Interview Preparation Checklist

You have done your homework, prepared for all the possible interview questions, and decided what to wear the day of the interview. However, no matter how much advance preparation you make, if you are not ready the day of the interview, it will all be for nothing.

Here is a checklist of what you should do to prepare yourself for the day of the interview.

What to take with you to the interview:

• Multiple copies of your resume. Be sure to take enough copies for everyone that may be interviewing you as well as a few extras just in case. Make sure you take the same resume you sent to obtain the interview. Print your formatted resume on high-quality resume paper so it is pleasing to the eye.
• Note paper and pen. You probably will not be asked to fill out an application by hand in today's technology-centered workplace. However, be prepared just in case with a pen and all the information you will need to complete an application. Also, take note paper to write down details of the interview, interviewer name, and any interesting facts you learn about the job in the interview. These notes can be used when writing your thank you letter.
• Traveling directions. Not only should you take traveling directions, you should also take a "dry run" driving to the interview locations at the same time as your interview to evaluate traffic conditions. Leave yourself extra time - and plan an alternate route - for unforeseen circumstances such as traffic jams or road closures.
• Questions you are going to ask. Use this previous blog post to develop your interview questions. Write them down and take them with you to the interview.

Last minute preparation tips:

• Arrive ten minutes early. You should arrive no sooner than 20 minutes early and no later than 10 minutes before your scheduled interview time. Arriving right on-time is almost equivalent to being late.
• Leave your troubles at home. The interviewer does not want to hear about your nasty divorce or your worries that if you don't get a job, you will be evicted. The employer wants to hire someone who will not bring their personal problems to work. The interview is your chance to demonstrate that trait.
• Research the company in advance. You should know everything about the company: its mission statement, its competitors, and how you can add value to the business. Prepare your answer to the question "why do you want to work here" by conducting advance research.

How to Overcome Interview Jitters

I was teaching a class last week to a group of military service members preparing to transition into the private sector. At one point in the class I had a young gentleman ask me, "Why do people get so nervous in an interview? It's just a conversation!" I agree so much with that statement, I actually stopped the class to give the man a high five.

However, not everyone is so laid back about the job interview. Many of us are nervous about the idea of the job interview. No matter how much we prepare and practice, we still get the attack of the nerves. Next time you are facing the prospect of a job interview, use some of these strategies to calm your (often inevitable) nerves.

Put the Interview Into Perspective
Think of the interview as your opportunity to learn about the job, the company, and its culture. Treat the interview as a two-way street where you assess the company as much as they are assessing you. Almost all of us have been in an interview where based on your observations, or even your gut feeling, you know that this is not a place you want to work. Don't focus so much on giving a "great performance" that you lose track of the fact that you are looking for the right fit for you.

Assess Who Has More to Lose
Walking into the interview, the interviewer has much more to lose than you. All you truly have to lose is time and maybe a bit of money you spend on gas and a babysitter. However, every interview you gain experience, connections, and confidence in your ability to answer the questions. A wrong hire can cost the employer time, money, their reputation, their customers, and possibly their entire business. Think about how much more they have to lose than you next time you need to calm some of those nerves.

Practice the Three R's of Interview Preparation
The three R's stand for Research, Rehearse, and Relax. Research the industry and the company to become an expert at answering questions about why you want to work for the company and what key transferable skills you bring to the table. Prepare your interview talking points about your personal statement of value or cost-effectiveness, then rehearse it until it rolls off your tongue with ease. Last but not least, relax by revisiting the two points above. As I always tell people, luck is when preparation meets opportunity. Go out there and prepare and use your next opportunity to make your own luck!

The Dangers of Memorizing Interview Answers

I often hear from people who are getting ready to start interviewing for jobs. Their first instinct is to gather interview questions and memorize their answers to these questions. I often caution people that memorization of interview answers is not the most effective preparation method. Here are some of the dangers you face if you take this preparation tactic.

You will sound like a robot
Have you ever heard those "testimonials" on the radio where it is obvious that the person is reading directly from a script? I discount those ads as disingenuous. The same will happen to you if you come across in an interview as though you are reciting your lines from a script. It is preferable to sound human, carry on a conversation, and speak naturally to the interviewer.

You will be unprepared for other questions
What happens if you have only prepared for traditional interview questions and you walk into a behavioral interview where they want you to tell stories or give examples? There is no way to memorize an effective answer to every interview question in existence.

You will not be able to effectively sell yourself
Remember, employers hire because they have a problem to solve or a need to fulfill. Your goal in an interview is to demonstrate how you can meet the specific employer's needs. By only memorizing your "lines" you will not always be able to sell the benefits you can bring to the organization.

