Job Interview Keys to Success - CareerAlley

Job Interview Keys to Success - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. You can have stellar credentials, outstanding performance reviews and be a perfect match for the job, but if you blow the interview, you lost the job. You are sizing up the interviewer and the company and they are viewing you through a selective lens as well. In the current job-seeking candidate pool, it is truly an employers market; there is a plethora of potential employees. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, June 1, 2012, there are 15.9 million unemployed. Follow these 3 keys to creating a total package which draws interviewers and HR personnel to you. If you do not make it past the HR gatekeeper, you are left sitting outside unemployed. 1. First Impressions The[easyazon_link asin=1402203853 locale=US new_window=default nofollow=default tag=caree07-20 add_to_cart=default cloaking=default localization=default popups=default]interview[/easyazon_link] starts with their first impression of you. It may be your cover letter, resume, or the package in which you present your credentials. When it is time for the physical interview, you are the package. The gatekeeper and all of the other potential candidates in the reception area will be observing you in detail. Magic Moment Breathe a sigh of relief at making it into the interview pile. Now the heavy mental work begins. It is a documented fact that you have seven seconds for the interviewer to decide if they like you and thirty seconds for them to decide if they want to hear what you have to say. Appear well groomed, relaxed and confident. Research the culture of the company in advance and dress one notch above the office standard for the position for which you are applying. Dont wear a tuxedo, but dressing down gives the impression that you devalue the position. Unless you are a clone of Steve Jobs, jeans, sneakers and a t-shirt are not acceptable. 2. Mentally Trade Places with the Interviewer What are they looking for in appearance, skills and experience? What is the problem you are to solve for them? Each job has a specific function; each job is to solve some problem. When you know that problem, you know the specific focus for the position. Once you know the focus and the problem to be solved, you know which of your skills and experience solve that problem. 3. Be prepared to tell a brief story of how you solved that exact problem for another company. It is not uncommon for an interviewer to say, Tell me about a time when you _________. Know the potential stories to tell and practice how to deliver them briefly and with impact. When you design your preliminary credentials carefully to highlight exactly what that specific position requires, you have an opportunity for a personal appearance. Interview Appear well groomed, confident and relaxed Know what the interviewer needs from the candidate for this position Be prepared with brief stories to emphasize your capability Elaine Love writes for PrintPlace.com, Small Business Examiner, Motley Fool, and Elaine4Success.com. Her expertise is in small business, marketing, mindset for business and speaking coaching. Her credentials include Masters Degrees in Communication, 35 years of entrepreneurial awards including International Innovator of the Year, World Class Speaking Coach, and author of 3 books. Contact Elaine on Google+ at +Elaine. This is a Guest post. We are always eager to hear from our readers. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or suggestions regarding CareerAlley content. Good luck in your search,Joey