Tips Source1:Last-Minute InterviewPreparationBy Doug Hardy, Monster Staff Writer

Even if you have less than a day before your jobinterview, you can outshine the competition with a littleinterview preparation. The following four tasks will takeyou about four hours (plus five minutes) to complete,and you'll walk into the interview confident you'll besuccessful.

Conduct Basic Interview Research

To prepare for an interview, find out as much as you canbeforehand. Call the person who scheduled yourinterview and ask:

Who will you be talking to? Will you meet themanager you'd work for, or will you just talk toHR? What are the interviewer's expectations?

What's the dress code? Dress better thansuggested. Most times, it's best to wear aprofessional suit. You'd be amazed how manycandidates show up looking like they're going toclass, not presenting a professional demeanor.

Get directions to the office. Plan to leave early.Keep a phone number to call if you get stuck onthe bus or in traffic. If you arrive late andstressed, the interview will not go well.

If you don't have a detailed job description, askfor one.

That's a five-minute phone call.

Learn About the Company Online

Do some fast Web research, which will give yousomething to talk about in addition to the job description.Go to the employer's Web site, or search the Web forinformation such as:

How big is the company in terms of annual salesor employees?

What does the company say about its productsor services?

What recent news (such as a new product, apress release, an interview with the CEO) canyou discuss?

If the company is public, the boilerplate at thebottom of its press releases will tell you a lot.

Basic research should take you about an hour.

Think of Some Stories

Be ready to answer typical interview questions with astory about yourself. To prepare, write down andmemorize three achievement stories. Tell about timesyou've really felt proud of an achievement at work orschool. These stories demonstrate all those hard-to-measure qualities like judgment, initiative, teamwork orleadership. Wherever possible, quantify what you'vedone, e.g., "increased sales by 20 percent," "cutcustomer call waiting time in half," "streamlined deliveryso that most customers had their job done in two days."

By the way, nonwork achievement stories are good too;if you volunteer for the local food pantry, write down atime you overcame a big challenge or a crisis there.

Achievement stories make you memorable, which iswhat you want. There's an exercise in Monster Careers:Interviewing called "Mastering the Freestyle Interview,"which helps you develop these stories into compellingsales points.

Take the time you need -- at least three hours on thistask.

Pick Your Outfit, and Go to Bed Early

Lay out your interview outfit the night before, get a goodnight's rest, and always get an early start. The last thingyou want is to waste all of your interview preparation byarriving flustered and panicked because you couldn't finda parking space.

Tips Source2:Dress Appropriately forInterviewsBy Thad Peterson, Monster Staff Writer

What do I wear to the interview? It's a question millionsof people agonize over on some level while looking for ajob.

The bad news is that there are few cut-and-driedanswers. As the saying goes, there's no accounting fortaste, and each interviewer has his unique sense ofwhat's appropriate interview attire. The good news?Deciding what to wear isn't as difficult as you mightthink.

Dress One or Two Levels Up

"The rule of thumb is that you dress one or two levelshigher than the job that you're going for," explains KateWendleton, president and founder of the Five O'ClockClub, a national career counseling and outplacementfirm. "If you were going for a job as a mechanic, youwouldn't go in there in dirty overalls, even though that'show you would dress for that kind of work. You wouldstill go in there and show respect. You would go in withan open-collar shirt, clean pants and maybe a jacket."

As Wendleton puts it, by dressing a notch or two abovewhat's standard apparel for the position you'reinterviewing for, "you're definitely showing that you careabout this job, and that you know the game."

Caution Is The Better Part of Valor

When it's time to get dressed for the interview,remember: It's not so much that you're trying to get thejob with what you wear; rather, it's more a matter of nottaking yourself out of contention with your presentation,Wendleton says. "Interviewers can decide in 10 secondsthat they don't want you," she adds. "It will take themlonger to decide they do want you." Chances are goodthat by dressing on the conservative side, you won'tunintentionally disqualify yourself. But trying todemonstrate how hip you are with your exposed lowerback tattoos or laid-back Juicy Couture outfit couldbackfire.

This Isn't 1999

Once upon a time during the dotcom heyday, "peoplewould come in with nose rings and sandals, andbecause there really was a severe labor shortage, they'dget hired," Wendleton recounts.

She says that young, freshly minted grads often makethe mistake these days of going too casual, perhapsconfusing what once was with what now is. "These days,people are not desperate for you," she says. "Recentgrads tend to dress like they're students at interviews.Nobody forgives that. Not in this market."

Use Your Judgment

Is a suit always a must in an interview? Absolutely not.Michael Smith, who recently searched for a job in theChicago area, went on an interview in the midst of abitter cold snap in that region. "So instead of wearing asuit, I wore black slacks and a sweater," Smith says."The sweater was large and cable-knit but very nice andhigh quality. The interviewer actually said to me that itwas nice to see something other than a suit walk throughhis door. And a week later, I got the job."

So be sure to learn about an industry's fashion culture;some are obviously more casual than others. It's alsousually fine to inquire about the dress code while settingup the interview. An Armani coat and tie or your niceAnn Taylor outfit may not be required if you discover thedress code is casual.

"But it's never fine to go in with a collarless shirt,"Wendleton warns. And for men, she suggests putting ona jacket, even when not wearing a tie.

You Might Not Want to Be Too True to Yourself

There are those who say it's pointless to dress for aninterview in a way that you wouldn't once you're on thejob. Why misrepresent yourself to a future employer ortry to be someone you're not?

"If you want to have eight earrings and have your tonguepierced, that's fine," Wendleton says. "But you'reshowing you don't know how to play the game. If it's soimportant to you, go ahead and dress like you normallydo, but realize that you may not get the job."

Tips Source3:What to Wear to an InterviewBy Peter Vogt, Monster Senior Contributing Writer

You have a job interview tomorrow. You've learnedeverything about the company, you're prepared for anyquestions they ask, and you even arrived a few minutesearly. You couldn't be more ready.

But when you stop in the restroom for a last look in themirror, your mind starts racing: "Am I dressed the way Ishould be for this interview?"

"In an interview situation, you're marketing yourself as aproduct, and so you want and need to have the bestimage possible," says Amy Glass, a trainer and coach atBrody Communications Ltd. of Jenkintown,Pennsylvania, and an expert on presentationskills, business etiquette, professional presenceandinterpersonal communication.

Presenting a professional image is more about doingyour homework than spending money. So as youprepare for your interview, keep these wardrobe tips inmind.

It's OK to Ask What to Wear

In many traditional industries, like finance oraccounting, business professional dress will beappropriate: A conservative suit, shirt and tie if you're aman, or a conservative suit if you're a woman, with --perhaps -- personality shown through your shirt orjewelry, Glass says. In other industries such asadvertising, public relations, graphic design andinformation technology, what to wear might be less clear.If that's the case, Glass says, ask about the company'sgeneral dress policies when you're first contacted aboutan interview.

"You can say to the person you speak with, 'I want tomake sure I understand your company culture and dressappropriately,'" Glass notes. "It's not a bad thing at all. Infact, it shows respect."

If in doubt, err on the conservative side. "I've beenoverdressed at times, and that can be uncomfortable,"Glass says. "But that's much better than beingunderdressed."

Shop Smart

You don't have to buy several suits for differentinterviews at the same company. In many instances, youcan get by with one suit combined with what Glass callsa "capsule dressing" strategy -- varying what you wearwith the suit each time.

"If I'm a young woman and I invest in a nice blackpantsuit, I could use that one suit for interviews, butchange the shirt, jewelry or scarf each time," says Glass.

You Don't Need to Spend a Fortune

Visit higher-end stores, like Nordstrom or NeimanMarcus, to look at interview clothes, Glass says. Butwhen you're ready to buy something and money is tight,head for the outlet stores.

