Posts Tagged ‘interview tips’
We’ve all had one — an interview that just went wrong for some reason. But sometimes the reason is right in front of us. Check out this list of common interview misfires from Monster.com, and what you can do to avoid them.
1. Too much perfume or cologne. A little might be OK, but too much is simply too much. Better yet, wear none. You never know if your interviewer is scent-sensitive.
2. One-word answers. Few things frustrate an interviewer like one-word responses. Explain your answer, give examples, and help them get to know you.
3. Talking too much. Just as you don’t want to say too little, be careful not to ramble on too much. Answer the question concisely, with good examples as appropriate.
4. Lack of focus. Make sure your answers address the interviewer’s question and don’t get off topic.
5. No eye contact. Always looking down or somewhere else makes you seem uncomfortable or unconfident. Try to look the interviewer in the eye without making it a staring contest.
6. Too much slang. You’re intelligent, but the only way your interviewer can tell is by the way you speak. So try to avoid slang and filler words such as “um” and “like.”
7. Dishonesty. Nothing will kill your chances like not being truthful. Make an effort to be as honest and forthcoming as you can, while convincing them you’re the right person for the job.
The Off-the-Wall Interview
Posted on: March 1, 2013
Before any interview, it pays to practice answers to common questions. But what if you’re caught off guard? Take a look at these unusual (but real, according to glassdoor.com) interview questions and think about how you might answer them.
- If you were to get rid of one state in the U.S., which would it be and why? (asked by Forrester)
- How many quarters would you need to reach the height of the Empire State building? (asked by JetBlue)
- A penguin walks through that door right now wearing a sombrero. What does he say and why is he here? (asked by Clark Construction Group)
- What song best describes your work ethic? (asked by Dell)
- If we came to your house for dinner, what would you prepare for us? (asked by Trader Joe’s)
- How do you make a tuna sandwich? (asked by Astron Consulting)
- Estimate how many windows are in New York. (asked by Bain & Company)
- What’s your favorite song? Perform it for us now. (asked by LivingSocial)
- Have you ever stolen a pen from work? (asked by Jiffy Software)
- Pick two celebrities to be your parents. (asked by Urban Outfitters)
- What kitchen utensil would you be? (asked by Bandwidth.com)
- On a scale from one to 10ten, rate me as an interviewer. (asked by Kraft Food)
- If you could be anyone else, who would it be? (asked by Salesforce.com)
- How would you direct someone else on how to cook an omelet? (asked by PETCO)
Remember, most interview questions are intended to teach them something about you and how you think. So keep that in mind and show them you can think on your feet!
For assistance, advice and more, contact Everest’s Career Services team.
Don’t Forget to Say Thank You!
Posted on: January 16, 2013
So you dressed nicely, your résumé resume was perfect, and you asked smart questions. Is there anything else to nailing a job interview? There’s one more thing: the thank you note. Here are some reasons why you shouldn’t forget this little detail.
- 1. It’s good manners. Even employers want to know that you can be courteous. After all, you’ll be working with people all day long.
- 2. It shows you can communicate. If you can write a nice, genuine thank you, that’s a good sign that you actually have those communication skills that others claim to have.
- 3. You can say things you forgot. Sometimes an interview moves quickly and we don’t get to say all that we want to. The thank you note is your chance. Just keep it short.
- 4. It reminds them who you are. Sometimes employers meet a lot of people. A memorable thank you note is a great way to help you stand out.
Pay attention to the details, and it could be difference between getting the job and just interviewing for it.
Four Tips for a Better Interview
Posted on: August 29, 2012
Let’s face it; not every interview is going to be a home run. But following some smart advice from the folks at Dummies.com will help you interview better and improve your chances.
Have a conversation. Just giving answers to questions makes you seem boring. So try answering their questions with a brief story or adding more detail. You’ll come across as more engaging, and that’s a good thing.
Be positive. No employer wants to hire a complainer. So even when describing a bad experience or challenging work relationship, don’t gripe or complain. Instead, talk about how much you learned from the experience and how you’re glad for the challenge.
Don’t beg. No matter how much you want or need the job, begging will only make you seem desperate. Remember, employers don’t hire for charity; they hire to solve their problems.
Ask good questions. Prepare some questions to ask ahead of time and be sure to ask them. Good questions are often as valuable as good answers.
Plan and do your homework, and you can shine in any interview.
Present yourself well. Have a neat, organized résumé, dress nicely and show up on time (or early).- Speak confidently. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have as much experience as you’d like. Speak about what you’ve learned through life experience and your education and what you’re capable of. Make them believe they’ll be missing out if they pass you up.
- Ask good questions. Before you ask about salary or benefits (usually something that comes up in later interviews), ask about what it takes to succeed at their company. Show them that you care about doing your job well.
- Say thank you. Remember to send a thank-you note or email after the interview. This basic courtesy can go a long way toward making you seem sincere.
Good luck!
Once you complete your Dental Assistant education and start looking for a job, what will interviewers expect from you? Here are some key points to remember:
- Punctuality. First of all, show up to your interview on time. Make your first impression one of dependability.
- Appearance. Your second impression should be one of professionalism. Your hair should be cut and styled. Wear clean, pressed clothes. If you’re a woman, keep makeup and jewelry to a minimum. Try to cover up tattoos, if you have them.
- Knowledge/Experience. This is where your Everest education can help you. Discuss not only what you’ve learned in class, but what you’ve actually done in the lab. Convince them you have the skills to do the job.
- Confidence. Again, this is where your Everest education helps. Your education and training can provide you with the self-confidence interviewers are looking for.
Top 5 Interview Tips
Posted on: August 4, 2011
Are you anticipating your first job interview or counting down the days until your next one? Here are a few helpful tips that can help you get in the right frame of mind.
1. Do your research. Study the company’s requirements and match your skills with their needs.
2. Practice interviewing. While there’s no set format that a job interview might follow, you can usually count on being asked questions about your qualifications.
3. Dress right. Make sure your clothes are clean and professional-looking. First impressions are important.
4. Remain calm. Preparing for an interview will help, but take your time when answering questions. Short pauses are fine if you need to gather your thoughts.
5. Ask questions. Have some questions in mind about the company you hope to work for. You’ll learn more about the job, and asking questions let’s your interviewer know you’re interested in the company’s culture.
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