NEVER Do These Things in an Interview

In this competitive job market, it is imperative that you make the best impression possible to land the job of your dreams. Here are some things you should NEVER do in an interview:

• Never ask about salary and benefits issues on the 1st interview and don’t discuss unless the subject is brought up by your interviewer.
• Never say anything negative about your former employer or co-workers, and don’t exhibit frustrations or a negative attitude in an interview.
• Never misrepresent your abilities or skills.
• Don't make excuses. Take responsibility for your decisions and your actions.
• Never answer questions with a simple "yes" or "no." Explain whenever possible.
• Don't treat the interview casually, as if you are just shopping around or doing the interview for practice.
• If you are having lunch or dinner with any of your interviewers, NEVER, EVER drink, even if they do!!
• Don't chew gum, smell like smoke, wear too much cologne or perfume, and never tell jokes during the interview.
• Never bring up or discuss personal issues or family problems.
• Never answer cell phone calls during the interview. Your cell phone should be OFF!
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Interviewing Tips

It’s the Big Day! Your goal on this first interview is to sell yourself and get a second interview! Here are some interview tips everyone can use DURING their first interview.

-Arrive a few minutes early and greet everyone you meet with a firm handshake.
-Make eye contact when greeting your interviewer and maintain eye contact when answering questions.
-LISTEN! Don’t try to think of the next thing you want to say while your interviewer is talking, you may miss something important!
-Be sure to answer the question that was asked and try not to go off on tangents explaining something. It’s OK to ask, “does that answer your question”?
-Silence is OK once you have answered a question. Don’t try to keep talking, let them absorb your answer and move forward with the next interview question.
-Always be honest about what you can and cannot do. Express that you are willing and eager to learn.
-Be prepared to sell yourself and the skills you bring to the table. What makes you different from the other candidates also interviewing for this position?
-At the end of the interview, express your interest in the position, and ask what the next step is in the process.
-Remember to get the business cards of your interviewers and follow up with a short Thank You Email within 1 – 2 days after interview. In the email, thank the interviewer for their time, reiterate that you are interested in the position, and briefly state why you feel you are qualified.

Check out our jobs at www.dovemgt.net and watch for our next Blog: “Never Do These Things in an Interview”.

Research the Company Prior to the Interview

You’ve finally landed an interview for your dream job! Researching your potential employer beforehand is crucial to making a good impression on them. Your research should include a thorough exploration of the company’s website and going over an accurate job description. Use sites like Glassdoor.com, Vault.com, Google, and Linked In to find information about the company and its’ management. If you're a member of professional networking sites, use your connections to get inside information that will help show the interviewer that you are knowledgeable about the company, its mission, and it employees. If the job requires you to relocate, be sure to research the area where the company is located. Simply Googling the “city and state” will provide you with links to multiple websites with great information. In addition, research Cost-of–Living and Salary Comparisons for the area using websites like Salary.com, CNNMoney.com, and Bankrate.com. Taking the time to research the company and being armed with that information shows that you are truly interested and can set you apart from your competition!

Check out our jobs at www.dovemgt.net and watch for our next Blog: “Interviewing Tips”

Preparing for the Interview

The job market is very competitive and you will not be the only qualified candidate interviewing for a position. However, being prepared for the interview will help you manage the stress of answering questions and will help you make a positive impression on the interviewer. Here are some tips on how you can prepare ahead of time for the big day:

•Do your research on the company beforehand to show the interviewer that you are knowledgeable about the company, its mission, and it employees.
•If the job requires you to relocate, be sure to research the area where the company is located.
•Research Cost-of–Living and Salary comparisons using websites like Salary.com, CNNMoney.com, and Bankrate.com.
•Get directions ahead of time using MapQuest or Google Maps so that you know exactly where you are going and give yourself plenty of time to arrive 15 minutes early.
•Print several nice copies of your Resume to bring with you in case an Interviewer does not have one when interviewing you.
•Bring pen and paper to take notes and write down names.
•Prepare a list of 3 questions about the company or specifics of the job that you would like answered. You will most certainly be asked at some point in the interview if you have any questions. Suggested questions can be found at our website http://dovemgt.net/interview.html
•Prepare a list of 3 Professional References that includes at least 2 Supervisors /Managers and bring with you.

Check out our jobs at www.dovemgt.net and watch for our next Blog: “How to Research a Company Prior to an Interview”.