When considering your purchasing options look not somuch at the specific price tags on various garments, butat the "cost per wearing," suggests Glass.

"Suppose you see a suit that's $150. If it's a trendy cutand it wasn't made of great fabric, you might be able towear it once a month for two years. So your cost perwearing is fairly high. If you buy something for $300instead, in a cut that will last longer -- not trendy but notold-fashioned either, and not screaming the year it wasmade -- your cost per wearing goes down dramatically.So don't look at the original price so much as how longthe piece will be useful to you."

Don't Neglect Accessories

If you have leather shoes, Glass says, make sure they'reshined. If you have suede shoes, make sure they'rebrushed. And if your shoes are five years old, have thesoles redone at a shoemaker. If you have a leatherbriefcase and it's still in good shape, now's the time touse it. If you don't, a nice portfolio binder will do just fine.

Will all the effort and expense you put into yourprofessional image for your interview make anydifference? Absolutely, Glass says. In fact, it's essential.

"Your image matters because it shows yourattentiveness to detail and gives recruiters an idea ofhow you'll represent their company to clients, bothinternally and externally," Glass concludes. "The visualmessage you send makes a big difference in how you'reperceived and, ultimately, whether or not you get thejob."

Tips Source4:Build Your BrandBy Barbara Reinhold, Monster Contributing Writer

Who makes your favorite shoes or outfits? Whatbeverage calls your name when you need a pick-me-up?Whose movies won't you miss? Whose help do you seekwhen you want a project done right, at home or at work?

All of these questions involve your reactions to aparticular brand -- a collection of assumptions aboutquality, appeal and reliability that you've made inresponse to repeated experience with a variety ofpossible products, people or services. Here's theimportant thing: Whether you like to think about it or not,right now there are people thinking about your very ownbrand of whatever you are and do, and they're decidingif they want to make it one of their favorites.

International branding strategist Robin Fisher Roffer,author of Make a Name for Yourself, suggests eightsteps to help women develop and project their ownbrands.

Eight Essential Steps

1. Identify the primary "product" (service, resource,special ability, etc.) you have to offer others.

2. Identify your core values. What really matters to you?

3. Identify your passions. What things or ideas do youlove?

4. Identify your talents. What have you always beenrecognized for (particularly as a kid)? What do you dobetter than most other people? What skills do peopleseem to notice in you?

5. From your hopefully long list of talents and qualities,choose the top five, the ones you do best and enjoydoing the most.

6. Weave the items on all your lists into a statement ofyour specialty. What are you particularly gifted atdelivering?

7. Write a paragraph emphasizing your specialty andyour five key talents, weaving in your most importantvalues, passions and skills.

8. Now add a tag line to your brand.

The Tag Line Tells Your Story

A coach I know who consults by phone -- primarilyhelping six-figure earners work their way even further upthe corporate ladder -- goes by this tag line: "A coach forsuccessful people to help them be even moresuccessful." A senior project manager working in thecrossfire between the marketing group and packagingdesigners at a stressful manufacturing facility hasdeveloped this tag line: "An efficient problem solver whounderstands and enjoys both the creativity of designersand the practicality of marketers." My tag line for mycounseling and coaching practice is this: "Thepermissionary -- a visionary realist to help you discoverand manifest your dreams.

A tag line's shorthand helps other people remember akey point about you. At the Pioneer Valley ofMassachusetts chapter of the NAWBO (NationalAssociation of Women Business Owners) breakfastmeetings, every member and guest stands up andintroduces herself via her tag line, or verbal businesscard. In this organization, the women remember eachother's tag lines as easily as their names, and after eachmonth's meeting, hundreds of ripples go out about eachof the women attending and what she has to offer. And itworks for entrepreneurs and employees alike.

Get the Word Out

Once you've worked over your tag line and the otheritems on the list for a few days or weeks, it's time to takethem public with someone you trust. Keeping themsecret is a sure way to never act on them.

The road to career disappointment is littered with lists,dreams and goals never shared with anyone. So getyour "brand me" musings out into the light of day tosolicit support and constructive criticism from someoneelse. And you could be a brand adviser for that person inreturn. And it would be even better is you could get fouror five women together regularly to encourage andcritique each other's branding strategies and activities.

Creating and building your unique brand is an organicand ongoing process. So consider yourself and yourcareer a work in progress, and reach out to get and giveas much help as possible as your brand shifts andmatures across the expanse of your career.

Tips Source5:Work Values ChecklistBy Pat Boer, Monster Contributing Writer

Every day, we make choices -- some without carefulconsideration. Whether we realize it or not, often ourcareer choice is based on values rather than the work.Values are the beliefs, attitudes and judgments we prize.Are you aware of your values? Do you act on them?

Use this checklist to get a better idea of what's importantto you. It's divided into three categories related tointrinsic, extrinsic and lifestyle values.

Intrinsic Values

These are the intangible rewards, those related tomotivation and satisfaction at work on a daily basis.They provide the inner satisfaction and motivation thatmake people say, "I love getting up and going to work!"

How important (on a scale of one to five; five being mostimportant) are these intrinsic values to you?

1. _____ Variety and change at work2. _____ Be an expert3. _____ Work on the frontiers of knowledge4. _____ Help others5. _____ Help society6. _____ Experience adventure/excitement7. _____ Take risks/have physical challenges8. _____ Feel respected for your work9. _____ Compete with others10. _____ Have lots of public contact11. _____ Influence others12. _____ Engage in precision work13. _____ Gain a sense of achievement14. _____ Opportunities to express your creativity15. _____ Work for a good cause

Extrinsic Values

These are the tangible rewards or conditions you find atwork, including the physical setting, job titles, benefitsand earnings/earning potential. Extrinsic values oftentrap people into staying at jobs they don't like, saying: "Ijust can't give up my paycheck!" They are commonlycalled "golden handcuffs."

How important (on a scale of one to five; five being mostimportant) are these "golden handcuffs" to you?

1. _____ Have control/power/authority2. _____ Travel often3. _____ Be rewarded monetarily4. _____ Be an entrepreneur5. _____ Work as a team6. _____ Work in a fast-paced environment7. _____ Have regular work hours8. _____ Set your own hours/have flexibility9. _____ Be wealthy10. _____ Have prestige or social status11. _____ Have intellectual status12. _____ Have recognition throughawards/honors/bonuses13. _____ Wear a uniform14. _____ Work in an aesthetically pleasing environment15. _____ Work on the edge, in a high-risk environment

Lifestyle Values

These are the personal values associated with how andwhere you want to live, how you choose to spend yourleisure time and how you feel about money.

How important (on a scale of one to five; five being mostimportant) are these lifestyle values to you?

1. _____ Save money2. _____ Vacation at expensive resorts3. _____ Have access to educational/culturalopportunities4. _____ Live close to sports/recreational facilities5. _____ Be active in your community6. _____ Entertain at home7. _____ Be involved in politics8. _____ Live simply9. _____ Spend time with family10. _____ Live in a big city11. _____ Live abroad12. _____ Have time for spirituality/personal growth13. _____ Be a homeowner14. _____ Live in a rural setting15. _____ Have fun in your life and at work

Once you have completed all three checklists, writedown all the values you rated as 5s. If you have lessthan five, add the values you rated as 4s to the list. Ifyour list of 4s and 5s has more than 20 values, you needto stop and prioritize your list. To prioritize, select nomore than four or five values from each category.

Next, analyze which of the three categories is mostimportant to you. Consider how each is reflected in thework you currently do or in the position you would like tofind. Look for overlap or values that seem to go together,such as "be wealthy" from Extrinsic Values and "savemoney" from Lifestyle Values. If there is no overlap orcompatibility between categories, or if everything isimportant to you, then reprioritize your list by selecting

your top 10 values. Then narrow that list down to the fivevalues you absolutely need both on and off the job.

