21 Secrets to Nailing a Business Job Interview

21 SECRETS TO NAILING A BUSINESS JOB INTERVIEW PREPARE Research the Company • Scour the company's website. "Whoa, sweet site!" • Read the company's mission statement. "So that's how they make money." • Has the company been in the news lately? If so, why? How would it affect your role? • Look at the company's annual financial report. • Identify the company's main competitors. • Check out their social accounts -- Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and even Google Plus. • Read up on the company's history. "Extra! Extra! Read all about it!" DRESS TO IMPRESS Studies show navy blue is the best color to wear for a job interview because it inspires confidence. Women: Pantsuit or conservative skirt and conservative Men: Business suit blouse. Arrive 15 minutes before the interview and stop by the restroom to double check your appearance. Skip on wearing cologne and perfume. Blue and black are the best colors to wear. Ø Orange is the worst. Think of a few questions to ask your interviewer during the interview. BRAINSTORM! What are the most important responsibilities of this position? Are there opportunities for advancement? 2 How much influence will I have over operations and staff? What is the company's vision for the future? If you were to take this position, what would your focus be? DURING INTERVIEW DO'S & DON'TS Address your interviewer by name and know a bit about their back- ground before your interview. Don't fold your arms. Avoid crossing your legs. Smile. Avoid telling jokes or lecturing on non-work matters like politics or social issues. Shake hands with a firm, confident grip. Two pumps (up down, up down) is the standard. Don't speak too much or too fast. Pause to think before you speak. Keep eye contact. Sit up straight. Never complain about a previous boss, colleague or company. Never. Accentuate your accomplishments and be prepared, if asked, to explain what you learned from your mistakes. Avoid clichés and buzzwords- instead, be specific and provide examples showing those traits. MOST OVERUSED TOP 10 WORDS BY PROFESSIONALS 1 3 Effective Creative Organizational 5. Track Record 6. Extensive Experience Motivated Innovative 8. Problem Solving Communication Skills 10 Dynamic Just Be Original MOST Why do you want to work here? COMMON What are your strengths? INTERVIEW QUESTIONS Will you tell me about yourself? FOLLOW UP Ask for a business card from everyone who interviewed you. Send them a thank you note or email within 24 hours to show you appreciate them taking time out of their day. Before you leave the interview, ask the hiring manager what his/her time frame is for making a hiring decision. If you have yet to hear a decision, and the time frame has been exceeded by more than a week, send a concise, friendly email to see where the company is in the hiring process. Only follow up once. If you don't receive a response, move on. ADVANCE YOUR CAREER. GET YOUR DEGREE. VISIT www.COLLEGEATLAS.ORG O 2004- 2014 COLLEGEATLAS.ORG ........... ............. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED SOURCES: MONEY.HOWSTUFFWORKS.COM, THEMUSE.COM, MASHABLE.COM, BUSINESSNEWSDAILY.COM, BUSINESSINSIDER.COM