How To Ace A Job Interview Even if you are Nervous!

Jobs are scarcer than ever these days so the last thing you want to do is to blunder the job interview.

When you go on a job interview, you should look your best. Make sure that you are dressed nicely, that your shoes are polished and that your hair is tidy.

At all costs, avoid these blunders during your job interview:

Avoiding shaking hands

It is surprising at how few people understand the common courtesy of shaking hands. Shaking hands is something men customarily do when they meet one another.

In today's world, it is also customary for women to shake hands when they meet. In a business situation, both men and women should stand up to shake hands with one another.

Avoiding eye contact

When you avoid eye contact with someone, you look as if you have something shady about you that you want to hide. It is considered a sign of honesty to look someone in the eye in the American culture. When you talk to your potential employer, look them in the eye.

You do not have to look like you are trying to hypnotize them by staring at them, you should break eye contact occasionally, but be sure to look them in the eye when you answer their questions.

Acting nervous

No one likes someone without any self confidence, not even a prospective employer. You may blunder your chances for your job if you act as if you have no confidence.

Acting nervous by twisting your hands, stammering your words or twirling your hair will give your potential employer the signal that you are not a person who can handle the job.

Falling for bait questions

Employers will often ask questions like "what is your biggest weakness? This is a bait question. You should never admit any faults when you are on a job interview. If you want to ace the job interview and not blunder it, answer with a positive.

Your biggest weakness can be that you work too hard. One of the biggest mistakes that people make on an interview is to answer this question with a truthful answer. Such as "I can't get to work on time."

Badmouthing your ex employer

Just like you shouldn't badmouth your ex boyfriend or girlfriend when you meet a new person who you want to date, you shouldn't badmouth your ex employer, either.

Never say anything bad about your former employer when you are on a job interview.

Avoid these mistakes when you are on a job interview and you may just ace the interview and get the job instead of blundering it.

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You have probably heard the term "dress for success."

Well, you are going to want to dress for success when you go on a job interview as this is your first and only time to make a good impression with your prospective boss.

How do you dress for success? Here are some pointers on how to really make a good impression with your dress style during a job interview:

Wear a suit

If you are a man, wear a tie. If you are a woman, wear a suit with heels and stockings. You should look very business like and professional.

You probably will not be wearing a suit when you go to work on a daily basis, as most offices have adopted the business casual look, but you will want to wear a suit for the interview. Wearing a suit will show the interviewer that you cared enough about getting the job to get dressed up.

Eliminate cologne

You do not want people to smell you coming a mile away, even if it is an expensive cologne. Minimize your use of cologne or perfume when you go for a job interview. Too much cologne is distracting and will end up being a distraction for your prospective boss who may even be disturbed by this.

Both men and women are guilty of wearing too much cologne at times so go easy on the scent. By the way, you don't want to smell bad, either. Make sure that you are well groomed and washed for your job interview.

Go easy on make up

Women should go easy on make up as well as elaborate hair styles. Women who wear too much makeup to a job interview end up looking unprofessional. This does not mean that you have to look like a plain Jane, either. You can look good and wear your hair pulled back without having it in a severe bun.

But long flowing locks and make up galore is for a nightclub, not for a job interview. While you want to look attractive, you want to tone down any elaborate appearance.

Shave

If you are a man, make sure that you shave before a job interview. The scruffy look may work for some actors, but it will not land you a job. Shave and look well groomed before the job.

Clean shoes

You would be surprised at how many people will notice your shoes. Women should wear a low heel and men should wear dress shoes. Shoes should be conservative in nature and should be polished.

All of your clothes should be free from stains and holes. You should dress for success even if you have to buy clothes at a second hand shop in order to look good for the job interview.

Go easy on accessories, makeup and cologne and dress like you are a professional.



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The second step in getting the job is meeting the potential employer for an interview.

The first step that an applicant has successfully completed was sending your application and passing the screening process of the company.

The employer got the resume through a variety of sources that can be from an ad that was posted, a referral from a friend or a headhunter, or by a person who simply submitted an application by logging on the company's website.

Here are a few tips that will help in having a successful interview;

* Before going to an interview, it is best to do some research about the company one is applying to.

* It is also best to practice with a friend or family member mock up questions that the employer will likely ask so you do not choke during the real interview.

* When you go for an interview, it is best to always arrive 10 to 15 minutes ahead of time. This shows employers that the person is punctual and serves as a good attribute in a potential employee.

* When meeting an employer, you should bring an extra copy of the resume and other documents that are needed if asked certain questions. A good example is architects and photographers who are professionals in the respective fields who have a portfolio of the works done which may impress the interviewer.

* It is always best to dress appropriately. This shows the employer sincerity on the part of the applicant applying for the job. One must have finger-nails and hair well groomed for the interview. The outfit worn should be professional. This would mean that shoes must be used to match the outfit. If you typically wear a lot of jewelry, it is advisable to remove and tone it down for the interview.

* When you are in front of the employer, smile and greet the interviewer with a firm (but not bone crushing) handshake which is always a good start to get the interview moving.

* During the course of the interview, listen very well to the questions asked. Each must be answered truthfully and confidently to be able to sell yourself to the potential employer.

* Afterwards, the applicant should thank the recruiter for the time that was given to meet for the interview.

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Skill emphasis during the interview is important to show the employer what makes you different from all the other job candidates.

In this competitive world, companies search for the most qualified employees by weighing skills of the candidates and determining how they would benefit the company.

Majority of the top companies search for employers who stands out based from their expertise, ability to give new developments, and pleasing personalities that would enhance the organization.

Skills are grouped into three kinds - knowledge-based, transferable, and personal traits.

1) Knowledge-based skills are those learned from experiences. These may include educational attainment, additional training, seminars attended, and other practices that you have studied to enhance your expertise.

Knowledge-based skills include computer and communication skills, marketing or managerial knowledge, product development, and many more. These skills vary depending on the field of industry of each job candidate.

2) Transferable or portable skills are those you bring to a specific job. This is the reason why interviewers ask, "What could you offer the company?" Transferable skills are important because companies strive to look for quality employees that would improve the development of the workforce.

Portable skills include problem solving, team leader potential, organized, writing and communication skills, customer service oriented, time and project management, and good with numbers and budget. This kind of skills varies depending on the experience and versatility of each job candidate.

3) Personal traits determine who you are. In a job interview, one of the most common things an employer says is "Tell me something about yourself." Your response is vital because it would set the tone for the rest of the interview.

Personal traits include good judgment, well organized, analytical, goal oriented, flexible, creative and many more. Try to sell yourself in as modest as possible within a limited time.

* Self-assessment. In order to provide an impressive presentation, examine your resume and list all the skills you have used for each past job experience. Make a comprehensive list of your skills and strengths including personal traits, knowledge-based and transferable skills. This would be the basis for your personal commercial.

* Once you have completed your script, you are now ready to face the interviewer. Remember that employers are interested in your accomplishments. Use words that are concise, direct and clear.

Although many companies require a unique set of skills, you should still highlight your technical skills in the interview. These skills, which top companies usually seek, include leadership, communication, confidence, flexibility, problem solving and energy.

Emphasizing all of your strengths and skills on job interviews would increase your chances of landing the desired job.