You will not be yourself
An interview is often compared to a chemistry test. The employer already knows you have the skills and qualifications they are looking for because they read your resume. The interview is their chance to determine if you fit into the organization or the team and to determine if they think they can work effectively with you. I once hired someone who was a completely different person their first week on the job than they were in the interview. Needless to say, that working relationship was not long-lived because I hired the person they pretended to be in the interview - not the "real" them.


Instead of memorizing your answers, memorize your selling points and the benefits you can offer the organization or team. Walk into every interview knowing how you can solve that company's problems or meet their needs. Prepare your interview "talking points" so that no matter what questions you are asked and no matter what order in which they ask the questions, you are ready to discuss what makes you a cost-effective employee.

Three Interview Prep Tips That Will Leave Them Wanting More

I rocked that interview!

Those are the words that every career services professional wants to hear after spending time coaching a student. The elation and confidence that oozed from Jamie’s (name changed) voice was enough to energize me on an otherwise humdrum Friday. He recounted the “zone” that he was in after crossing the threshold into the conference room where the interview was held and the validating nods and smiles he received from the panel of interviewers. While he has not been offered the job yet (he will hear back this week), he felt that there was nothing more he possibly could have done to better sell himself in that interview. Every candidate should feel that way.

As proud as I am of Jamie, what he did was nothing special. He just took to heart these important components of interview preparation.

Practice the right way: In my opinion, there is one right way to practice for an interview: create the same conditions you are likely to encounter in the interview itself. Jamie knew that he was going to be asked behavioral questions so he almost exclusively studied and practiced these questions when preparing. Further, he didn’t just read the questions and try to come up with a mental response for each one. He-with the help of his girlfriend-practiced in front of a mirror, with her asking him a randomly selected question he wrote on a flash card. The flash card method helped him become comfortable hearing the question and formulating a response, and practicing in front of a mirror-as awkward as it sounds-helped him better gauge his nonverbal nuances to ensure that they were not distracting or unprofessional.

Know your audience: Through careful research, Jamie came to understand what the institution where he was interviewing-a medical clinic-was about and he tailored his answers to cater to this audience. Embedded in this clinic’s mission was patient care above anything else, so after every answer he gave in the interview he emphasized how that particular scenario or strength he possessed or skill he had developed would enhance his ability to deliver outstanding care to patients. Once you determine what the core function is for the organization where you applying, exploit it: keep referring back to it in the interview. It demonstrates awareness of the organization’s mission and purpose and the ease with which you will fit into its culture.

The end is not the end: Jamie understood that the end of the interview was not really the end: he still had to impress the panel. Thus, when he was asked if he had any questions for his interviewers he did not make the mistake of asking about work-related benefits or how much time off he would receive. Instead, he impressed them further with questions like:

• What distinguishes a good candidate from an exceptional one?


• What gaps do you see between what you are looking for in a candidate and my experience?


• What are your biggest needs right now that you would hope the person you hire would quickly address?

These questions indicated his primary interest was to be an above-average candidate, showing that he was committed to the organization and not simply his own interests.

The next time that you interview, be like Jamie and feel confident through your painstaking, intentional preparation. Follow these principles to make your interviews more successful and leave them wanting more!

3 Strategies to Avoid an Attack of Nerves During your Next Job Interview.

I was speaking to a very personable, witty young man last night in a class I was teaching. He said that when he goes to an interview, while they are talking in the hall on the way to the interview he is able to be himself. However, as soon as he sits down in the interview chair, he freezes up and is a nervous wreck. This is a common problem for many people when it comes to job interviews.

I would like to offer some tactics you can employ to make sure this does not happen to you.

Put the Interview into Perspective
People dread job interviews more than going into the dentist for a root canal. No pain is going to be inflicted during the interview! It is just a conversation with another person. You really don’t have anything to lose in an interview except the time it takes to go to the interview. The worst thing that can happen is that you do not get the job. You did not have the job when you walked in the door, so what did you really lose?

Assess Your Fears
What is it about interviews that you fear? Is it fear of the unknown? Prepare for the interview and this fear will be alleviated. Is your fear based on the fact that you want them to like you, or that you want their approval? The more nervous you appear, the less likely you are to gain that approval you are seeking. Don’t worry about the things you can’t control. You can control your preparation, your attitude, and the way you present yourself in an interview. If you do these things well, you have done your best and the rest is out of your control.

Preparation
I am an introverted person by nature. However, I get up in front of hundreds of people and teach job seeking skills and I really enjoy it! The reason I am able to do this comfortably is due to my preparation and knowledge of the subject. The more prepared you are to discuss a subject, the less nervous you will be. Become very familiar with your skills, the benefits you can offer an employer, and prepare several examples of times you have used these skills successfully. Take several hours to prepare this information and all your future interviews will go much more smoothly.