Finally, write two or three sentences describing orsummarizing how your values will translate into yourideal job. Knowing what's important will help you preparefor your next interview or help you find increasedsatisfaction with the job you have.

As you follow the process, if you notice that whatmotivates you is actually a reward or already part of yourlifestyle, it means you're living your values.

Tips Source6:Passion Can Drive Your CareerBy John Rossheim, Monster Senior ContributingWriter

Whether it last happened today or 20 years ago, most ofus have been hit with that pit-of-the-stomach, Monday-morning moment of questioning: Why do I work here? Isthis all there is?

What's missing for many American workers is passion, apositive emotional connection to our work -- often ourmost energy-consuming pursuit. The good news is thatwith introspection, planning, action and support, you canredirect your career to incorporate what truly excites andinvigorates you.

Passion Drives the Most Successful Careers

In the context of work, passion is more than a best-sellerbuzzword, according to Sally Hogshead, authorofRadical Careering. "The word ‘passion' has a cheesyconnotation, but you have to see it as a nonnegotiableelement of your career success," she says. "In fact, ifyou're going to be your most successful, you have to bepassionate."

To put the drive back into your career, you first must getback in touch with what energizes you. "Look back overthe course of your life -- even back to when you were 12years old -- and seek patterns in what you like aboutwhat you've done," says Lawler Kang, author of Passionat Work. "Try to come up with a high-level passion, evena mission. Then ask, ‘Does this job meet my personalmission?' whatever that mission is."

Your passion may take many forms: working withpeople, grappling with an organizational puzzle, tellingstories or building that better mousetrap. It's wise tocome up with more than one endeavor that energizesyou, because some passions don't lend themselveseasily to a career.

Put Passion into Your Work

Don't make the mistake of assuming that any workactivity that touches on your passion will automaticallygratify you. "Even if you're interested in golf, it's unlikelyyou'll stay interested in working in a golf store and selling

equipment," says Julie Jansen, author of I Don't KnowWhat I Want, But I Know It's Not This.

Suppose you've got the talent and decide you want to bea golf pro. For a successful candidacy, you need to layout a plan that will help you put all the pieces together."You've got to get some substantial stuff on your resume-- fill in the blanks, repackage yourself, get training,"says Jansen. A reality check with professionals in yourtarget occupation is key.

Inject Passion into Your Job Opportunistically

Of course, many of us don't have the time and money toundertake a total career change. Big changes typicallycome with big expenses. But some professionalsdevelop creative ways to infuse their careers with apassion that has been a long-term avocation.

"A client of mine, an account executive at a global adagency, is passionate about health," says WilliamArruda, a consultant with Reach CommunicationsConsulting. "So she came up with several ways to injecther passion into the daily grind." The account executiveworked with the on-site cafeteria to design healthfulmenus, led after-work yoga and kickboxing courses andgained a healthcare company as a client.

That's one way to serve up a career with a side ofpassion.

Tips Source7:The 5 Dumbest Things to Say ina Job InterviewBy Dominique RodgersMonster Contributing Writer

Job interviews can be stressful for everyone involved.The interviewer feels pressure to make the best hire,and the candidate can feel like they are being put undera microscope. It’s not hard to see why so many of ushave horror stories of answers we botched, questionswe forgot to ask, or a host of other things we’d love to doover.

In the pantheon of dumb things to say in a job interview,we all know the classics: bringing up salary right away,speaking poorly of your former employer, and theinexcusable “Excuse me while I take this call.”

Here are five more items to add to that list.

I just need a job.

Gaye Weintraub, a career counselor in Houston, saysshe’s been hearing this one a lot lately as more andmore people search for jobs. “This is absolutely one ofthe worst things a candidate can tell a potentialemployer, even if it's true!” Employers are searching fornew hires that genuinely want to work in that positionwith that company. Weintraub added, “They wantemployees who will thrive in the position and remainloyal to the company.”

What's in it for me?

This question, out loud, would obviously be a horriblething to say in an interview. What if you’re saying this,however, without actually saying it? Managementconsultant Barry Maher was involved in an unfortunateinterview like this recently. “The first three questionsfrom the applicant were, in order: ‘How much vacationtime do I get? How long do I have to be here before I'meligible for a vacation? How long before I start to accrueadditional weeks of vacation?’ What had looked like agreat applicant, now looked like someone who couldn'twait to get out of work.” The same goes for questionsabout benefits, how soon you’ll get a promotion, or anyother scenario that looks like you want to get more out ofthe job than you will give to it.

I'm also interviewing with ________.

According to Lauren Milligan, founder and CEOof ResuMAYDAY, you shouldn’t mention otherinterviews you’ve scheduled or other companies youmight want to work for. “Letting the interviewer know thatyou are interviewing elsewhere immediately makes themless interested in you. Companies don't want to competefor your enthusiasm. Even if you are interviewingelsewhere, make them feel that you have a laser beamfocus on them, and no one else.” Mentioning otherinterviews won’t make you seem sought-after; it willmake you seem unprofessional.

Nothing.

There is no excuse for not having any questions for theinterviewer. “Interviews are two-way streets. Thecompany wants to know if you are match for them. Youwant to know if the company is a match for you. Whenthat point comes in the interview, it's your chance to findout,” says Mic Fleming. The principalat YESShrsuggests questions like: What do you like bestabout this company?, Is there anything else you need toknow about my application that we haven't covered?, orsomething highlighting the company’s accomplishments.Fleming added, “At least flatter me that you've donesome homework about the company.”

The wrong name.

Take the time to make certain you know the name ofyour interviewer. You don’t want to start off the interviewprocess by asking the receptionist that you’re there totalk with “maybe David? Donald?” By the time he or shetracks down the correct person, everyone will know youweren’t prepared. This small step seems trivial but it isabsolutely vital.

Tips Source8:Why You Keep Falling Short InJob InterviewsCould one of these five fatal mistakes be keepingyou from landing a job?

By Catherine ConlanMonster Contributing Writer

If you’re being called in for interviews but can’t quiteseem to land a job, it’s time to take a look at what mightbe holding you back. Here are some ways you might befalling short in job interviews.

You let down your guard

While it’s important to connect with interviewers, youdon’t want to get too friendly, says Jeff Altman, hostofJob Search Radio. He recently had a candidate on thefinal long-distance interview before being flown in for thein-person interview, and it was going very well. The areahead and candidate were getting along great, laughingand joking with each other. Then the area head asked aquestion and the candidate replied, “I'll give you theanswer at the whiteboard when we meet."

“There was no meeting,” Altman says. “The candidatewas rejected. He had confused the camaraderie of themoment and lost track of the fact that this person wasstill evaluating him and had every reason to expect ananswer.”

You wave red flags

Obviously, you don’t want to lie in a job interview. But ifyou’ve made it to that stage, you need to keep in mindthat hiring managers are looking for red flags, so don’tshow them any.

For example, if you ran your own business only to haveit fail, talk about the success it did have when times weregood instead of focusing on what went wrong. “Abusiness owner who failed to renegotiate a lease andlost access to his facility is not a good explanation as towhy you want another job,” says Robert Meier, founderof Job Market Experts.

You don’t pay attention to detail

We’re not talking about proofreading your resume fortypos -- that should be a given. “One small mistake that'smade all too often is not accounting for time zones whendoing a phone or video interview,” says Chris Brown,director of human resources at InterCall.

He says he scheduled to interview someone located inCalifornia at 1 p.m. Eastern, 10 a.m. Pacific, but theinterviewee logged in for his interview at 1 p.m. Pacific,clearly not accounting for the time change. Theinterviewee missed the call. “This simple mistakeknocked him out of the running for the position,” Brownsays.

You talk about retiring

While retirement is a natural topic of discussion forworkers of a certain age, this kind of “honest dialog” canbe a detriment, Meier says. Talking about retirement canmake it seem like you’re counting the days until you canstop working.

