Job Interview Techniques and Suggestions

How to Pass an Interview! by: Zohra Sarwari


Nine Steps to Interview Success These days, the average person changes their career seven to ten times within their life span. This means that the average person is going to send out several hundred copies of their resumes in their lifetime…and yes, they’re going to have to go through several interviews in their lifetime. Scary, huh? If the interview process makes you nervous, well, you’re not alone. But right now, it’s time to stop worrying. You’re about to learn the nine vital steps for interview success…how to pass any interview you face! Step 1: Research the Company that you are being interviewed for: It’s a pretty obvious trick: research the company you’re interviewing for and be prepared to show off what you know about them. Way too many people show up for an interview without having the first idea about what the particular company stands for. The truth is that you should know at least something about the company’s mission, its general business process, and its particular needs. Know how long the company has been in business and whether they’re financially sound and profitable. Research the company with a view to determine what you can do to help them achieve their goals. Be prepared to say specifically how your personal goals and experience are going to be valuable to the company. Step 2: Know your resume: In virtually any interview situation, you’re interviewer is going to ask you questions about your resume, about your experiences and even about the quirky stuff you’ve listed to pad it out. You should read your resume over and over, and know the details of it because you never know when you’re going to be asked about your chess playing experience or your interest in literature. Make sure there’s nothing detailed on your resume that you’re uncomfortable talking about. Step 3: Dress for Success: Appearance can become nine-tenths of the law if you don’t pay attention to it. For every interview, make sure you wear garments that are professional and appropriate the position that you’re seeking. Your clothes should be comfortable, clean, and pressed. Don’t create a crisis for yourself on the morning of the interview when it comes to your clothes. Pick out your outfit and make sure it’s ready the night before your big interview. Step 4: Make sure that you wake up early and are on time: Just as you shouldn’t let your wardrobe run you down on the big day, you shouldn’t let traffic or public transport delays upset you either. It’s also crucial that you don’t get lost on the way so have directions –and confirm them if you have to – well before you set off. These days, with MapQuest, you have no excuses. Make sure you leave the house early, and plan to be at the interview at least ten minutes early. Step 5: Review interview questions: Interviews may be pretty scary but they’re also pretty predictable. It doesn’t take much to predict the basic questions you’re going to be asked. Here are some examples: Tell me about yourself? Tell me about a time you failed miserably in your career? What is your greatest strength/weakness? Where do you see yourself five years from now? What are your salary expectations for this position? Why should we hire YOU? Prepare sample answers to these questions. Memorize a couple of key responses. Remember that no matter who you’re interviewing for or with, if it’s a job interview, the basic focus is going to be on your experience, your goals, and your potential to contribute to the company. Be sure you can argue a case for yourself on these key points. Step 6: Let the interviewer lead you: The interviewer is the one running the interview but you can set the pace. Wait for the interviewer to ask the questions. Take your time to listen to the questions. Give your answers carefully; make sure they are considered. That said, each of your answers should be given with an energetic and enthusiastic voice. Above all, smile and enjoy the interview. Be courteous and always thank the interviewer at the end of the interview. Tell them that you’re well qualified for the job, and that you will prove it to them upon being hired. Don’t be afraid to be confident in yourself and your abilities. Step 7: Ask for the next step: The interviewer will ask most of the questions but you will have a chance to get a word in shortly. Find out what will happen next, and what you should expect after the interview. When should you be hearing from them about the job? When will the hiring decision be made? Step 8: Send a thank you note: Everything you do regarding your interview has consequences. Just as a good sales person follows up on a lead, after each interview you attend you should be sure to send a thank you note to the employer and the interviewer, thanking them for their time. Going the extra mile in this way will generally show that you’re qualified for the position, or at least that you’re a serious and diligent person. Step 9: Follow-up: Of course, sending a thank you note is something you do immediately after the interview. A reasonable period after, usually a week or two at least, you should take one further step to follow up. Call the company offices and ask if you can speak to the hiring manager who interviewed you. You can start the conversation by asking if they received your note. Then you can ask them if any decisions were made and, if not, approximately when you should call back or otherwise expect to hear from them. Don’t be pushy; above all, be polite and courteous, even if a response is not forthcoming. WHEN YOU’RE HIRED…THINGS TO THINK ABOUT… If you are hired, remember that you need to stand up to your promises. You should always be putting 110% effort. An unspoken trick to get comfortable in interviews and to always get the job you want: in every job you accept, make yourself shine. Regardless of how much you are paid or how much responsibility and work you’re given, take the initiative to do more. The more you’re prepared to do for your job, the future each of your jobs will take you. Don’t worry about being rewarded, just keep working hard, and it will pay off. I guarantee it.
About The Author
Zohra Sarwari has a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and a Masters Degree in Business Administration. She is currently working on a Bachelor’s Degree in Islamic Studies. She is a mother of three beautiful children, and spouse to a great man. She is currently home schooling her own children, and teaching others about Business and entrepreneurship trainings while balancing home life. She is an author of the new ground breaking book, “9 Steps that Will Change Your Destiny”. She has also written two e-books “Become a Professional Speaker Today” and “Time Management For Success”. Her book has been reviewed in Al-Jumuah magazine, and there is an article about her up coming in Azizah magazine. She is a motivational and inspirational speaker to youth and adults. She loves teaching and learning. http://www.zohrasarwari.com/