Three serious interview tips from comedians

Last night I attended a hilarious comedy show by a nationally-known comedian. I have been a fan of his for a while now and it was a treat to see his show live because of his performance flair and the intricate awareness he brings to his life and our culture.

I was reflecting afterward about how difficult it must be to prepare a comedy routine, and I couldn't help but be struck between the parallels between it and preparing for an interview. There are things you can learn about interview preparation from comedians, ones that would make you a stronger interviewer.

1. Create an air of observation: for a comedian, anything has the potential to be material, from trips to the airport and dinner with a significant other to children and going to the doctor. Comedians have to be perpetually observant and bring those observations into their acts. As it is highly likely that you will one day be interviewing for another job, you need to create an air of observation now, as the material you are creating is material for an interview. What projects have you worked on of which you are particularly proud? What are your workplace strengths and weakness? How do you function on a team and how have you remained productive when working with difficult team members? These are but a few questions to get you thinking and there are many more. Spend time reflecting on your current and past positions to create a bank of interview material worth developing.

2. Develop your material for your specific audience: not every comedian is for every audience. Rodney Dangerfield would bring a different crowd to his shows than a Dane Cook. Knowing your interview audience would allows you to filter through your material and cater it specifically to this group. Think about who your audience is, what appeals to them, what their values are, and what their needs are; this will help you hone your material for them and make your message all the more relevant.

3. Practice like you have never practiced before: comedians practice new material through live stand-up appearances in front of hundreds of people. They refine their stories through trial-and-error and perfecting their deliver so that it is natural and not forced. Most of us, however, cannot practice in front of a mirror. If you want to land a position, practice thoroughly.

If you want to progress in your interview, do the hard work - comedian-level hard work - and get disciplined in your interview preparation.

5 Tips to Reduce Anxiety Before Your Next Job Interview

The interviewing process often produces a great deal of anxiety, particularly if you’re unemployed and feeling desperate to find work. There are ways to reduce your pre-interview anxiety and to be best prepared to make a good impression on a prospective employer.

Implement the following practices to manage your apprehension and nervousness and to boost your confidence before your next interview.

Get adequate sleep the night before and eat a healthy meal. You can’t be at your best if you’ve had a lousy night’s sleep and you’ll be more likely to experience anxiety if you are tired. In addition, you’ll want to avoid food that makes you feel unwell and give yourself a night off from alcohol. It will inhibit you from getting deep, restful sleep. Choose a light, healthy meal that provides you with energy instead of weighing you down.

Work off some anxiety with a brief exercise regimen. Do yoga, get in a quick run, a bike ride, or a simple workout at the gym, but be sure not to overdo it.  You don’t want to feel fatigued when you attend the interview, nor do you want to show up with an injury sustained from a morning workout. Some brief exercise will get the blood flowing, boost your energy, and decrease your concern over the interview.

Participate in a meditative practice. This will lower your heart rate, and help get you in the right state of mind, calm your nerves, and enable you to focus on the strengths you bring to the position you’ll be interviewing for.

Interview preparation is key. You can significantly reduce the anxiety you have about a job interview by adequately preparing for it. Your preparation should include the following: understanding the company you’re interviewing with and its main competitors, knowing how to describe the ways your strengths and skills make you a highly qualified candidate, and identifying appropriate questions to help you determine whether the job (and company) is a good fit for you and your interests.

Enhance your mood. Finally, on the way to the interview listen to something that lifts your spirits, encourages you to be at your best, and fills you with confidence. This can be music, a podcast, an audio book, or even a favorite TED talk. Find what works for you.

You can reduce your anxiety about and increase your confidence by implementing these five practices the next time you get that call to come in for a job interview.        

5 Most Common Interview Mistakes

The face-to-face interview with a potential employer is your opportunity to shine. However, this can be a very stressful process for job seekers. A number of items can go wrong, but you don’t want to be the cause of an issue. Avoid these most common mistakes in your next job interview.

Lack of Preparation
Before your interview you must do your research. Get to know the company, identify their needs, recognize their strengths and weaknesses, and try to determine their motivation for hiring. You must also prepare for the interview by identifying your strengths and recognizing how you can be of benefit to the organization.

Arriving Late
Arrive between ten and twenty minutes before your scheduled interview. Arriving just on-time is the same as being late. However, don’t arrive more than twenty minutes ahead or you will make them feel as though they are rushed and off their schedule. Get directions, take a dry run in comparable traffic conditions, and prepare an alternate route in case of emergencies.