He also encourages military veterans to avoid using theword “retirement” to describe the end of their service.“The word ‘retirement’ should be banished from yourvocabulary.”

You fail to follow up

“Sending a thank you to the interviewers after aninterview is good form and shows courtesy, respect fortheir time, and genuine interest in the job,” says TrevorSimm, founder and president of OpalStaff. “Plus, itkeeps the lines of communication open with theemployer. Always follow up after interviews.”

Tips Source9:The 4 Worst Things that CanHappen in a Job Interview --And How to Handle Them withGraceBy Dominique RodgersMonster Contributing Writer

Most people, at one time or another, will endure a jobinterview that feels more like a comedic dream sequencethan a serious professional experience. Everything thatcan go wrong will, and you’ll just have to find a way towrap things up as quickly and gracefully as possible.

How do you exit these nightmarish scenarios with yourdignity intact? Better yet, how do you potentially save theinterview and still get the job? Read on to find out.

You're late

“Even if you leave yourself plenty of time to get to theinterview, there is always the possibility that there maybe an accident on the road or that there is constructionthat you were not anticipating,” says Cheryl Palmer,owner of Call to Career, an executive coaching andresume writing service.

If you’ll be late, call the interviewer’s office as soon asyou know. He or she may want to reschedule or may bewilling to wait a few extra minutes.

You have a wardrobe malfunction

In case you needed another reason to be on time,consider this: You may need time to changeclothes.LegalAdvice.com Marketing Coordinator PatriciaCampbell once had someone knock an entire cup ofcoffee onto her outfit while she was on the way to aninterview. Luckily, she had about 40 minutes to spareand was able to run into a store, purchase another outfit,change and still make it on time.

Anna Aquino once showed up to an interview in super-high heels, only to be taken on a very uncomfortablewalking tour of the facility. The author and guest speakersays she had to apologize to her interviewer for notbeing able to keep up because her heels were pinching

so badly. Eventually she just took them off and heldthem for the rest of the walk.

The interviewer laughed about it,” she says. “I got thejob. I think he appreciated the fact I was real about thesituation.”

Your technology fails

There’s not much point in doing a video interview if noone can hear you, the video keeps freezing or theinterviewer only gets a closeup of your nostrils. If thishappens, you end up wasting everyone’s time andthere’s a chance they’ll postpone or cancel the interview.

Plus, it makes you look unprepared and unprofessional,says Chris Brown, director of human resources at Weband video conferencing provider InterCall. If it happens,deal with the glitches as quickly as possible withoutshowing frustration.

To keep it from happening, however, test yourequipment beforehand. “The best thing you can do isask one of your friends or family members to do a testrun,” Brown advises. “This will allow you to check allaspects of your system and determine if everything isworking OK. The person on the other end can also tellyou if you are making any errors, such as moving yourhead out of view, talking too loudly, etc.”

Your body rebels

Erik Bowitz sweats during stressful interviews. Thesenior resume expert at Resume Genius says hisclothes and the temperature of the room don’t matter,he’ll always sweat buckets. Since carrying a towelwouldn’t be professional, he combats the problem byasking the interviewer questions.

“Whenever I feel myself beginning to sweat, I simplydouble down on the pressure and begin asking myinterviewers questions,” says Bowitz. “By turning thetables and putting them on the spot I alleviate thepressure from myself and can cool down.”

Recruiter Mark Phillips of Sanford Rose Associates oncehad a candidate go into mild hypoglycemic shockbecause of running a marathon the previous day. At thatpoint, what can you do besides acknowledge thesituation, make the best of it, and move on?

This type of emotional intelligence is what Phillipsadvises in almost all interview disasters. He says,“Acknowledge the error. Name it. Apologize. Offerexplanations without being defensive. The key is to beas ego-less as possible and engage the interviewer onthe topic in the moment.”

Tips Source10:The 6 Worst Things to Wear toa Job InterviewBy Catherine Conlan

Monster Contributing Writer

When you’re invited to a job interview, one wrong movecan blow your chances. Even wearing the wrong thingcan distract an employer from your polished resume andoutstanding experience.

Before you schedule your next interview, be sure toreview this list of the six worst things to wear for a jobinterview.

Ill-Fitting Clothes

If you haven’t worn your interview outfit recently, youmight find it doesn’t fit the way it used to. Don’t try to pullit off, though. You won’t look your best and you won’tfeel comfortable -- and it will show.

“Better to wear an outfit that is tailored to suit you, ratherthan anything that feels or looks too tight or too short,”says Stacy Lindenberg, owner of Talent SeedConsulting. “It may not only give the wrong impression, itmay also be distracting. Tugging at your skirt hem, forexample, is another distraction that takes away from thefocus on you and your skills.”

Overly Casual Clothes

Even if you’re interviewing at a laid-back workplace, it’sstill possible to take the casual concept too far, saysTrevor Simm, founder and president of OpalStaff. “Donot wear jeans, tennis shoes, shorts, t-shirts, hats, flip-flops, or any garments with messages or brands writtenon them,” he says. “For men wearing a suit, do not wear

loud, obnoxious colors, busy-printed shirts or overlypatterned ties.” Take the conservative approach, andsave the fun stuff for after you’ve got the job.

Anything Distracting

There’s a fine line between standing out and wearingsomething that’s just distracting. In the interviewprocess, you should err on the side of caution and tone itdown. “Better to choose subtle patterns over brighterones, and dark or neutral clothing versus neon colors oranything distracting,” Lindenberg says. “You should bethe focus of the interview, not your clothing.”

“Women should not wear anything too revealing or lowcut,” Simm says. “No platform heels, no sun dresses,nothing too trendy. Make up and jewelry should also betoned down. For men

and women both, it's generally a good idea to stick withthe basics: a black, blue, or grey suit and the associatedconservative accoutrement."

Excessive Accessories

You might like to make a statement with your jewelry,but the job interview isn’t the time to do so, says AnnetteRichmond, executive editor of Career Intelligence. “Stayaway from jewelry that jingle-jangles, which can be verydistracting for an interviewer.”

Experts advise against wearing perfume and cologne aswell. “You may feel like something is missing when yourefrain from wearing your favorite fragrance, but this isone more thing that can be distracting during theinterview,” Lindenberg says. “In addition, many peoplehave sensitivity or allergies to fragrances. Play it safe!”

Something Very Different from What the InterviewerSuggested

It’s a good idea to ask about what’s expected of youwhen you’re setting up a job interview. “Always ask thepoint person that set up the interview for advice on whatto wear,” says Carl Sharperson, vice president oftheKidder Group recruiting firm. “If you wear somethingthat is significantly different than the instructions that you

were given, then you stand a good chance of turning offthe interviewers.”

The Obvious

“Never attend any interview with ill-fitting, sweat-stained,smelling like smoke, dog or cat hair covered clothing thatlooks like something you slept in,” saysheadhunter Michael Mayher. “Never wear the sameensembles you would wear out to a bar or nightclub withyour friends.” Mayher also says “ridiculously sculptedfingernails” on women and “pointy shoes and contrastingsocks” for men are no-nos.

“When in doubt, overdress for the first interview,” hesays. “If you're an adult and need to be told these thingsyou probably are not right for the job.”

Tips Source11:Give Thanks, Get the JobRecruiter Roundtable Discusses Thank-You NotesThe Recruiter Roundtable is a monthly feature thatcollects career and job-seeking advice from a group ofrecruiting experts throughout the US.

The question we put before our panel this month is:"How much do thank-you letters from candidatesinfluence your hiring decisions?"

Market Yourself Well

Thank-you notes are a nice gesture, and I would alwaysencourage candidates to follow up with one after aninterview. However, as far as influencing a hiringdecision, I have yet to see someone being extended anoffer because of it. The strongest candidate will get theoffer. Every little bit helps in marketing yourself as thebest and most enthusiastic person for the role. If you dosend a thank-you note, always check for spelling andgrammar.