Job Interview Tips

How to Pass an Interview! by: Zohra Sarwari


Nine Steps to Interview Success These days, the average person changes their career seven to ten times within their life span. This means that the average person is going to send out several hundred copies of their resumes in their lifetime…and yes, they’re going to have to go through several interviews in their lifetime. Scary, huh? If the interview process makes you nervous, well, you’re not alone. But right now, it’s time to stop worrying. You’re about to learn the nine vital steps for interview success…how to pass any interview you face! Step 1: Research the Company that you are being interviewed for: It’s a pretty obvious trick: research the company you’re interviewing for and be prepared to show off what you know about them. Way too many people show up for an interview without having the first idea about what the particular company stands for. The truth is that you should know at least something about the company’s mission, its general business process, and its particular needs. Know how long the company has been in business and whether they’re financially sound and profitable. Research the company with a view to determine what you can do to help them achieve their goals. Be prepared to say specifically how your personal goals and experience are going to be valuable to the company. Step 2: Know your resume: In virtually any interview situation, you’re interviewer is going to ask you questions about your resume, about your experiences and even about the quirky stuff you’ve listed to pad it out. You should read your resume over and over, and know the details of it because you never know when you’re going to be asked about your chess playing experience or your interest in literature. Make sure there’s nothing detailed on your resume that you’re uncomfortable talking about. Step 3: Dress for Success: Appearance can become nine-tenths of the law if you don’t pay attention to it. For every interview, make sure you wear garments that are professional and appropriate the position that you’re seeking. Your clothes should be comfortable, clean, and pressed. Don’t create a crisis for yourself on the morning of the interview when it comes to your clothes. Pick out your outfit and make sure it’s ready the night before your big interview. Step 4: Make sure that you wake up early and are on time: Just as you shouldn’t let your wardrobe run you down on the big day, you shouldn’t let traffic or public transport delays upset you either. It’s also crucial that you don’t get lost on the way so have directions –and confirm them if you have to – well before you set off. These days, with MapQuest, you have no excuses. Make sure you leave the house early, and plan to be at the interview at least ten minutes early. Step 5: Review interview questions: Interviews may be pretty scary but they’re also pretty predictable. It doesn’t take much to predict the basic questions you’re going to be asked. Here are some examples: Tell me about yourself? Tell me about a time you failed miserably in your career? What is your greatest strength/weakness? Where do you see yourself five years from now? What are your salary expectations for this position? Why should we hire YOU? Prepare sample answers to these questions. Memorize a couple of key responses. Remember that no matter who you’re interviewing for or with, if it’s a job interview, the basic focus is going to be on your experience, your goals, and your potential to contribute to the company. Be sure you can argue a case for yourself on these key points. Step 6: Let the interviewer lead you: The interviewer is the one running the interview but you can set the pace. Wait for the interviewer to ask the questions. Take your time to listen to the questions. Give your answers carefully; make sure they are considered. That said, each of your answers should be given with an energetic and enthusiastic voice. Above all, smile and enjoy the interview. Be courteous and always thank the interviewer at the end of the interview. Tell them that you’re well qualified for the job, and that you will prove it to them upon being hired. Don’t be afraid to be confident in yourself and your abilities. Step 7: Ask for the next step: The interviewer will ask most of the questions but you will have a chance to get a word in shortly. Find out what will happen next, and what you should expect after the interview. When should you be hearing from them about the job? When will the hiring decision be made? Step 8: Send a thank you note: Everything you do regarding your interview has consequences. Just as a good sales person follows up on a lead, after each interview you attend you should be sure to send a thank you note to the employer and the interviewer, thanking them for their time. Going the extra mile in this way will generally show that you’re qualified for the position, or at least that you’re a serious and diligent person. Step 9: Follow-up: Of course, sending a thank you note is something you do immediately after the interview. A reasonable period after, usually a week or two at least, you should take one further step to follow up. Call the company offices and ask if you can speak to the hiring manager who interviewed you. You can start the conversation by asking if they received your note. Then you can ask them if any decisions were made and, if not, approximately when you should call back or otherwise expect to hear from them. Don’t be pushy; above all, be polite and courteous, even if a response is not forthcoming. WHEN YOU’RE HIRED…THINGS TO THINK ABOUT… If you are hired, remember that you need to stand up to your promises. You should always be putting 110% effort. An unspoken trick to get comfortable in interviews and to always get the job you want: in every job you accept, make yourself shine. Regardless of how much you are paid or how much responsibility and work you’re given, take the initiative to do more. The more you’re prepared to do for your job, the future each of your jobs will take you. Don’t worry about being rewarded, just keep working hard, and it will pay off. I guarantee it.
About The Author
Zohra Sarwari has a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and a Masters Degree in Business Administration. She is currently working on a Bachelor’s Degree in Islamic Studies. She is a mother of three beautiful children, and spouse to a great man. She is currently home schooling her own children, and teaching others about Business and entrepreneurship trainings while balancing home life. She is an author of the new ground breaking book, “9 Steps that Will Change Your Destiny”. She has also written two e-books “Become a Professional Speaker Today” and “Time Management For Success”. Her book has been reviewed in Al-Jumuah magazine, and there is an article about her up coming in Azizah magazine. She is a motivational and inspirational speaker to youth and adults. She loves teaching and learning. http://www.zohrasarwari.com/

