, is to ensure an adequate return on investment. In the case of selection, this entails assurances that the productivity of the new hires produce more value than the costs of recruiting, selecting, and training them. Within industrial psychology, the area of utility analysis specifically addresses this issue.
Several screening methods exist that may be used in personnel selection. Examples include the use of minimum or desired qualifications, resume/application review, scored biodata instruments, oral interviews, work performance measures (e.g., writing samples), and tests (cognitive ability, personality, job knowledge).

COMMON PROCESS OF INTERVIEW

Interview Process

For the next day incoming interview, our mind is always searching for the things on what we suppose to do when times come. A lot of question in our mind needs an answer. On the contrary, the feeling of excitement is common to a job seekers. After spending plenty of times, days searching for a job vacancy from the newspapers classified ads, Internet, closed friends, etc; many hours of work just find out the job we are qualified for the position, its a full-time job looking for a successful job search campaign.

The interview is a critical step toward the goal of employment. We must prepare ourselves with the combination of physical appearance, personal and educational background, self-respect, attitudes, ability to communicate, speak standard English, (avoid slang expression and broken English). It is at the interview that the job is won or lost. The best test of any job search is the number of interviews you are offered. If you are consistently being interviewed, you should expect job offers. If you are not getting interviews, you need to reevaluate your job search strategy.

An employment interview is simply a meeting between you and a potential employer to discuss your qualifications and see if there is a "fit." The employer wants to verify what they know about you and talk about your qualifications. If you have been called for an interview, you can assume that the employer is interested in you. The employer has a need that you may be able to meet. It is your goal to identify that need and convince the employer that you are the one for the job.
Interviews can be stressful, but when you are well prepared there is no reason to panic. Your overall impact is how you present yourself in totality the way you answer questions. The interviewer may ask you questions which means to test your decision -making skills, so be ready to answer questions. An interview generally lasts from 30 to 60 minutes and most questions fall into standard categories.

EFFECTIVE RESUME

Developing an effective RESUME is the most important part to a job seekers, especially those who are willing to work overseas. Sometimes, we need to seek help or advice from others with the specialty of formatting a good resume just to make a much better and acceptable format of resume. Resume are in different format, so we can choose depending on the job we are applying for.
Listed here under is one of the sample resume:

PERSONAL QUALIFICATION
-------------------------------
-------------------------------
-------------------------------
-------------------------------
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
-------------------------------
-------------------------------
-------------------------------
-------------------------------
TRAINING AND SEMINARS
-------------------------------
-------------------------------
-------------------------------
-------------------------------
WORK EXPERIENCE
-------------------------------
-------------------------------
-------------------------------
GENERAL QUALIFICATION:
Language and Degree of Proficiency
-------------------------------
-------------------------------
Knowledgeable such as:
-----------------------
-----------------------
Knowledgeable in the use of:
----------------------------
----------------------------
CHARACTER REFERENCES:
----------------------------
----------------------------
----------------------------
CERTIFICATION:
1.-------------
2.-------------
3.-------------

PROFESSIONAL ADVICE OF CREATING RESUME:
Detailed interview in person by email and/or phone with compilation of data for your resume
identification of your most marketable skill set(s) accomplishments tangible examples that document your key strengths.

• Composition and design of resume cover letter and references.
• Conversion of resume and cover letter to plain text email and eForm versions
for emailing and posting at corporate Web sites and job boards.
• 10 laser printed final copies on watermarked stationery with matching envelopes free disk copy
free disk storage of career documents by A Plus Career & Resume.
THE MOST AND GOOD RESUME is made by our self, what we think, what's in our mind, what we want, as long as we have got some ideas from a professional advice.

APPLICATION LETTER FORMAT

Finding a job is not as easy like buying things you liked. This needs especial attention in our part just to get the attention of the employer from letters trough attitude. In this article, i would like to show a simple tips :
Have your letter typewritten or computerized in a clean short bond paper. Used descripted words suited for your purpose.

• Opening Paragraph...

State the position you are applying for. Include how you got to know of the vacancy or how you devloped an interest in the company. mention the contact you have had with the company, providing names with whom you have spoken.

• Middle Paragraph....

Indicates that you fully understand their requirements for the job and demonstrate that you are a perfect match for the position. Provide concrete examples of your capabilities. speccify your goals; how your education, experiences and skills will help you succed in your work. elaborate on your skills and background areas which will attract the employer.

• Closing Paragraph....