-- Bob Hancock, senior manager of global talentacquisition, Electronic Arts

No Question About It

Sending a thank-you note is a must. When a jobcandidate sends me a thank-you note, it shows me theperson is truly interested in the opportunity. This simplegesture can distinguish one applicant over another. Infact, when considering multiple people for an openposition, I typically recall who has and hasn't sent athank-you note.

The thank-you note is valuable for job seekers beyonddemonstrating their interest in a position. This also is anopportunity to re-emphasize the skills and expertise theywould bring to the role and address any outstandingconcerns they may have from the interview.

The best strategy is to send a quick e-mail shortly afterthe interview followed by a handwritten note. Whetheryou choose to send a thank-you via e-mail or in writing,the key is to send one.

-- DeLynn Senna, executive director of North Americanpermanent placement services, Robert Half International

A Good Way to Stand Out

While my hiring managers or I would not make a hiringdecision based solely on a thank-you note, a short andwell-written note from a candidate following an interviewwill certainly not hurt their chances. As most candidatesdon't follow up this way, you will automatically stand outif you do, and this can set you apart from the crowd in apositive way.

For example, a tasteful handwritten card sent to yourinterviewer is thoughtful, and will probably end up ontheir desk or bulletin board for a while, further remindingthem of you when they see it. An alternative is to sendan email note, which may appear more professional, willarrive more quickly and has the advantage of being ableto be forwarded on to other interested parties within thecompany.

-- Suzanne McFadden, senior technical staffingconsultant, Wells Fargo

Boost Your Impact Easily

According to surveys, about 85 percent of executivessay that a post-interview thank-you note has someinfluence on the hiring decision. While only half ofcandidates send thank-you notes, it seems to be aneasy gesture everyone should use to greatly impact thehiring process. Surveys also suggest that hiringmanagers are divided in terms of preference forreceiving thank-you notes by email or letter. It istherefore up to you to decide which method best fits theculture of the organization.

-- Yves Lermusi, CEO of Checkster

Tips Source12:6 Things That Drive HiringManagers CrazyBy Catherine Conlan

Monster Contributing Writer

The simplest mistakes can torpedo your chances for ajob. Avoid these six common missteps that driverecruiters and hiring managers crazy.

You don’t listen.

During an interview, it can be tempting to try to get outas much information about yourself as possible. Butlistening is just as important, says Miriam Berger,president of A Hire Authority, a contract recruitingservice. “My biggest pet peeve is when candidates justdon't stop talking and listen,” she says. “I have held somany debriefs with the hiring teams where theconsensus is to disqualify the candidate because theperson just didn't stop talking.” While this may be due tonerves, Berger says managers worry that a chattycandidate may turn out to be a distraction or impossibleto manage.

You bring an audience.

Hiring managers and recruiters say they’re seeing anodd trend: younger job candidates getting their parentsinvolved in the hiring process. “In my years of humanresource roles I've personally experienced a lot ofabsurd and ridiculous behavior from job seekers,” saysChristine DiDonato, founder of Career Revolution.“However, the one that really blows my mind is onecommitted by some of our recent college graduates:Bringing their parents to the interview or having a parentcall the hiring manager or recruiter and attempt tonegotiate their employment offer.” This doesn’t help youbuild a personal brand, and it certainly doesn’t make youlook independent and capable, DiDonato says.

You nag.

It’s important to follow up after an interview, but TraceyRussell, a recruiter at Naviga Business Services, says

overdoing it is a mistake. “Multiple emails and phonecalls a day is the quickest way to make sure yourresume will be thrown in the trash,” she says. “Even themost promising resumes won’t be considered when thecandidate behaves like that.”

You overdo it.

If you want to work at a specific company, you canbroadcast your interest by applying to a job there -- notall of the open positions. “One of the most annoyingthings a job candidate can do is apply to every availableposition at a company,” says Haley Cousins, a recruiterat Naviga. “Not only is it a waste of time for the hiringmanager, but it’s also a waste of the candidates’ times.Applying for every position lets the hiring managerknow that you are not serious about the openings, andare just trying to find any job.” Limit your applications topositions you have the skills and experience for.

You’re not fully dressed.

When you are participating in a video interview, don'tpick up until you are fully dressed, Berger says. “Onehiring manager called the candidate at the assigned timeand the candidate was actually late getting dressed andanswered while he was putting on his shirt,” she says.“Not a good idea.”

You lack basic interview skills.

Brush up on your interview skills before the big day soyou don’t blow it. “There are many other things thatcandidates do to drive hiring managers crazy, whichinclude overselling themselves in the interview, not beingprepared with examples that back up the answers to

the interviewers ’ questions and candidates who checktheir emails and messages during the interview,”Berger says. “That’s more common than you'dimagine!”

Tips Source13:4 Job Interview Errors and Howto Correct ThemBy Catherine ConlanMonster Contributing Writer

Job interviews can be stressful, especially if you’renervous about making mistakes that could sabotageyour chance of getting the job. Fortunately, many errorsare easy to avoid with a little preparation. Here are fourof the most common ones and some tips for steeringclear of them.

Getting Too Personal

One common error is revealing too much personalinformation during the interview, says Anastasia KuryloofFortified Communication Consulting. “I have conductedinterviews in which candidates inundate me with theirpersonal life story,” she says. “Voluntarily revealing thismuch personal information can make an intervieweruncomfortable and raise legitimate concerns about howconfidential the candidate will be with companyinformation.”

Takeaway: When answering interview questions, it’sbest to stick to work-related answers.

Not Picking Up on Cues

Another common mistake is not following theinterviewer’s lead in the conversation. Kurylo says sheonce had a student who wore a business suit to theinterview for a fun and casual job. The interviewer madeseveral comments about it, questioning the candidate’sunderstanding of the company culture.

“The candidate assumed she’d blown the interview themoment she put on the suit,” Kurylo says. “The interviewhad been blown by the candidate not providing a goodresponse about her choice of clothing. The interviewerrepeatedly told her how much she loved the candidate’scredentials and experience.”

Instead, the candidate could have laughed off herclothing choice and blamed it on advice that wentagainst her own judgment; something she wouldn’t doagain. “Then the interviewer -- who clearly wanted to hire

her -- would have had more to latch onto in order toexcuse the poor clothing choice. If she had perseveredrather than given up in the interview, they might havebeen laughing about the suit over a business lunchweeks later.”

Takeaway: When the interviewer gives you anopportunity to course-correct, take it.

Not Doing Your Homework

Many candidates continue to make the mistake of notresearching the company before the interview. “Hiringmanagers want to know that interviewees are interestedin their open positions, not simply that the intervieweeswant a job, any job,” says Cheryl Palmer, owner of Callto Career. Candidates who can speak knowledgeablyabout the company and how they can contribute to theorganization’s success show that they’ve done theirhomework and have a high interest in the business.

Takeaway: Take advantage of any resources (online andoffline) you can get your hands on to learn about thecompany’s mission and culture.

Not Taking Initiative

Stu Coleman, partner and senior general managerat WinterWyman, says another common mistake istaking too passive of a role. “It’s important to determine,for both parties, if what each has to bring to the equationis a benefit to the other,” he says. Candidates need tointerview the company, as well. “You have to berespectful and professional, but don’t forget to be real.This is a big decision, one that hopefully you will live withfor years, so make sure it is as good for you as you arefor them.”

Takeaway: Come with your own list of questions aboutthe company’s strategy and culture.

Tips Source14:5 Reference Mistakes That CanCost You the JobBy Catherine ConlanMonster Contributing Writer

Your carefully crafted resume got your foot in the door,and you nailed the interview. Don’t mess up yourchances of getting hired by making these commonmistakes with your references.

