The time you spent writing that magnificent resume and cover letter paid off. The words on the paper intrigued the hiring manager and now you have an interview. How can you increase your chances of getting the job you want? The best advice I can give is to prepare for the interview. Research the organization. Find out if the organization has a website and if so, become familiar with its contents. The same goes for any company brochures, posters, articles or reports you may find. What is the companys mission, products or services? If possible, visit the organization before the interview. While there, pay attention to the culture, the environment, the conversations and interactions of people coming and going. The Chamber of Commerce can be an excellent source of information. Why is researching the company before the interview so important? I have heard feedback from employers who have been astounded that the candidate knew very little about the company, and didnt bother to find out. Armed with company knowledge, you can think about why you want this job, how your skills and talents, values, and ideas can help the organization to meet its goals and objectives. By doing so, you will be able to give better answers to the interview questions, and your words will demonstrate that you are a solution-based person, which is an attribute that is at the top of the employers list.

In addition, employers tend to hire people who demonstrate a great attitude and a fit with the organization over those with the most perfect qualifications. Your goal is to be yourself during the interview, your best self. Being prepared will help you to be more confident and in control of the situation rather than feeling helpless or victimized. If you think you need more specific interview tips than those provided in this article, answers to difficult questions, or hands-on practice doing an interview, take the time to come to a workshop at The Career Centre. People who have done so say that not only did it make a big difference in the way the interview went, but it was fun too! Let us help you to think and act like a champion so you can go for the gold!

The best thing for a sluggish mind is to disturb its routine . W.H. Danforth

Finally, make sure you are organized. Prepare extra copies of your resume, letters of reference or presentation materials the day before. Get a good nights sleep so you will feel and look your best. Remember it is your interview, so take control of it by doing your research, letting your professional, optimistic manner come out, and having confidence in your abilities and skills. Think positive that you will ace the interview and get the job!

Interviews. Just the word itself can bring up feelings of fear and anxiety. However, there are steps you can take to minimize some of the stress typically associated with them. In order to put your best foot forward and create a strong first impression, here are some suggestions:

1) Research the company and the job youre applying for. Understanding the company, its philosophy and the duties of the position youre applying for is a great stress buster! It increases your confidence and shows the person(s) interviewing you that you are serious and chose this company deliberately. So before the interview, check out the companys website if they have one (they are a wealth of information)! Contact a company employee to arrange an information interview before the job interview. Acquire as much information as you can about services offered by the company by picking up brochures and talking to friends and acquaintances.

2) Practice your interview answers out loud. Think of some potential interview questions or obtain a copy of commonly asked questions from an employment centre. Then practice your answers. There is something very powerful and confidence building about rehearsing and verbalizing your answers. It gives you the opportunity to hear yourself and decide what words to use and focus on. Keep your answers to approximately 2 minutes. If you arent sure how long 2 minutes is, practice with a clock beside you to get a sense of timing. Remember to link your skills/strengths to the job duties and provide a job-related example!

3) Minimize stressors. Take away as many potential stressors as possible so you are more relaxed the day of the interview. If you were unable to conduct an information interview prior to the interview, make sure you find out where the company is located. Take the time to go to it. This act alone can save an interview! Unfortunately, there are many stories of people who have arrived late to an interview as a result of encountering a glitch in locating an address or difficulty in finding parking. Determine what parking is available and where. Watch how long it takes you to get there. Decide some days beforehand what you will wear. Get a good sleep the night before so you are well rested, looking and feeling your best. Arrive a few minutes early the day of the interview. Bring your references and a copy of your resume in case you are asked for an additional copy. Being prepared has a calming effect and reflects strong organizational skills to an employer.

First impressions are vital. And since you never have a second chance to make a first impression, take the time to make the first one memorable! Good luck!

An upcoming job interview can stir up a variety of emotions. The initial feelings of elation and hope we experience at being short-listed can sometimes be replaced with feelings of anxiety and dread as the date of the interview approaches. Is there anything we can do to reduce these troublesome feelings? You bet there is! There are a many tips and strategies that go a long way to build your confidence in order for you to be successful. In this article we will only be looking at three of these strategies:

Firstly, it is imperative to research the company or organization in question. Familiarize yourself with ALL of the services the company offers or the products they supply. Many companies today have websites that will provide insight into the companys background and philosophies, as well as information on what goods and services they provide. If they dont have a website, collect brochures and information from their reception area. If all else fails, have a brief discussion with an employee of the company. This research will prepare you to answer a number of questions you may be asked and the employer will be impressed with your knowledge and interest in the company.

Secondly, review the job posting, and your skills and qualifications for the position, so that you can discuss how you will meet or exceed the employers requirements in a confident manner throughout the job interview.

Thirdly, greet the interviewer with confidence. Smile and extend your hand for a firm handshake no vice grips or limp fish grips here please! Good first impressions are of primary importance in setting the stage for a successful interview.

These are just a few of the strategies you may want to consider. For a more comprehensive look at interviewing, make an appointment with an employment consultant today, or call 248-3205 to inquire about the job search workshops/programs currently offered at The Career Centre.