Communication Tips - Boss/Client/Interview etc

Communicate Clearly to Connect by: Sue Currie
Do you ever wonder "what to say" when you head off to a networking event or a client meeting? Do you think it's easier to write an email rather than pick up the phone and have a real conversation? Well you're not alone. When we're busy working at our computers all day, generally alone, it's easy to lose the knack of easy conversation. Let's face it, the cat really isn't that interested in what you have to say. Take a few moments to read a few tips to get talking again… As a fan of the TV show The West Wing; I watched with interest and amusement the "grooming" of the character Toby Ziegler from Communications Director to White House Press Secretary. In addressing the media his assistant constantly reminded him to use the communication skills of wooing a woman. To be "witty and seductive." In winning over our clients or the media perhaps we don't need to go that far but is does pay to put some "personality" into your customer communication. For many of us we're busy constantly setting up appointments, meeting new clients, networking and making connections with a number of new people. We are engaged with our personal and professional PR – communicating who we are, what we do and how we make a difference. Therefore we need to ensure each meeting or contact counts. Effective communication is important when building relationships with clients, customers and the media. A stimulating conversation or well-told story may be the most interesting part of a meeting, presentation or media interview. Even witty small talk with a potential client can evolve into a new business deal or project. Here is a few conversation pointers to keep in mind when meeting or networking. 1. A good business introduction includes your first and last name and the name of your company. 2. Always introduce yourself to those sitting next to you at a business dinner. If possible, meet everyone at your table before you sit down. Sit next to someone you don't know rather than someone you do know. 3. When introducing your guest or another person at a function, mention both first and last names and perhaps an interesting item of information about that person. 4. Before going to an event, business or social, be prepared to discuss items of current interest including books, films, television shows, or current events. 5. You can find your next conversation starter by reading at least one daily newspaper, weekly news magazine, or watching a morning news show. 6. Take the time to get to know others first. People don't care about you and what you do until they know you care about them. Build relationships and trust first. 7. Beware of being a pushy promoter. We're often so passionate and excited about our business or latest project that we talk too much and over sell ourselves. 8. Listen closely and think before you speak. Don't interrupt, let the other person finish their thought before you give your opinion. Learn to do 80 percent of the listening and just 20 percent of the talking. 9. Listen attentively, smile and make good eye contact. 10. Practice the five words that help create and maintain small talk conversation Who, What, When, Where and Why to form open-ended questions.
About The Author
Sue Currie, the director of Shine Communications Consultancy and author of Apprentice to Business Ace - your inside-out guide to personal branding, is a business educator and speaker on personal branding through image and media. Sign up for free monthly tips at http://www.shinecomms.com.au/contactmanager/default.cfm To learn more about how you can achieve recognition, enhance your image and shine, visit http://www.shinecomms.com.au

