jobs

This is Part III of a job hunting series covering résumé writing, cover letter writing and interviewing.

 

You gained a job interview. Now it's time to concentrate on the next step: the interview itself.

First, research the company. Use the Internet and search engines such as www.startribune.com. Call the receptionist and ask him or her to send any marketing materials you can learn from.

During the interview, Lissa Weimelt of The Hiring Experts (www.thehiringexperts.com) says, it's important to think like the person who is going to hire you.

"Provide examples or a brief story of accomplishments you made in your current or past job that showed your value to the company," says Marni Hockenberg, also of The Hiring Experts.

Hockenberg and Weimelt offer these five tips:

 

• Be prepared: Bring two or three copies of your résumé, in a nice portfolio. Be prepared to be in a group interview.

   

   

• Get your head in the game: Prepare specific examples of things/tasks/projects you have accomplished for your current or past employers. Tell "little stories" that demonstrate your abilities.

   

   

• Relax: If you are nervous, tell the interviewers. They will usually rescue you.

   

   

• Be honest: Don't divulge your deepest secrets, and don't exaggerate your skills either. Put your best foot forward.

   

   

• Ask for the job: Directly tell the interviewers you want to work for the company. Prepare a two or three sentence final statement that highlights what you thought their "hot buttons" were in the interview.

   

   

• Follow up: Send a thank-you note– handwritten is best; it's more personal. In three short paragraphs, thank them for the interview; and reiterate any specific strengths that areimportant to the company; ask for the job.