Failure to Ask Questions
Not asking questions in an interview is a clear indicator of either a lack of preparation or disinterest in the job. Use your research to develop well thought-out questions that demonstrate both your interest and your preparation. Never ask about benefits, compensation, or minute details that don’t play a role in the employer’s decision.

Inappropriate or Unprofessional Appearance and Behavior
First impressions are formed within 7 seconds and they are usually based on non-verbal communication such as dress, grooming, posture, eye contact, and your handshake. Dress conservatively and professionally. Pay attention to the details of your grooming and ensure you are neat and clean. Dress one step above how you would normally dress to work in the company. Keep your behavior professional – no chewing gum, turn off your cell phone before you enter the building, and don’t forget to smile!

Failure to Ask for the Job
One of the reasons employers cite for not making an offer is that they were unsure whether or not the candidate would accept. At the end of interview, communicate your interest in the job and ask about the next step in the hiring process.

5 Ways to Think About Your Upcoming Job Interview

For many people the time spent in preparation for a job interview is one filled with incredible anxiety. There might be pressure to get a job due to unemployment or recent graduation from school. However, approaching a job interview with intense anxiety and concern will make it difficult to have a successful interview.

The following five ways to think about, and approach, an upcoming interview can help reduce anxiety and allow you to better demonstrate the talent and skills you have to offer the company.

The interview is all about the interviewer. You likely want the job you are interviewing for, but the interviewer is seeking out someone who will make their job easier. If you can demonstrate to the interviewer what you can do for them, and how you can meet the needs of the company, you are in a better position to land the job.

And it’s about determining if the job/employer is a good fit for you. Sure, the job might sound great on paper, but the interview process might reveal that you’d be working for a jerk or at a company that does not respect an employee’s personal life and obligations. The interview is a great opportunity for you to ensure that this job would be a good fit for you.

Practice makes better. Like anything, the more we do something the better we can become at it. Think of your job interview as practice. You might not get this job, but you’ve practiced interviewing and are now better prepared for the next interview that comes your way. Evaluate your performance and identify areas for you to improve upon in your next interview.

This is an opportunity to expand your network. You’ll be meeting other people throughout the interviewing process, from the person who greets you when you arrive, to the manager or human resource representative who interviews you. This provides you with introductions to new people who can expand your network, and who you might work with in the future. Be kind and remember those you might.

You’ll learn something about your field. The interview, if you approach it correctly, can also serve as a learning opportunity. You can deepen your knowledge of your chosen field by asking pertinent questions and gain an understanding of how other companies in the industry operate.

Adjust your thoughts and approach to your upcoming job interview and you can reduce stress and enjoy the process more.

Tips for Looking Your Best at Your Next Job Interview

When you have a big job interview coming up sometimes the greatest anxiety comes not from the preparation for the interview questions but is related to what you should wear to the interview.

First impressions are critical and your style sends a message to the interviewer about who you are, your qualifications for the job, and your understanding of the position.

With that in mind, consider the following tips when preparing what to wear to your next job interview.

Learn what you can about the company. Take a look at the company’s web site and you might see photos of its employees, providing you with some clues about the typical style of dress. Or you might note upcoming special days, such as “blue jean Friday”, cluing you in to the fact that jeans are not considered every day attire. You can also find information about the company and its employees on social media and LinkedIn and these sources can provide valuable information and hints about the dress code at the company.

It’s better to overdress then underdress. Other than wearing a tuxedo or elegant dress to the interview you can’t really go wrong with being slightly overdressed. Wearing a sport coat with a tie for men is appropriate in many circumstances, while for women, a nice blouse with dress slacks or a skirt can be a sharp look. Avoid jeans and shirts with logos or messaging on them. These might send an inadvertent  message to your interviewer. 

Focus on the basics. Wearing a clean white shirt or top, along with a smart pair of pant and slacks is a good place to build on. Bring a suit jacket or sweater in case the temperature in the building is cold and avoid too many accessories, which can cause you to fidget and play with them during the interview. You can’t go wrong if you focus on classic items of clothing in basic colors such as navy blue, gray, black, or brown.

Wear what you’re most comfortable in. Finally, wear something you love to wear, keeping in mind the points above. When you feel comfortable you’ll be more likely to feel and project confidence to your interviewer and, instead of worrying about an ill-fitting or uncomfortable suit, you’ll be focused on clearly conveying your strengths in the interview.

Take a few minutes to research the company you’re interviewing with, focus on wearing classic styles in basic colors, ensure you wear something you love, and you’ll give yourself an opportunity to stand out in your interview.

