| Create an Outline of your Background:
Working from past to present, practice talking about your education, work experience,
career goals and reasons for seeking a new career.
List Achievements: Choose ten
accomplishments that you are most proud of and record them on paper. Always use examples
from your past experience.
List Weaknesses: Choose a few
examples of a weakness or an area for professional development and record them on
paper. Only choose weaknesses where you can show problem solving skills to overcome
your weaknesses. Never describe an organization or individual negatively.
List Career Goals: Goals need to be
realistic, achievable and illustrate your ability to grow technically and/or managerially.
Responsibility: You are a skilled
individual seeking the best opportunity. Be ready to ask your own set of
questions. For example: Why is the position open? What is the financial status of
the company? What is the turnover rate? What is the technical direction for
the future? What is the management style? What are the duties and
expectations? What are the average number of hours worked per week? What
applications will you be directly responsible for? What is the corporate
structure? How often are performance evaluations given? What training does the
company offer? etc.
Research: Investigate the company
web sites, Look for write ups on the internet, and/or get information from the recruiter
about the company, go to the library.
Assertiveness: Inquire what the
next step of the interview process is and express an interest in being hired for the
job. Ask for the interviewer's business card to ensure correct title and spelling of
his or her name. Write a thank you letter to the interviewer within two days
following the interview. |