interviews

[sandra]

is there something that you always do? always refrain from doing?

how do you smile? do you address them by their first or last name? are you casual? very formal?

what works and what doesn't? :)

[SunWuKong]

Originally posted by kasia@Aug 28 2002, 03:32 PM
is there something that you always do? always refrain from doing?

how do you smile? do you address them by their first or last name? are you casual? very formal?

what works and what doesn't? :)

if they are casual then be casual, if they are formal then be formal. remember the names of the people you meet. know who you're talking to in order to say the right things to him/her. yes, smile. know ahead of time what you're going to say to them.

[amietron]

-Speak CLEARLY. Good articulation is very important.
-Stand up straight. Don't slouch. Be presentable.
-Don't make myself too comfortable/at home.
-Don't sit down until motioned/told to do so.
-Stand up to shake hands with people.
-Be pleasant and proper. Have good manners.
-Smile, smile, smile..

[tapestrybabe]

Go into the interview knowing your strengths and abilities.... and oh yeah, never go into an interview chewing gum...

[achtungbaby]

A few suggestions:

• Make eye contact
• Like SWK said, know what you're going to say beforehand...know your "spiel" inside and out, so you can incorporate it smoothly into different parts of a conversation.
• Ask questions.
• Don't sound negative.
• RELAX. It's just a chat you're having with someone.

[Ayers]

-A good handshake's important. Firm, but not something that will crush their blood vessels

-Sure, don't chew gum DURING the interview, but make sure your breath doesn't stink.

-Dress professionally, if that's the look you're going for

[Rogmok]

in the last 3 months i've been on about 15 interviews. here are some tips i used

-for the most part, i address them by their first name. It kind establishes an easier setting to talk
(but sorta depends on the industry, some like the formality)

-Eye contact is important.. forget all that asian culture stuff of looking down and stuff. Stare the interviews down. (but don't forget to blink) \

-Do your research, make sure when they ask. "so do you have any questions?" that you have a solid/legitimate question to ask them.. to show you are interested in the company

-don't let them ask all the questions.. ask some yourself.

-Be personable.. especially for low level jobs, basically everyone is the same. But if your difficult to talk to, your boss will pick the easier going candidate.

-Thank you letters.. i doubted the importance of these, but why let something like that keep you from getting a job.

[luv]

Actually, I've down done some interviews in the past and Thank You letters (on paper by fax or mail) are pretty impressive. Email ones show tech savvy, but make less of an impression because they can be easily deleted and you are asking interviewer to take time out to print them...make an impression without wasting people's time.

If anything, Thank You letters show that you really want the job. You'd be surprised by how little people actually write them even though every career guidebook advises them, so the people that do, at least have thicker looking files (more memorable).

[mrazntre]

As for the handshake, don't initiate the handshake, let them extend their hand to you. They will usually do so, however there are a few interviewers that I have spoken to who absolutely hate handshakes.

Use to your discretion though. It is a business custom and formality, but just be aware of that fact.

[sandra]

Originally posted by mrazntre@Oct 27 2002, 01:09 AM
As for the handshake, don't initiate the handshake, let them extend their hand to you. They will usually do so, however there are a few interviewers that I have spoken to who absolutely hate handshakes.

doesn't this depend on the profession? it would seem kinda weird going into an interview for an attorney position and not shaking hands. if you don't extend your hand, it would seem like you lack initiative or you're too shy or something.

[Hanuman]

And be on time! I was stuck on the subway once, it had broken down, and although it wasn't my fault, I still felt like an ass.

[Ryan]

be punctual
dress up. even if its a casual environment it doesnt hurt.
ask questions.
eye contact
follow up! very important..


basically what everyone else has said

[sandra]

for girls: don't wear open-toed shoes! yucky!

[SunWuKong]

Originally posted by kasia@Jan 13 2003, 06:39 PM
for girls: don't wear open-toed shoes! yucky!

i don't like seeing open-toe shoes, period.
and birkenstorks on girls are absolute :gross:

[sandra]

Originally posted by SunWuKung@Jan 13 2003, 03:56 PM
i don't like seeing open-toe shoes, period.
and birkenstorks on girls are absolute :gross:

today was the first day of school. i saw a girl wearing birkenstocks and thought of you. you know...faye wore birkenstocks in 1993