Transitioning Out of the Military: 5 Steps to Success

Step 4 – Prepare for Your Job Interviews

You successfully translated your military skills into a resume. Now it is time to prepare for the job interview phase. You may be facing your first-ever job interview, or at least the first in many years. Regardless, going into an interview unprepared is a recipe for failure. Following are critical steps for preparation.

Prepare your talking points. The job search process is an exercise in marketing yourself. Before you go into an interview, research the company, read the job posting, and determine how you can benefit the organization. The benefits you will offer become your talking points in the interview. No matter what question is asked, you always want to talk about how you, and your skills, can enhance the company. Determine how you can benefit the organization (i.e. improved productivity, enhanced quality) and offer solid examples of your military accomplishments that demonstrate these skills.

Give yourself credit. In the military, you are taught to act as part of a team. Often ex-military members have trouble talking about themselves because they are hesitant to “brag” or they feel as though they “just did their job.” You must define the benefits you brought to the team. It is not bragging if you are simply stating the facts of how you can help an organization. Most civilians do not know what military life is like. For this reason, they may think your accomplishments are implausible. Your goal in the interview is to ensure they understand your skills.

Practice, practice, practice. Practice the wording, tone, and general responses to the most commonly asked questions such as “Tell me about yourself?”, “What are your strengths/weaknesses?”, and “Why should I hire you?” Your responses should be brief – not more than 2 minutes – while providing as much relevant detail as possible. Write down and memorize PAR (Problem/Action/Result) stories that demonstrate five to ten of your most valuable skills.

Show your personality. Remember that the interview is an opportunity for the company to determine whether or not you are a good “fit” for the position. Don’t forget to smile, don’t take yourself too seriously, ease up on the formality of “sir” and “ma’am”, and do not wear military attire to the interview.

Resources for Conducting Pre-interview Research

In an earlier blog post, I discussed the importance of conducting pre-interview research and the details you should be sure to learn before you go for an interview. Here are some key resources that you can use to gather this essential information.

The company website. This is the first stop on your research trip. Look for their “about us” tab to learn the company history, their mission statement, their goals, and corporate philosophy. However, don’t stop there. Make sure you are familiar with every aspect of their website and the features it offers.

Hoovers Online and CorporateInformation. (http://www.hoovers.com/ and http://www.corporateinformation.com/) These sites are basically information gathering sites on companies of all sizes where you can learn financials, management structure, names of senior staff members, competitors, and much more. There are parts of the sites that require you to pay for access, however many libraries offer free access to these sites.

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. (http://www.sec.gov/) If the company is publicly held you can access their stockholders’ report on this website. Evaluate the company’s prospectus, look at their financials, and learn their mission statement from the reports posted here.

Online news articles. Always conduct a search on http://www.google.com/ to find if there have been any recent articles or news items written about the company’s current events and developments. Another valuable resource is Google News (http://news.google.com/). This specialized search engine focuses on news, journals, and blog websites and you can search by company name.

Information exchange forums. Don’t forget to check sites such as http://www.glassdoor.com/ and www.indeed.com/forum. These are sites where current and former employees can post information about the company. These are often where people go to air their grievances, but even the complaints of a disgruntled employee can offer valuable insight into a company’s problems or needs. These sites may also be a source of information for your interview preparation. They often include the types of interviews and even interview questions other candidates have faced.

Your network. Don’t forget to check with friends, family, and colleagues – they could very well be your most valuable resource for insider information. Use http://www.linkedin.com/ to find people you may know or that know someone within your network and can provide you with pre-interview knowledge.

How to Navigate Potential Interview Minefields - Part 2

Last week, in Part 1 of this blog post, I discussed some of the most commonly asked interview questions that are also commonly answered incorrectly. Here are two more questions that you should prepare your "answer map" so that you can avoid self-destructing your interview process!

"Why should we hire you?"
The absolute worst way to answer this question is one I actually heard from a candidate in an interview. When asked this question, he answered "Because I need a job!" As a rule, the employer really does not want to talk about what they can do for you. The employer is looking for the most cost-effective employee that meets their unique needs. They are most definitely not looking for the candidate who is most in need, and they are especially not looking for the most desperate candidate!

Research the company to find out what they need and what issues they are going through. Use this opportunity to demonstrate that you have taken the necessary steps to research the company and discover their needs. Once you know the company's issues, you can convey how you can benefit their company and achieve results for their organization.

"What are your ideas on salary?"
This could truly be the most dangerous minefield of them all! Answer too high and you price yourself out of their range. Answer too low and you don't optimize your annual salary. The rule rule of thumb is that the person who names a number first loses, so it is best to try to avoid naming an exact salary.