Don’t tell your references to expect a call.

While this seems like an easy mistake to prevent, “thereare always the reference checks where candidatesforgot to tell employers they would be receiving a call,”says Julie Kline, SPHR, executive HR consultant atPrastmark Consulting. It’s a professional courtesy to askpeople’s permission to use them as a reference, so theyknow to expect a call sometimes in the future. If yourreferences respond with surprise and confusion when apotential employer contacts them, it gives the impressionthat you are unprofessional or disorganized.

Give references that have little relevance or areinappropriate.

An example, Kline says, would be listing the CEO whenyou were actually 15 steps below C-level on the foodchain. Or worse: “I had a candidate who listed hismother as a reference,” she says “I didn't know whetherto ask if he made his bed every day or if he was a goodlistener at home.”

Giving a reference who barely knows you -- or knowsyou a little too well -- makes potential employersquestion your judgment, professional networking abilitiesand past performance. After all, if you don’t wantpotential employers to talk to past managers, they willautomatically wonder what those past managers mightsay.

Make it hard to contact your references.

“If you don't list different ways that your references canbe contacted, it could cost you the job,” says CherylPalmer, owner of Call To Career. “It is standard to listphone numbers on your references sheet, but it can also

be useful to list email addresses and even Skypeusernames if your references are outside the country.Giving employers different ways to contact yourreferences can speed up the process.”

Be sure that your references will be there when youneed them, as well. Anastacia Kurylo, presidentofFortified Communication Consulting, says she pushedto get some references from a job candidate, but “theywould not call us back after leaving several messages.Admittedly we were making the decision quickly; theycould have been on vacation. We hired him after finallysecuring better references and he was fantastic for whatwe needed. We almost missed out. Candidates shouldknow that their references may not be available to speakwhen the employer needs them in order to make a hiringdecision.”

Don’t prepare your references.

Your references might be from jobs you had a while ago,and they might not know what you’re doing now. If yourpotential employer feels like you’re not in touch with yourreferences regularly, they may wonder why you listedthem.

“If it has been a couple of years since you worked withthe people who serve as your references, you may needto update them on what you have been doing as well aswhat your job target now is,” Palmer says. “A recentcopy of your resume can fill in the gaps for yourreferences, and vacancy announcements that arerepresentative of the type of position that you areseeking can give your references more specificinformation about what aspects of your background theyshould highlight when talking with employers about you.”

Give a reference without knowing what they mightsay.

“You should never ask someone to be your reference ifyou are not sure what they will say about you,” Palmersays. “Employers usually check your references as a laststep before they make you an offer. You can't afford tobe in a position where you have to guess what yourreferences will say. You should know that they will speakglowingly of you.”

Kline says she called a reference on a candidate onceand got the response, “Oh, that [guy]? We canned himthree years ago.” Kline says, “The candidate didn’t getthe job.”

Tips Source15:5 Things You Don't Want YourReferences to Say About YouBy Catherine ConlanMonster Contributing Writer

You’ve come a long way in your job search and you canpractically feel that offer letter in your hands. You justneed your references to confirm you’re the right personfor the job.

Don’t let them undermine all your hard work. Watch outfor these five things you don’t want your references tosay about you -- make sure you tell them!

1. Anything About Your Private Life

Your reference might think that mentioning informationabout your personal situation can add to the profile apotential employer is putting together, but it’s a bad idea,says Farrah Parker, a training and developmentconsultant. “A reference is disastrous when the personmentions your private life in an attempt to garnersympathy on your behalf,” she says.

Encourage your references to talk only about your jobhistory. And when you’re putting together your referencelist, “carefully select professionals who will not integratephrases that expose that you are a parent, spouse, orcaretaker of an elderly parent,” Parker advises. “While itis illegal to ask about your external responsibilities, it isnot illegal to collect facts through an overly chattyreference.”

2. Anything They Can’t Say With Enthusiasm

When you go through your list of references, considerhow they will talk about you in addition to the contentthey will share. You want your references to be youradvocates, and if one isn’t able to speak enthusiasticallyabout you, consider whether you want to include her.

If you have a manager who can’t sound excited aboutanything, it may be unavoidable, but if you know peoplewho can speak warmly and genuinely about you,definitely include them.

3. That They Didn’t Expect the Call

If you are looking for a new job, it’s easy to forget tokeep your references up-to-date about what you’redoing, even if you’ve asked them in the past to serve asreferences for you. But “the worst thing your referencecan say is that he or she didn’t expect the referencecall,” says Jené Kapela of Jené Kapela LeadershipSolutions.

“Make sure your references are prepared by knowing thejob you are applying for, the specific job requirements,and what they could highlight that will put you in the bestlight for that particular position,” she advises.

4. The Amount of Your Severance

If you’re negotiating a severance as you leave yourcompany, watch what for your former employer mightsay, says Donna Ballman, an employee-sideemployment attorney and author of “Stand Up ForYourself Without Getting Fired.”

“I’ve seen HR get cute when employees have negotiatedfor neutral references (dates of employment and job titleonly) in an agreement,” Ballman says. “If they want to bespiteful, this sneaky line tells the potential employersomething went wrong. I always ask that confidentialityof a severance agreement be mutual.”

5. Any Problems You’ve Resolved

If you’ve behaved badly in your past jobs, but are nowreformed and trying to move on, don’t list referenceswho bring up your misdeeds.

“You wouldn’t want a reference saying you lied on yourexpense report,” says John Paul Engel, presidentofKnowledge Capital Consulting. “You wouldn’t want thereference to talk about the Christmas party where yougot drunk and harassed both the female and malemembers of your staff asking for sexual favors. And youwouldn’t want your reference to reveal the series ofmistakes you made that almost crashed the company. Ifyou were fired, be sure to have someone other than yourboss give you a reference for your next job.

Tips Source16:5 Things That Will Make YourInterviewer Hate YouBy Catherine ConlanMonster Contributing Writer

You probably know most of the interviewing tips that canhelp you forge a connection with a potential employer.Now it’s time to learn some of the things you must avoidin an interview to ensure the interviewer doesn’t end uphating you by the end of it.

These things really do happen. Just make sure theydon’t happen to you.

1. Jump at the chance to trash your former boss. “Aninterviewer will dislike you if you respond to the question,‘What advice would you give your former boss, ifasked?’” says Lee Evans, CEO and career coach atFree-Job-Search-Websites.com, adding that this is atrick question. “The interviewer will interpret yournegative response as the answer you might give whenasked about a manager at the interviewing company. It'salso a test of your ability to respond appropriately tosticky questions. Your interviewer and prospectiveemployer will side with your former manager, and viewyou as difficult to deal with.”

Instead: Keep your responses professional and watchfor trick questions.

2. Tell the interviewer what you wouldchange. Sometimes interviewers will ask you what youmight change about a prospective employer, and it canbe an opportunity to bring out some ideas you mighthave. But keep it constructive, and wait until they ask,says Ronald Kaufman, author and executive coach.“Telling them things you would change about theircompany is arrogant and implies you might be adisruptive employee,” Kaufman says. “As an outsider,you don’t know my needs, my budgets, my problems,and telling me what you would change is a major turnoff.”

Instead: Wait to offer suggestions until the interviewerasks for them, and even then, keep them brief andconstructive while stressing that you know you don’thave all the information.

3. Comment on your interviewer’sappearance. Whether you like the way your interviewerlooks or not, keep it to yourself. Even “well, you look nicetoday” is inappropriate, according to Evans. Commentingon how people look when you’ve just met them can be asignal that you aren’t concerned with social boundariesor are rude. Comments about appearance are on the“interviewer’s red flag list,” Evans says.

Instead: Keep social commentary to a minimum, andstick to safe and general topics, such as the weather ortraffic, before you get into the interview.