IT Degrees and Jobs

Making The Grade With An Information Technology Degree by: Andy West
With computers in every type of workplace from the high-rise office to the post office, an information technology degree is simply one of the most useful qualifications available. A dependence on computers has created a need for those who understand the inner workings of various information systems. IT professionals not only get networks up and running, they keep them running and are able to create resourceful solutions on their feet. Whether one chooses to work in network engineering or security, management information systems or computer programming, there are many different areas of IT that require just as many different skills and abilities. While a love of computers is certainly a necessity, attention to detail, abstract thinking ability and a good memory are also requirements. Individual preferences for certain IT areas also come into play. By getting an education in information technology, students can learn how to take their best abilities, merge them with state of the art skills and apply them effectively. As many come to find, the scope of IT is extremely wide allowing specialized skills to be used in a number of different places. A career in IT means never being forced to stay in only one aspect of the industry. It is widely known that IT professionals have the benefit of a higher than average salary than other careers, even when first starting out. Plus, with computers used in every single area of life, there is hardly anywhere on the map a person could go in search of a job that doesn't need IT professionals in some manner. With technology consistently changing and updating, the demand is greater than ever. A good information technology program teaches the latest in Microsoft, Cisco, Security Certified Professional and even cyber security. Prospective employers often look for and prefer individuals who are well versed in working with these programs. Not only is an information technology degree important, certifications in Cisco's CCNA or Microsoft's MCSE are also sought after skills. It is not uncommon for those who work in the information technology field to eventually move on to managing their own IT division. This means the complete coordination of a company's information technology department, from planning to directing. This is a great position for those who also have great leadership skills. It is also a position that has one of the highest salaries in the IT industry. A Bachelor's degree is generally the most basic qualification necessary for many entry-level IT positions. It allows one to develop basic programming skills and learn the ins and outs of different networks. Data administration and business skills are also common subjects. One can also earn their Master's degree in information technology. The newest cutting edge skills merge with a further understanding of market demand and other business aspects to create a well-rounded education. The higher the education, the better an individual's earning power will be. There is nothing more satisfying than being able to see one's work have a positive effect and make a difference. It provides not only confidence but also a sense of accomplishment. Those who work in IT can rest on the knowledge that theirs in an industry with a strong future. With dependence on computers growing every day, it is no wonder that so many have decided to seek out an information technology degree. While it is a chance to provide oneself with a solid future, it is also a chance to stay at the forefront and take part in the newest of technologies. For those who truly love the ever-changing world of technology, that is the best part of the job.
About The Author
Andy West is a freelance writer for Virginia College. Virginia College offers many Information Technology Degree programs. Please visit Virginia College at http://www.vc.edu/site/department.cfm?deptID=2 to select the IT Program that is right for you.