Be aware that this question is often being asked before the interview, as early as when they call for the interview appointment. Therefore, preparation is once again the key to effectively answering the question about salary. Research average salaries for your job title in your geographic area on websites such as www.salary.com or www.payscale.com. The best way to answer the question is to quote your source of choice and provide a range of pay. Always ask the interviewer how that range compares to what their company is paying in order to ensure you have not priced yourself out of their range.

Rambling Can Spoil Your Job Interview Success

Are you easily unnerved in job interviews? As a result, do you find yourself rambling when responding to interview questions?

Be careful. Rambling may leave the impression that you are unorganized, unprepared, and long-winded—none of which are perceived as desirable traits in a business environment. It doesn’t matter that you have the right qualifications and experience. If a case of nerves leaves you rambling, you may not be invited back for a second interview, not to mention the job offer.

Take constructive measures to ensure that you are perceived as professional and articulate in the interview. For example, be concise, stay on topic, and provide practical and relevant responses when answering interview questions. Before answering, consider the position you are applying for. Your goal is to connect the lines between the job’s requirements and your experience, accomplishments, and skills.

After you’ve answered a question, stop talking. Otherwise, you may find yourself adding information that actually distracts and diminishes your stronger, key points. Here’s a rule of thumb: If the information is fluff, eliminate it.

Be sure to listen to the entire question so you can answer appropriately. It is common to start formulating your answer early, which can cause you to miss an important part of the question. Being attentive and thoughtful demonstrates valuable listening skills. Additionally, pay attention to the interviewer’s body language; if the person seems no longer engaged in the conversation it may be you’ve lost his/her attention.

Lastly, practice. Before interviewing, identify your strengths, practice responding to common interview questions, and articulate three or four examples of appropriate work accomplishments. Sometimes it helps to write down your responses and then go back through and edit your answers to be even more concise and relevant.

Remember, constructive preparation will resonate in your interviews and likely help move you closer to landing a job you desire.

Have you Committed one of these 10 Interview Fashion Crimes?

In an earlier blog post, I discussed the importance of non-verbal communication when forming a positive first impression in an interview. Although we can’t change other people’s perception of the world, we can increase our chance or being perceived positively. Keep in mind that a positive image is a result of careful planning, preparation and an honest assessment of your image.

Take this assessment to see what your fashion verdict would be:

1. What are you carrying? Don’t carry a backpack or fanny pack instead of a briefcase or portfolio. Women may still feel the need to carry a purse, but it should be small and conservative and should be tucked away under your chair during the interview.

2. “Transit gear” must be stowed away. Sunglasses on top of your head, headphones around your neck or in your ears, and cell phones not turned off or set to silent will all make negative impressions. Be sure to take care of all these details before entering the lobby.

3. Too much skin showing. Ladies, are your skirts too short, your tops too low cut? Men, do your pants rise up and show skin between your socks and pants, do your buttons gap? Try on your interview outfits and sit down in a chair in front of a mirror to see what your interviewer will see.

4. Overly bright or large-patterned clothing. Ties should be made of silk, no less than 3 inches wide with a conservative pattern. With the possible exception of creative fields like advertising or computer programming, it's best to stick with navy, black or gray with a small accent of color on your shirt, blouse, tie or a scarf.

5. Makeup. Avoid heavy makeup on women (or any makeup on a man).

6. Piercings. More than one set of earrings on women and facial piercings, tongue jewelry or visible tattoos can be a negative for many employers. Earrings on men should be avoided. In fact, men should avoid wearing any jewelry unless it is a wedding ring, class ring or metal watch.

7. Shoes and hosiery. Avoid fishnets, patterned, or colored hosiery, and bare legs (no matter how tan you are). Women should stick with neutral color hosiery that complements their suit. Never wear open-toed shoes to an interview. Men’s socks should match their shoes and should not show a gap of skin when seated.

8. Clothing and shoes in bad repair. Avoid rumpled or stained clothing. If interviewing late in the day, try to change to a fresh suit beforehand. Avoid scuffed or inappropriate footwear, including sneakers, stilettos, open-toed shoes and sandals.

9. What is your smell? Avoid after shaves, perfumes or colognes. Many people are allergic to certain scents. For a subtle fragrance, use good quality bath soap.

10. Remove any telltale signs that you’re wearing new clothes. Remove all tags, stickers, and extra buttons, remember to cut off the zigzag thread that keeps pockets and slits closed, and don’t forget to press out any creases from the clothes being folded in the store.