Request for an interview. Do not impose your own schedule. demonstrate initiative and active interest by asking if you can call them to arrange for an interview and by leaving your contact numbers.
(don't forget to sign)

SELF-DESCRIPTED WORDS

Gettimg a good job needs a lot of hard work. The first of which is writing a Application Letter. But more than anything else, you are going to describe yourself as a potential employee and to use just "any adjective" isn't enough. you have to describe yourself and your potentials in the most positive way (words).

• Be a active, adaptable, ambitious, analytical/systematic, assertive, attentive, broadminded, conscientious, consistent.
• Constructive, creative, dependable, determined, diplomatic, disciplined, discreet, sense of humor, effective.
• Efficient, energetic, enterprising, enthusiastic, extroverted, fair, forceful, imaginative, independent.
• Logical, loyal, mature, methodical, objective, organized, optimistic, perceptive, sincere.
• Pleasant, positive, practical, productive, proficient, realistic, reliable, resourceful, self-reliant.

THE RESUME AND INTERVIEW

This is a personally-designed written summary of your education, work experiences and interests. It includes the skill, training and services you can offer to a potential employer. Sometimes, this is also called "curriculum vitae". Here are some guidelines that you should follow in preparing your resume.

1. Invest in a good 2x2 colored with white background picture. This should be taken recently and wear something "with collar" when you have your picture taken.
2. Use good quality short bond paper (never use stationary with borders, rainbow colors or borderline).
3. Use only BLACK INK.
4. Type full name in BOLD and CAPITAL letters. FORST NAME FIRST.
5. Type your complete city address.
6. Don't forget to include your telephone or your mobile phone number as an access.
7. Type resume using single spaces for the entries, exept headings.
8. Write a DRAFT first before you have it computerized, so you can check for errors.

THE JOB INTRVIEW

TIPS:
The Job Interview

After you have submitted your application letter, resume and have filled up the application form, the recruitment personnel will screen it, and if your application shows potential, the company will invite you over for an interview. Make sure your impressive features and expertise are well presented to show that you are the best person for the position.

Here are some pointers to prepare you for the interview

before the job Interview

Know more about the company you are applying at.

This is to give you an advantage.
any information you may get will surely help you to gain more confidence about being ready to answer any question the interviewer may ask of you about their company. Be ready to know the fallowing;

1. The company's current address, branches and subsidiaries (if any)
2. The services is offers and how the company operetes.
3. Their products and some linkages with other companies.
4. Their growth pattern and their future target.
5. Their management style and training opportunities provided to employees.
6. Their salary scale and opportunities for promotion. take note at the salary range given to the persons similar to your educational qualifications and how work experience is given weight.
7. The company's financial status against its competitors of the sanme nature.

Know more about the Job. Regardless or how glamorous or technical the job maybe, try to find out what are the working conditions of the job; working hours, day off, policies on holiday work or any travel opportunities.

What are the Interviewers is lookimg for. In the job interview, the interviewer will be evaluating not only your skills but yuor attitude as well. Here are some of the charateristics the interviewer will be looking for.

1. Ability to communicate-
Use standard english. avoid slang expressions and broken english. Use relatively short sentences, which are clear and connected with meaningful transitions.

2. Responsiveness-
Be attentive! it is embarassing to ask the interviewer to repeat the question. furthermore, attentiveness will lead you to effectively and appropriately respond.

3. Alertnes-
The attention you give the interviewer will show your enthusiasm and desired for the job.

4. Self-confidence-
Gestures and tone of voice will express yuor confidence and assertive behavior.

5. Dependability-
Promptness and punctuality will be shown in your good attendance in school and commitment to deadlines.

6. Motivation-
Your future plans will signal your motivation and will give you a chance to be noticed. it may be difference.

7. Appearance-
Dress neatly and appropiately for the occasion.

8. Decision-making skills-
The interviewer may ask you questions which means to test your decision-making skills, so be ready to answer questions.

9. Knowledge about the current trends in business and in jobs-
Your knowledge and awareness on the trends and updates will create an impression that you are serious with your career.

10. Total projection-
Your overall impact is how you present yourself in totality the way you answer questions, physical appearance, personal and educational background. and you must create an impression that you are a person to be relied on and will be an asset to the company.

GROOMING AND WARDROBE:

FOR MALES

1. Clothes should be clean, neat, well fitted and appropriate.


2. You can wear any of the following:
   

• A three piece suit in lightweight fabric with dark socks and dark leather shoes.


• dark formal pants, long-sleeved polo shirt and tie.


• Dark formal pants, long sleeved or short-sleeved barong.

