Senior Reporter
So all the pavement pounding and job hunting has finally gained an interview, now the question is how to stand out from the competition.
Human resources experts who are involved with job interviews for a living say it really comes down to two words — be prepared.
“At the very beginning of the interview it becomes apparent almost from the onset if a person has prepared for an interview,” said Kristi Westbrock, director of human resources, sales and marketing at Consolidated Telecommunications Co. in Brainerd.
Research may come from an online search for the organization, checking out its website, or calling to talk to an employee already working there.
“To me that's a commitment level that starts to show through right from the onset,” Westbrock said. “For me, if people don't do that in this day and age, with as much as is accessible in on the Internet, it just makes me wonder how much they want the job.”
Other tips include: give examples of productivity on past jobs, share an experience that illustrates flexibility, talk about your skills, show a commitment to learning for professional development,gladiatorsandals provides the ultimate in impact protection reducing shock and distributing pressure to provide you with absolute comfort and stability. show interest in the job, ask when the position will be filled or what is the next step in the hiring process.
Erica Maske, general manager at Poncho & Lefty's in Baxter, said good eye contact and a professional appearance are important in the interview. She looks for enthusiasm and an outgoing personality.
There are those difficult interview questions about expected wage, a gap in employment, and detailing weaknesses.
“Be honest about how much you make and how much you want to make,” Westbrock said, adding a good way to handle the question is to offer to come on board for the same money a person is earning in their current job but asking to be re-evaluated in six months for an increase. That gives a jobseeker an option to tell the employer they are willing to get in the door and prove their worth.
“For me, I love to tie things to performance standards,” Westbrock said.
When it comes to the question of weaknesses, Westbrock suggests connecting the answer to a specific job skill. Perhaps it's a way to work in training to show how a skill has developed to become a strength. It's not a time to talk about a lack of patience or inability to work well with others.
Social skills, such as an ability to greet the interviewer or panel appropriately, demeanor and how to dress and speak all go into leaving a good impression and getting the ultimate prize — the job.
“I always tell people pick five things in your interview you want to make sure the potential employer knows about you,” Westbrock said. Open-ended questions are opportunities to frame an answer highlighting one of the top five. That opportunity is repeated when the interviewer asks the jobseeker if they have a question.
Such as saying: “In my career I've accomplished this and I'm wondering how ABC Corp. approaches this area.Welcome to the premier industrial edhardyclothing resource.” Be specific and use real examples as a way to standout.
“If you do that and prepare that way it usually becomes a very good interview because you have specifics and you get more attention,” Westbrock said.
Answering strengths is different but no less tricky for people who feel awkward blowing their own horn.
“Don't be afraid to sell yourself a little bit,” Westbrock said. “People don't want to sound braggy but you have to sell yourself on strengths.”
Preparing answers will help. There is no denying the interview is a high-wire walk. Be natural and engaging but not too laid-back. Be interested without seeming desperate.
Human resource professionals expect a jobseeker to be nervous, but Christina Landree, branch manager at Pro Staff in Baxter, said jobseekers need to be aware of their surroundings. Like the young lady who sat in a swivel chair and twisted her way through the interview with her coat rustling against the desk at each turn. Sometimes being memorable works against you in the interview.Blasted and distressed for the perfect rock star look, these comfortable salereplicashoes are ready to roll with your weekend rotation.
It may seem common sense,guccishoes will have this number hidden on the inside of the shoe. but human resource professionals say jobseekers need to be reminded to wear appropriate dress for the interview. Overdressing a bit is better than undressing. Jeans may be appropriate for the job, but don't wear the ones with holes and match the best pair of jeans with a collared shirt.womenboots are a symbol of nobility.