Freelancing as a Career Choice

Freelancing as A Career Option by: Lewis Low
Home bound workers can either consider telecommuting or freelancing. While telecommuting may keep you out of your home for some hours a week, online freelancing is a good way to make money if you are forced to stay at home. For example, homemakers, part-time students, retired folk, or others who wish to supplement their income from jobs or businesses can all consider freelancing. Freelance Skill Sets You can start earning as a freelancer as long as you have skills that someone is willing to pay for. For example, writers, web designers, photographers, and programmers can earn a substantial income by creating articles, websites, portfolios and software from home. The Internet is a hot and viable source of income for freelancers from around the world. Your target customers can be webmasters, online business owners, blog owners etc. For example, blogs and wikis are hot sources of income for freelance writers nowadays, and there's no reason why you can't tap into this market if you possess good writing skills. Freelance Income On the flip, your income may fluctuate from one month to another. As with all businesses, freelancing does not guarantee a stable paycheck at the end of the month. So keep a small kitty reserve for dry days or have another source of income for which you can work part-time. Be prepared to accept boring, low-level work initially just to keep the cash flow strong. Once you get a good reputation for providing original, high-quality work at reasonable price, then clients will flock to you. Freelance Advantages Probably the best thing about freelancing is that you get to work at your pace, in your own hours, from home, and be your own boss. That means, your shop is open 24x7. And as long as you provide good quality work and meet deadlines, your clients will remain happy with you. In order to be visible, you also need to be seen and heard in the right places, like forums, blogs, online groups, etc. Spend time everyday to visit such sites because they are invaluable repository of freelance gigs and email addresses of prospects. Alternatively you can sign up with freelance sites like Elance.com, GetAFreelancer.com and Scriptlance.com where you can start bidding on projects and snag a few as early as today! To conclude, a freelance business is one of the best ways to earn money from home and to work for your own self. If you've got a fair amount of time on your hands, maybe you too should consider freelancing as your full-time career alternative or supplementary income source. (Hint: While you can find plenty of lucrative freelance assignments on Elance, the other sites mentioned above generally tend to feature lesser-paid projects. However, if you're just starting out as a freelancer, the competition on Elance can prove to be really tough. So you might want to first try GAF and Scriptlance to build up your portfolio, and then go for Elance.)
About The Author
Lewis Low is the founding editor of OnlineBizPromo.com. For more Practical Online Business Ideas and Work-From-Home Opportunities, visit his Work-At-Home directory at http://www.OnlineBizPromo.com

Interview Questions

Interview Questions - Things to Think About Before the Interview by: John Mehrmann
Whether you are preparing to interview, preparing to be interviewed, or just interested in conducting a quick self-analysis, the following topics tips will help you develop a perspective. PREPARATION If you are preparing to conduct an interview, begin with a clear definition of the roles and responsibilities for the position. Create a list of requirements, objectives and priorities associated with the position and use this as a guide to create specific questions for the TOPICS below. If you are preparing to be interviewed, research the job description and the company profile thoroughly. This information can frequently be found on the company web site. Develop a list of potential responses and also create your own questions to ask about the position role and responsibilities as associated with the TOPICS listed below. Even if you are not prepared to conduct an interview, or to be interviewed, you can review your current career roles and responsibilities to reflect on the following TOPICS. TOPICS What have you learned from your previous success? Can you identify significant achievements that highlight your talents, skills and capabilities? How can this knowledge and experience be leveraged to develop future success? What have you learned from your mistakes? Can you identify decisions or circumstances that you might change if given another opportunity? How can this knowledge be applied to mitigate future risks? What have you learned from your experiences and industry knowledge? Can you identify personal experience and perspectives that make you unique? How can unique experience or industry position be used as a strategic advantage? What have you learned from other people? Can you identify skills or knowledge that you have acquired from other experts, peers or mentors? How willing and able are you to learn from the expertise of others? What have you taught other people? Can you identify specific skills, motivation or direction that you have shared for a positive influence to others? How do you contribute to the community and improve your environment? How willing are you to share your knowledge? What behavior did you learn as a child? Can you identify specific characteristics that would best describe your behavior? How would you describe your work ethic? REFLECTIONS Every individual is a unique blend of talent, skills and experiences. Character traits can be acquired or learned over the course of our childhood, education and careers. These character traits can contribute to success, reduce risk and be used to enhance the environment around us. In some cases conflicts may arise as a result of different character traits. For example, one person may have experience shaped by previous achievements or errors that have not been experienced by another, creating significantly different perspectives. In some cases the disparity may be related to work habits or personality traits that were learned as child and not easily changed or influenced in the work environment. These conflicts can be mitigated with a better understanding of the experience that shapes another's perspective. During the interview process it is the obligation of the interviewer and the individual being interviewed to determine how well the personal experience, knowledge and character match between the person and the position. This increases the potential for future success. If you reviewed the questions as a personal assessment, it can be a meaningful review to reflect on your contributions, motivation and impact on your environment. As a unique blend of talent, skills and experience, you have the opportunity to share something of yourself with those around you. In return, you have an amazing opportunity to continually develop your personal knowledge by learning from the unique experiences of those around you. What you do with these opportunities will shape your character and your potential for the future. ______________________________________________________ Words of Wisdom "All of us learn to write in the second grade. Most of us go on to greater things." - Bobby Knight "I have never met a man so ignorant that I couldn't learn something from him." - Galileo "It is of interest to note that while some dolphins are reported to have learned English -- up to fifty words used in correct context -- no human being has been reported to have learned dolphinese." - Carl Sagan ______________________________________________________ You may distribute this article freely, print it, sell it, or include it as part of a package as long as it is intact, unchanged and delivered in the original format with acknowledgement to Executive Blueprints Inc.
About The Author
John Mehrmann is a freelance writer and President of Executive Blueprints Inc., an organization devoted to improving business practices and developing human capital. http://www.ExecutiveBlueprints.com provides resource materials for trainers, sample Case Studies, educational articles and references to local affiliates for consulting and executive coaching. http://www.InstituteforAdvancedLeadership.com provides self-paced tutorials for personal development and tools for trainers. Presentation materials, reference guides and exercises are available for continuous development.