3. Pants can be colored dark blue, dark gray, black or brown.

4. Long-sleeved polo shirts : white is the safest and best color to wear. Light blue, beige and other pastels arealso appropriate. The tie should always be darker than the shirts.

5. Patterns of long sleeved polo shirts should be narrow, mutted stripes.

6. Polo shirts should stay neatly tucked in the pants. The waist should fit, the fabric shouldn't bunch around the waist. The collar should not be so tight.

7. Cotton is fabric. cotton/polyester blends are also desirable but silks, shiny fabrics and knits and see-throughs are not appropriate.

8. Neckties should be of good quality. When tied, it should fall to the belt buckle-no longer; no shorter.

9. Neckties should be silk or polyester. cotton ties are also permisible.

10. Patterns on neckties should be solids, polka dots, diagonal stripes, small repeating shapes, subtle plaids and paisleys. Gaudy and picture patterned ties should not be used.

11. Belt buckles should be traditional types. large or bulky ones are for performers like Tom Jones.

12. Socks should be standard in color and never droopy. No skin should show when one sits down.

13. Shoes should be plain and simple slip-ons and they should be clean. Brown, black and cordovan are acceptable.

14. Hair should be neat, short and preferably parted on the side. Facial hair should be well-shaven.

15. Simple leather-strapped watch, college ring and wedding ring are the only acceptable pieces of jewelry. NO EARRINGS PLEASE!

16. Other accessories should be leather folders or attache case and a more durable pen.

GROOMING AND WARDROBE:

Technicians need not look like bankers or lawyers but a look that states a person is well-educated, responsible and dependable is a must for any profession. That way, it will surely be easier to gain the respect and approval of would-be employers and business associates.

THE MOST BASIC:

• personal hygiene
• cleanliness.
• clean.
• trimmed fingernails.
• nice haircut.
• good breath.
  
  Her are some of DO's and DON'ts to falow when dressing up for the interview.

For Females

for the job interview, there are three elements in a females appearance; dress and accessories, make-up and hairstyling and general demeanor.
dress and accessories

1. Clothes should be freshly laundered, fitted and appropriate.
2. You may use/wear any of the following :

• Coordinated skirt, blouse and blazer in lightweight fabric
• Simple tailored dress
• Long sleeved blouse and tailored skirt
• Tailored short sleeved blouse and skirt coordinate

3. Long skirts should be tailored and pleated.
4. Short sleeved blouses should be tailored and with collar or double-breast design.
5. Slacks and formal pants ARE NOT FOR INTERVIEWS although they may be worn in the company.
6. Colors do have psychological impact and it is also an important factor to considered. Some of the meanings of the colors are the following ;

• RED is great color to bolster up one's spirit. It symbolizes power assertiveness and self- confidence. WINE or PINK may produce the same effect in a subtle way.
• BLUE is good-taste color. You can build your entire wardrove around it. You can mix and match different shades of blue and they will surely complement each other.
• BROWN combined with black, beige, or very deep blue, can look expensive. Brown suggest that the wearer is "service-oriented"
• BLACK AND GRAY are both dramatic and classic colors that fit/look well on most people. However, an all-black attire should be reserved for functions.e. BEIGE, CREAM and
• WHITE are all wonderful colors for any time or place. They mean integrity and dependability.
• GREEN paired with khaki is more appropriate. Light greens may look unflattering under certain kinds of light. Metallic shades should definitely be AVOIDED.
• YELLOW AND ORANGE mean energy, intellect and imagination. However, orange should be avoided in the fields of management, banking and in conservative professions. these colors are best confined to blouses only, in any occupation.
• PEACH AND DEEP PURPLE are also acceptable for business wear, provided purple is not metallic.

COLORS TO BE AVOIDED ARE THE FOLLOWING:

• electric blue
• shocking pink and other colors
• greenish browns
• off shades of lavanders and indigos

7. Fabric should be comfortable durable and not easily creased like cotton, linen and natural fivers.
8. Prints of fabric must be understated and not loud and bold.
9. NEVER WEAR ANYTHING......

• Sleeveless (unless worn with a coat)
• Solid black
• Stained
• Miniskirts
• Haltered necklines
• Anything with ruffles or ribbons
• Needing a hem or missing a button
• An evening or disco outfit
• Clothing that exposes any underwear
• Clothing with a designer's name or signature
• Slit skirts that open more than two inches above the knee
  

10. Shoes should be close shoes with at least 1 1/2 inch heels.
11. Shoes should be clean, well-shine and heels must not be worn.
12. Panty-hose stockings are preferable-with no "run"
13. Suited jewelry should be simple, like.....

