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Look your best
When you go to a job interview, you want to convey that you are
professional and ready to go to work. That doesn't mean you always have
to wear a formal business suit, but it does mean that you should always
look your best.
When choosing your outfit, follow these guidelines to make the best
impression:
Wear clean, neatly pressed clothes.
Avoid anything tight-fitting or clingy.
Select a dress or skirt that is no more than two inches above your
knee.
Select pants that are the appropriate length. Your pants should
cover the ankle, but not drag under the heel of your shoes.
Select a tie that, when knotted, reaches the middle of your belt
buckle.
Clean and polish your shoes. Before your interview, double-check
that they are free of mud, debris, and scuffs.
Avoid too much jewelry and too many accessories.
Remember that it is usually better to be over- dressed, rather than
too casual, when you go to an interview.
Clothing is not the only aspect of appearance that is important; it is
equally vital that you be clean and well groomed:
Take a shower or bath.
Avoid fragrances entirely.
Brush your hair and teeth.
Clean your fingernails.
Avoid alcohol, onions and garlic, both that day and the day before.
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Identify your skills
Tell me about yourself.
That is usually one of the first things that an employer will say in an
interview. What he/she is really asking is what qualifies you for this
position. Your response will set the tone for the rest of the
interview, so your best bet is to prepare your answer in advance.
Think of your answer as a 60-second commercial in which you sell
yourself. Know the job description for the position you are going for
and tailor your comments to match. Your script may vary slightly
depending on the position, but the foundation will always be based on
your skills.
Assess yourself: The first step in composing your commercial
is self-assessment. To get started, it may help to review your resume.
Look at the jobs that you have held and decide what skills you used for
each.
Make a list of at least ten of your strengths and skills. Use active
words that reflect what you have done. Include both job specific
skills, such as your ability to use a computer, and your "soft"
skills, such as your ability to organize or your attention to
detail.
Evaluate how each of your skills will be useful to the position you are
seeking. Decide which seem most relevant. Write them down. These
will be the basis of your commercial.
Compose your message: Now, you are ready to put your commercial
together. It will help to write down exactly what you want to say, so that
you can practice and be sure not to miss any major points.
Start with a brief introduction of yourself. Include your name and
your usual line of work. Then, state what position you are seeking.
This part may vary depending on the interview. Next, you will get into
your skills. Start with your job skills and work into your "soft"
skills.
Sell your experience: Employers are interested in what you have
done. Use action words to tell them. They are clear, concise and direct -
all strengths that impress employers in an interview.
Know the value of your skills: Salary negotiation usually won't be
an issue until a job offer has been made. However, it is important that you
know the standard pay range for the position you are seeking. Consider
where you fit in that range based on your skills. When the time comes to
discuss salary, present your case. You may say something like "With the
education and experience I bring, I would expect to start at the higher
end of that scale."
Remember, your skills and experience are the basis of your negotiations.
The employer is not interested in your personal finances or the number of
children you are trying to support. It's not about what you "need", but
about what your skills are worth and why.
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