Well - it has been a few days since I blogged, so it is time to talk about interviewing!

As a person who interviews potential employees, I have seen my share of do's and dont's. This is not an exhaustive list - remember I am only giving my 2cents.

Dressing for Success:

Too many times do I see young people that have clothes on that are showing their underwear, too tight or just not professional. So when you do get that opportunity for an interview dress for success. I am not asking you to get an expensive suit or dress, but clothes that fit properly, ironed, and properly attired.

First impressions are important because if you care about your appearance you will be given an opportunity possibly to show how you care about your performance on the job.

Interview:

When you meet your potential employer - be sure to walk into the room and look the interviewer in the eye and shake their hand firmly. Do not give them a weak handshake or part of your hand, but give them a nice firm handshake.

Be careful not to get too fidgety - show your confidence in yourself and the abilities you have to do the job, by sitting upright, talking with confidence (i.e.- do not whisper, or not have eye contact), and be sure to give your interviewer the high points of what you can bring to the table.

Listen carefully to the interviewer and if you don't understand what they are asking, either ask them to repeat the question or answer with "Before I answer, let me clearly understand what you are asking of me. Are you asking..." and then rephrase the question as you understand it. If it is not correct, then you have gained their respect that you choose to slowly and correctly answer their question, than to pop off an answer without thinking through it clearly.

Last point for this blog - but make sure you do a little research of your potential organization. You may want to check the website to find out more about the company. Look for their standards, mission statement or core values that they may have on the web. When you are in the interview ask about the environment there as far as leadership is concerned. Will you be working for an organization that might compromise its core values if put to the test? Also, feel free to ask them about the benefits such as vacation, sick, holiday, etc.

As you gain your experience in interviewing you will develop your own style and technique for handling this sometimes awkward situation. Remember the following quick points:

1. Dress for success

2. Make good eye contact

3. Shake their hand firmly

4. Listen, think and then speak

5. Ask questions of the organization

Until another time...

Nina