5 Reasons People Don’t Get Hired

There are a number of reasons – both in and out of your control – that you don’t receive a job offer after an interview. Let’s focus on some of those reasons that are within your control. These reasons come from a survey of more than 2,000 hiring managers and human resources experts.

1. Poor personal appearance. There is no excuse for ignoring your appearance in the job search. Your image conveys your professionalism, attention to detail and work ethic. Ensure you pay attention to the details of your clothing and grooming, whether you are attending a career fair or going to a job interview.

2. Inability to express information clearly / Nervous, lack of confidence and poise. Interviews can be very stressful, especially if you are unprepared. Before every interview, research the company, read the job posting and define how you can benefit the company. This preparation will help you express yourself clearly and will calm your nerves. In an interview, confidence is equated with competence, so you must appear confident in your ability to excel in the position or company.

3. Overbearing, over-aggressive, and arrogant attitude. As stated previously, confidence is very important in the job search process. However, there is a fine line between confidence and arrogance. Avoid the attitude that the company can’t live without you. They can and they will. However, you should present the ways in which you believe you can make a difference for the company.

4. Lack of interest and enthusiasm / No genuine interest in the company or job. An employer wants to feel special, as though you have chosen to work for them. Enthusiasm and interest can be demonstrated by thoroughly researching the company in advance. Determine why they are hiring, what they need, and how you can meet those needs. Start with their website, then conduct an informational search on http://www.google.com/, and finally look for details on sites such as http://www.hoovers.com/, http://www.knowx.com/, and http://www.glassdoor.com/.

5. Over-emphasis on money and benefits. The only appropriate time to ask about money and benefits is when a company is making you a job offer. The company does not want to discuss what they can do for you; their focus is to define how you can benefit their company.

Why is it So Hard to Practice What We Preach?

I have been teaching job search methods and techniques for more than 10 years. I extol the virtues of preparation before a job interview, I educate job seekers to market their value proposition in their resumes, and I teach them how to negotiate salary. Wouldn't you think it would be easy for me to do these things for myself?

I have been self-employed full-time since 2005. However, I recently decided to apply for a very part-time contract teaching position in my field of specialty - military transition job search methods. Once I saw the job posting, it took me almost a month to update and polish my resume. I sympathized with my customers as I sat down to this arduous task!

Obviously, I did a decent job because they called me within an hour and I have a job interview tomorrow. Don't even ask me if I have started to prepare my answers and define my message for the interview tomorrow. I think from the title of this article, you probably know the answer!

This got me thinking - so often we make claims or offer advice in areas that we fail to follow or live up to ourselves. We see evidence of this "do what I say, not what I do" philosophy almost every day in the news and in our lives. With this blog post, I would like to challenge you to think about your core values, consider the advice you offer those around you, and evaluate the values and beliefs you claim to live by and ask yourself these questions:

* Do you serve as a model of your core values in your every day life - not only when people are watching?

* Are you offering advice, guidance, or instruction that you are failing or refusing to adopt yourself?

* Do you evaluate your bad decisions, lapses in good judgment, and mistakes with an honest evaluation of why things went wrong?

Asking yourself these few questions may help you get back on the right path. I know I have been forced to ask myself these very questions this week. That is all for today, I have to go prepare for an interview!

Why Did you Leave your Last Job? How to Navigate This Interview Question.

One of my favorite sayings is “luck is when preparation meets opportunity.” Success in an interview is measured by being prepared for all questions that may be asked. Don’t be thrown off-track by this popular question. The key to answering this question effectively is to remain brief, be positive, and don’t provide unnecessary details.

Interviewers ask this question so that they can understand your motivations and try to gain insight into how you handle conflict. You would be amazed at some of the things candidates have told me in response to this question. The answer to this one question can serve as a giant red warning sign that says “DO NOT HIRE.” Here are some situations you may be facing and how to deal with each one:

If you were fired
This situation can be tricky. You could answer that you made a mutual decision to take your career in a new direction. However, honesty is always the best policy. Take responsibility for the situation, explain what you learned from the experience, and express that the issue will not happen again. Don’t feel compelled go into details. Never try to blame your former employer; you will always come across as though you were the problem.

If you were laid off
Being laid off is seldom viewed as a negative toward the candidate. When stating your reason, explain that you were part of large-scale reduction in force. Provide a general reason for the lay-off such as the company was downsizing, outsourcing, or business slowed down. Do not come across as bitter or angry. Express appreciation for your former company, talk about what you learned in your previous position, and convey enthusiasm for your future opportunities and challenges.

If you did not get along with your boss or coworkers
Never speak negatively about a boss, coworker or the company in an interview. Do not feel the need to explain the situation and who was right or wrong. No matter the circumstances, if you are the one complaining you will come across as a problem employee who is difficult to manage.