4. Denigrate the organization you’re applyingto. Even when you want the job, it’s possible that thingsyou say make it sound like you think you’re better thanwhat the company deserves. “If you make it appear asthough the organization where you are applying is not upto speed in terms of technology or that its facility islacking, you will alienate the interviewer,” says CherylPalmer, a career coach. “You need to give theinterviewer reason to believe that you are the bestperson for the job and that you really want to workthere.”

Instead: Find ways to talk about how you’ll be a good fitfor the company, rather than implying you’re a superherofor offering to help the organization out of a jam.

5. Show up late. It’s a killer, no matter why ithappens. Showing up 10 minutes early is a commoninterview tip, but its importance cannot be overstated.“Tardiness shows one of two things: disrespect or poorplanning, both of which are nonstarters for most hiringmanagers,” says Michael “Dr. Woody” Woodward, anorganizational psychologist and author of “The YOUPlan.” Showing up late sets the tone for the rest of theinterview, and you’ll have to be at the top of your gameto come back from such a setback.

Instead: Make sure you’re early to your interview.

Interviewers aren’t looking for reasons to say “no,” butthings you do can annoy them enough that you lose yourchance at the company. Do what you can to make surethey don’t hate you.

Tips Source17:Practice Makes Perfect: How toRehearse for Your Next JobInterviewBy Caroline M.L. Potter

There are a lot of steps that usually happen before youget to the interview portion of your job search: writing aresume, networking, compiling your references. Mostfolks are able to put a lot of effort into getting theinterview, but many fall apart during the actual interview.Why? Poor planning and a lack of practice.

Instead of winging it, or relying solely on yourprofessional skill set, you should stage a rehearsal foryour next job interview.

Not sure how to go about doing so? Start by enlisting afamily member, friend or partner to play the role ofinterviewer, and ask that she stay in character from startto finish. Set up a space, such as a desk or table, whereyou can create a suitable setting. Then use these 10 tipsto from corporate trainer Marlene Caroselli to make yourinterviews -- both mock and real -- successful.

Do Your Homework

"Learn all you can about the organization in advance,"advises Caroselli. Share this information with your mockinterviewer, perhaps in the form of crib notes. She canuse this to grill you.

Tune In

"Watch people being interviewed on television and makenote of what works," she advises. Look for traits thatmake people likable and competent.

State the Unobvious

"Create one really intriguing statement about yourself,"she says. "For example, a woman I know, expecting tobe told, 'Tell us a bit about yourself [the mostpopular interview question],' replied, 'I think I should tellyou I'm a nonconforming conformist.' She explainedwhat she meant and wound up getting the job."

Think Outside the Box

A little visualization can go a long way, according to

Caroselli, author of Principled Persuasion. "Think abouta visual that really represents what you can do," shesays. "It can be a photo taken at an event youorganized, for example. If you have nothing thatsymbolizes your capabilities, then look for a pattern notreadily apparent in your resume and be prepared to talkabout that particular interest or talent, apart from yourofficial work history."

Know Your Lines

Actors do it, and you should, too. "Memorize a few shortquotes and have them ready," Caroselli says. "They'llhelp you respond articulately to virtually any question."

Sum It Up

The very first request an interviewer may make is, "Tellme about yourself." In order to answer this interviewquestion quickly and succinctly, she urges interviewees,"Have an elevator speech ready in case they want abrief overview of your career."

Be Tough on Yourself

Research tough interview questions and provide them toyour helper. Also, point out gaps in your skills or holes inyour resume and instruct her to grill you on those points."By comparison, your own, actual interview will seem likea walk in the park, and that prospect will encourageyou," Caroselli says.

Capture It on Camera

"If possible, have someone video you doing an interviewrehearsal," she says. "Then study your body language tosee if it reveals confidence, poise and enthusiasm."

Listen Up

Close your eyes and listen back to the recording of yourreplies to interview questions. "Play the tape back andanalyze your responses," she says. "Ask yourself,'Would you hire you?'"

Stay Calm

Work on being relaxed before your big meeting. "Whenyou get to the interview site and are waiting to be calledin to the interview room, work on a brainteaser,"Caroselli advises candidates. "Research shows it calmsthe nerves and takes your mind off the challengeahead."

Tips Source18:Keep Your Guard Up at theInterviewBy Allan Hoffman, Monster Tech Jobs Expert

All the signals indicate the job is yours: You've enduredhours of interviews, and now you're standing in front ofthe receptionist's desk with a potential colleague,engaging in harmless banter. The topic turns to yourcurrent job, and you tell her you can't wait to bail on yourpsycho manager and out-of-touch CEO.

You've just shot your chances. Once word gets back toyour potential employer about this "harmless" exchange,you're pegged as a malcontent.

"We're all human, and when things start feeling good, welet our guard down," says Dave Sanford, executive vicepresident of client services at recruitment firm Winter,Wyman & Co. "You can't let your guard down."

Interviews are fraught with opportunities to ruin yourchances of landing an offer. Unless you're vigilant, youmay sabotage yourself. Check out these tips to stay onyour toes.

Don't Get Too Comfortable

Job seekers should not buy into the myth that theyshould just be themselves during an interview, accordingto career coach and Monster Interview Expert MarkyStein. "It's a highly ritualized form of interaction," Steinsays. "If you think you're not under the most strictscrutiny, you're going to slip up."

Perhaps more than any other mistake, interviewees gettoo comfortable and lose sight of the fact it is aninterview -- a delicate situation requiring a careful dancebetween the job seeker and interviewer. If you appeartoo relaxed, you may unintentionally create theimpression you don't really care whether you get the job.

Too many people slump back in their chairs, perhapsthinking they look relaxed. "I recommend that people sitright at the edge of their chair," Stein says.

Sanford says job candidates often get too comfortablejust at the wrong moment -- when they're getting signalsthe job is theirs. "What ends up happening is thecandidate will start to move from ‘I'm on my bestbehavior' to thinking ‘the job is mine,' and they stop

being deferential," he says. Deference is essentialthroughout the interview process. Don't act like theinterviewer is your best buddy -- he's not.

Follow the First-Date Rule

"I consider an interview like a first date," Stein says."Interviewees, thinking that they're getting sort offriendly, (sometimes) reveal distasteful things aboutthemselves. Most people on their first date present thebest foot forward." That means not telling interviewersabout your health problems or financial woes.

Don't Babble or Ramble

When nervous, job seekers often talk too much,sometimes about the wrong things. To avoid rambling,you've got to practice, says Jenna Gausman, a careercounselor with Kerwin and Associates. Think aboutdrafting potential interview questions and evenconducting a mock interview with a friend or relative.

Show Up Early

Too often, job seekers don't leave themselves enoughtime to visit the bathroom, check their hair and otherwisefeel prepared. Career counselor Judith Gerbergsuggests showing up 15 minutes early, giving yourselfenough time to visit the washroom. Stretch and yawn,she says, in order to release any tension -- anddecrease the likelihood of slip-ups.

Respect Everyone

"These days, people get feedback from whoever you'vemet," notes Gerberg. "If you're rude to anyone along theline, that will get back to the boss." So be nice toassistants, receptionists and everyone else youencounter along the way.

Don't Drink

Interviews sometimes are conducted over meals or atother social events, which might include alcohol. Neverconsume alcoholic beverages in interview situations,Stein recommends. You can say something like, "I drinkon occasion, but I'll have an iced tea today." Alcoholinevitably makes you let your guard down -- just whatyou don't want to happen.

Avoid Hot Topics

Religion, politics and other controversial topics should beoff limits, says Gausman. Don't think you'll win points bysharing your views on same-sex marriage or stem-cellresearch.

Tips Source19:10 Tips to Boost Your InterviewSkillsBy Carole Martin, Monster Contributing Writer

Even the smartest and most qualified job seekers needto prepare for job interviews. Why, you ask? Interviewingis a learned skill, and there are no second chances tomake a great first impression. So study these 10strategies to enhance your interview skills.