• Gold studs, pearl studs or simple-cut stone studs for earrings.
• A gold chains or a strand of pearls
• A gold bracelet A gold, silver or leather-strapped dress watch

14. fashion jewelry that clank and make noise when one moves about should not be worn.
15. folders and bags should be simple, earth-toned or black. leather or not. Plastic folders and cloth bags are a no-n0.

Make-up and Hair styling

1. Ladies! Follow this rule: less is more. you are not going to a party or disco so don't put all the make-up in your face neither do not make the mistake of the NOT WEARING ANY MAKE_UP.
2. A touch of color is enough for your eyelids, cheeks and lips to make you look professional. A good technique is to highlight your good features.
3. The hair should be clean, shining and simply styled. do not use too much hairspray or decorate your hair with too many ornaments. If neded, hair accessories should be muted colors black, brown, dark, blue and white.
4. Scent to wear should be fresh-smelling and not too strong.

General demeanor

1. This includes posture, hnadshake, voice and general body language.
2. Handshakes should be firm and brief. If your hands are wet, wipe them unconspicously before the handshake.
3. Voice must be well-modulated and audible. DON"T WHISPER!

WHAT YOU CAN DO

TIPS:
if you can...try to make it.

1. Stay calm, be natural
2. Never let the interviewer see you sweat, KEEP COOL.
3. Silence can be an interviewer technique, BE ATTENTIVE!
4. Make the best of your answer.
5. Do not be offensive in your answer, disagree in sublte ways.
6. Be HONEST
7. Be direct to the point.
8. Maintaining eye contact relieves tension, practice it, it shows your sincerity.
9. Practice a FIRM handshake.
10. Don't forget to thank the interviewer and signify your intention of hearing from him.
11. Do not leave anything on/ at the interview room unless specified.
12. Thank the receptionist/secretary for any assistance given to you.

After the Interview

After the interview, you may assess your performance by asking yourself the following questions:

• Did I present myself verywell?
• Was I able to answer the questions of the interviewer?
• Was I relaxed or tense?
• did I show enough interest in the interviewer?
• Did i present myself with credibility and sincerity?
• was ther any instance that I distracted the interviewer?

Ask yourself.....

PREPARING YOURSELF AND BE READY

TIPS:

Always prepared yourself and get ready for the incoming questions and answer portion.

Be sure to avoid mistakes listed here:
1. Arriving late
2. Wearing bold attire
3. scent that is overpowering
4. Playing with your hair, accessories or clothing


a. Describe a specific situation where you worked as a member of a team and how you worked with the group to make project a success.

The interviewer wants to know if you are a give-and-take person and if you are a team player.

b. Give me an example showing how you meet the deadline

Interviewer wants to know if you work best under pressure or not and if you accomplish things on time.

c. Give me an example of situation that was stressful for you and that you were able to control.

Interviewer wants to make sure that you can work even in the worst situation and how you deal with stress; and if you can influence your co-worker in the positive way.

d. Describe a time when you made a mistake on the job and what did you do about it/ what have you learned from it.

whether you admit mistakes or not is the focus; also your constructive steps to put to order your mistakes and how you make sure it will happen again.

e. Would you describe one difficult person/situation you have encountered and how did you handle the person/situation.

whether you have good "people skills" or not is the issue here. Specially if you will be placed in sales, the interviewer would want to know if you can handle the worst customer who may blame you for practically everything that goes wrong.

WHAT NOT TO FORGET

TIPS:
During the Interview

BE PHYSICALLY PREPARED FOR THE INTERVIEW
Eat well before the interview to have enough energy. If the interview is in the morning and you are not an early riser, try getting up early before the interview.
BE FAMILIAR WITH THE PLACE OF INTERVIEW
If you are not familiar with the address, take time to find out the exact location so you will know the exact time it will take you to get there. allot sufficient time for the traffic and the weather because rushing to the place will affect your "performance" in the interview.

CHECK YOUR APPEARANCE BEFORE ENTERING THE OFFICE
If you are a person who is fond of hand gestures, think of ways to minimized them. you can try putting your hands on your lap, carry a book or folder to hold and maintain your posture.

USE FAMILIAR WORDS
Be careful with your grammar and diction. use simple words. If you have a regional accent or a speech pattern, do not excuse or explain them, just do your best.

ALWAYS BRING ALL THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS
Be organized! bring with you any document that the interviewer may require from you. (Resume, transcript of records, pictures, certificates,etc.)