When the situation was uncomfortable, it is best to offer a brief answer such as “I was looking to use my skills and experience in an environment where I could make a positive impact.” Unless pressed for further details, it is best to leave it at that.

If you were unhappy with your career direction
Career satisfaction comes from many angles – being challenged, continued growth, adequate pay, and appreciation. However, if you complain about any of these issues, you may come across as easily bored and unmotivated. Talk about how you want to continue to grow and develop your career and how you feel your skills and knowledge can benefit their company. Show that you are self-aware and motivated to succeed by talking about how your skills were not a fit in your previous employer and then state how you feel you fit into the company for which you are interviewing.

If your life circumstances changed
Our personal lives inevitably impact our work. However, you don’t want the interviewer to feel as though your job will be negatively impacted by your personal life. Briefly explain how you left your last job to raise a family, but be sure focus on how you feel you can contribute and bring value to the organization.

Tips for Answering the Salary Question in an Interview

Whether they are asking the question when calling you to schedule the interview or asking you in the interview, your answer to the dreaded salary question can define your success in negotiating your annual salary - and possibly your success in landing the position. The key strategy when planning how to answer the question about salary is advance preparation. Here are some tips that can help you prepare for and field this question successfully.

• Become acquainted with sites, such as www.salary.com, that provide a range of salaries that you can expect in your local area. Generate a personal salary report and keep it with your job search records so you can easily access the information.
• When discussing salary, the most important rule is "the first person to name a number loses." Try to avoid naming your exact number with the following strategy. When asked how much you would like to make, ask the hiring manager to provide you with additional information about the job or ask them to give you an idea of where your range of experience should fit in their company's salary range.
• If you have to name a number, instead of telling the interviewer how much you would like to make, quote your sources. For example, if you have done your research on www.salary.com, you may say something like this, "Prior to applying for this position, I did some research on salary.com. They state that this type of position in (insert your city) should make between (offer them the entire salary range)." Most importantly, you then need to ask "How does that compare with what you are paying?"
• Be advised, you may not get what salary.com says you will get based on your years of experience, it is known to be a bit high. However, it is better to start with a higher number and negotiate lower. It is very difficult to negotiate upward.
• Be aware of non-verbal cues when you state your salary range from salary.com. Try to get a sense from the interviewer's non-verbal communication as to how receptive they are to your numbers.
• Never be afraid to negotiate salary. It is expected from you in the job search process. If you don't negotiate salary, most likely you are leaving money on the table.

4 Reasons Why You May Not Be Getting a Job Offer

So you had a great interview. You felt like you made a connection with the interviewer, you were comfortable and confident when answering questions, you asked intelligent questions of the interviewer, and yet you still did not get the call with the offer. What happened?

There are all sorts of factors that go into whether or not you are the candidate selected for the job. Unfortunately many of them are out of our control. For example, you can't control the other candidates and their qualifications. You can't control whether or not the interviewer decided to hire their nephew. So, for the sake of saving our sanity, let's focus on 4 reasons that are within our control and look at what you can do to overcome these situations.

1. Your Social Media Presence Is Unfavorable
The statistics vary based on the survey you read. However, between 80 and 95% of hiring manager and human resources professionals admit that they check you out online before they make the hiring decision. Between 60 and 80% of employers do not hire people because of what they find on the internet. Do a Google search on yourself and see what comes up, then evaluate it from the employer's point of view. Ensure there are no controversial comments, avoid hot-button issues such as religion and politics, and take down any inappropriate photos or jokes.

2. Your References Say Negative Things About You
No matter how you left your previous positions, you need to keep your contacts with your references friendly and positive. Call your references and ask them to support your search for new employment. Swallow your pride, apologize for past issues, and mend those bridges. Negative references can be a huge stumbling block for job seekers. Be proactive; it is better to know in advance where you stand with your references than lose a great job due to a negative comment from a reference.

3. You Came Unprepared for the Interview
Preparation has two parts, preparing yourself to discuss your skills and accomplishments and knowing all you need to know about the company. Do your research in both areas to prepare for an effective interview performance. Learn about the company, its mission statement, product or service, and its competitors. Try to discover the motivation behind why the company is hiring. Do they have a problem you can solve? Do they have a need that you can fulfill?

4. You Did Not Effectively Deliver Your Value Proposition
Take the time to get to know your product (YOU!) and clearly define the value you can offer an employer. Remember, every employer is seeking the most cost-effective employee. If you present yourself in terms of how you can make them money or save them money, how you can make their life easier, or how you are more than worth the paycheck they will pay you, then you make the hiring decision an easy one.