Online Degrees

Great Jobs Resulting From An Online It Degree by: Andy West
There are many great places to work in America, however many people feel constantly dragged down by the lack of job opportunities they feel exist. Actually, there are many jobs available for those with the right qualifications. Many times it is just a matter of deciding what you want to do, researching what it takes to obtain that position, and setting a plan into place to achieve that goal. This is a lot simpler task than most people make it out to be. There is no job in the world that can't be yours with the right training. In fact, most people can land a job by simply obtaining the proper qualifications, and having an optimistic attitude. The position probably won't just drop into your lap, and it will take hard work and diligent effort. While the attitude part is something you must come to on your own, training for a career will take some effort. Online degrees are becoming very popular and are something to consider. In fact, considering an online IT degree may be just the right fit for someone looking for advancement. Having an online IT degree is something people once overlooked as a position for the computer whiz at a not so common computer based company. With computers now playing such an important role in day to day operations, the IT positions are extremely valuable within most organizations. As the technology gap is bridged between software applications, and the internet, more and more students are earning their online IT degree, and profiting from the experience. Counting all the major online programs can be a dubious task, but no matter what the other programs online have to offer, the online IT degree is still one of the most valuable degrees one can earn, and will help you become a more profitable individual in the process. The reason that an online IT degree is a direct path to great jobs is that the certification allows you to do so much that many people simply aren't qualified to do. With this degree you will be able to work with computers and the internet in ways that most people can't. If a company wants a quality IT professional to help them with their needs, the market rate is somewhere in the fifty to sixty thousand dollar a year range. With your online IT degree you will be eligible for that salary. Many of those working at companies today find themselves among the top paid professionals in the company with their IT certifications fully utilized. Making a lot of money, and having a great job certainly helps a person's life change for the better. Doing something you love is the single best way one can be happy. Most people surveyed in America simply do not enjoy what they do for a living, while those that have earned an online IT degree for the most part are very pleased with their job. This is because most people in these positions spend their days working with computers, and helping others adapt to new technology through troubleshooting. The bottom line is that having an online IT degree is one way to get a job that you might have once thought was impossible. You may find yourself to be one the highest paid employees in the company, and wake up most days ready for the challenges and looking forward to the workday ahead.
About The Author
Andy West is a freelance writer for Virginia College. Virginia College Online offers many Online IT Degree programs. Please visit Virginia College Online at http://www.vconline.edu/site/department.cfm?Department_ID=3 to select the online program that is right for you.