Practice Good Nonverbal Communication

It's about demonstrating confidence: standing straight,making eye contact and connecting with afirmhandshake. That first nonverbal impression can be agreat beginning -- or quick ending -- to your interview.

Dress for the Job or Company

Today's casual dress codes do not give you permissionto dress as "they" do when you interview. It is importantto know what to wear to an interview and to be well-groomed. Whether you wear a suit or something lessformal depends on the company culture and the positionyou are seeking. If possible, call to find out about thecompany dress code before the interview.

Listen

From the very beginning of the interview, yourinterviewer is giving you information, either directly orindirectly. If you are not hearing it, you are missing amajor opportunity. Good communication skillsinclude listening and letting the person know you heardwhat was said. Observe your interviewer, and match thatstyle and pace.

Don't Talk Too Much

Telling the interviewer more than he needs to knowcould be a fatal mistake. When you have not preparedahead of time, you may ramble whenanswering interview questions, sometimes talkingyourself right out of the job. Prepare for the interview byreading through the job posting, matching your skills withthe position's requirements and relating only thatinformation.

Don't Be Too Familiar

The interview is a professional meeting to talk business.This is not about making a new friend. Your level offamiliarity should mimic the interviewer's demeanor. It isimportant to bring energy and enthusiasm to theinterview and to ask questions, but do not overstep yourplace as a candidate looking for a job.

Use Appropriate Language

It's a given that you should use professionallanguage during the interview. Be aware ofany inappropriate slang words or references to age,race, religion, politics or sexual orientation -- these topicscould send you out the door very quickly.

Don't Be Cocky

Attitude plays a key role in your interview success. Thereis a fine balance between confidence, professionalismand modesty. Even if you're putting on a performance todemonstrate your ability, overconfidence is as bad, if notworse, as being too reserved.

Take Care to Answer the Questions

When interviewers ask for an example of a time whenyou did something, they are asking behavioral interviewquestions, which are designed to elicit a sample of yourpast behavior. If you fail to relate a specific example, younot only don't answer the question, but you also miss anopportunity to prove your ability and talk about yourskills.

Ask Questions

When asked if they have any questions, mostcandidates answer, "No." Wrong answer. Part ofknowing how to interview is being ready to askquestions that demonstrate an interest in what goes onin the company. Asking questions also gives you theopportunity to find out if this is the right place for you.The best questions come from listening to what you'reasked during the interview and asking for additionalinformation.

Don't Appear Desperate

When you interview with the "please, please hire me"approach, you appear desperate and less confident.Reflect the three Cs during the interview: cool, calm andconfidence. You know you can do the job; make sure theinterviewer believes you can, too.

Tips Source20:Response Strategies forInterview QuestionsBy Michael Neece, Monster Contributing Writer

Every interview question thrown your way presents anopportunity for you to make your case for why you're thebest person for the position. You want to highlight yourpositive qualities and avoid giving reasons to disqualifyyou. That said, think about your overall responsestrategy for the interview.

Examples Speak Volumes

For each quality you present, make sure you're preparedto describe a situation where you demonstrated thatquality. Basically, you always want to be able to back upany claims you might make. For example, if during theinterview you say that you work well under pressure, beready to describe an example where you did workeffectively under pressure and delivered the resultsrequired.

Steer the Interview Your Way

One thing to guard against is getting lured into theinterviewer's game of alternative or trick questions. Belike a politician. The next time you watch a debate orpress conference, notice the kind of questions reportersask, and then observe how the politician responds.Politicians often answer questions indirectly bypresenting information they want to convey. You can dothe exact same thing in a job interview.

For example, if the interviewer asks if you prefer to workalone or on a team, he may be trying to get you to sayyou are one way or the other. But you don't have to playthis game. The reality is that most jobs require us towork both independently and in teams. Your response tothis question should show that you have been successfulin both situations.

Your answers also need to provide the reason to hireyou, and you want to avoid providing reasons not to hireyou. Before responding to any interview question, takeyour time, breathe and think about your answer.Thoughtful answers delivered clearly are much betterthan empty answers given rapidly. And you're not beingmeasured by your response time.

Be Clear and Concise

Be honest and succinct with your responses. Tell thetruth in as positive a manner as possible, and don'tdiscuss things or events in a negative fashion. Longanswers are less effective than concise responses andtend to make interviewers suspicious. If you are talkingmore than 90 seconds without interaction with theinterviewer, you may be providing more detail than isneeded. If you feel you may be talking too long, just stopand ask the interviewer a question like, “Am I giving youthe level of detail you're looking for?” This prompts aresponse and promotes an open exchange ofinformation. Besides, if you're putting the interviewer tosleep with your long-winded answers, asking a questionwill wake them up.

Open the Conversation

After your response, ask the interviewer a tag-onquestion, such as, “Does that give you what you werelooking for?” This ensures you are understoodaccurately, conveys that you want to be sure you'reproviding what the interviewer is looking for andpromotes two-way communication.

You deserve the best, so practice your responses tofrequently asked interview questions, and prepare to beyour best when it matters most.

Tips Source21:Focus on Your StrengthsBy Carole Martin, Monster Contributing Writer

What do you have to offer an employer? Why shouldthat employer choose you over someone else? What willmake interviewers remember you after they're done withtheir first round of meeting potential candidates?

It's about matching their problems and needs with yourqualifications, skills and traits. Your mission is toconvince interviewers that you are the solution they'vebeen seeking.

Make Your Case

Concentrating on your five best strengths will help youfocus during the interview and will make it easier forthem to remember you. You can begin before theinterview by identifying your five key strengths andmatching them up with the job requirements. Onceyou've done that, determine ways to bring up thesematches during the interview.

Susan Croce Kelly of Kirkpatrick International in Houstonis a communication specialist who writes speeches forexecutives. She advises telling your audience what youare going to say early in your presentation and thenrepeating your points throughout. “It is not unusual forpeople to say ‘What a wonderful speech,' and then fiveminutes later can't remember what it was about,” saysKelly. “If they remember two ideas from a speech, that isscoring high. Repetition is really important, because theymight miss it the first time. Keep going back to the mainpoint.”

You can actually use the speech model to prepare yourpresentation. Think of ways to present your key qualitiesthroughout the interview. For example, let's say you'reinterviewing for a position that requires strongorganizational skills.

The first interview question the interviewer asks is, "Tellme about yourself.” Part of your answer should include astatement about your organizational skills. “One of mykey strengths is being organized. If you were to ask mycoworkers, they would tell you I am the ultimateplanner.”

Later in the interview, you could repeat your strength in astory format: “One project I worked on was very complexand detailed. It required a lot of forethought and planning

on my part. I was able to do this using Microsoft Projectsoftware for tracking and scheduling.”

The interviewer asks, "“Why should we hire you?”Your interview answer should repeat information aboutbeing organized. “From what I have heard throughoutthe interview, it sounds like you're looking for someoneto come in and bring order to projects here. Since I amknown for my organizational skills, I know I would be areal asset.”

By the time you leave the interview, the interviewershould have a strong sense that you're a very organizedperson. Since this is important for the job, you willprobably receive serious consideration as the solution tothe company's problem.

What Are Your Strong Points?

Identifying your five strengths and matching them to thejob is an important step in preparing for your interview.Read through the description and identify the key factorsneeded to do the job. Be sure to read between the lines.For example:

Will interact with accounting, engineering andmanufacturing departments.

What will it take to perform this task? What kind ofperson is this company looking for?

It will require good communication and interpersonalskills, and the ability to interface with a diverse group ofpeople and levels. If these are your areas of strength,focus on letting the interviewer know that you have theability and experience to interface well with manydifferent groups.

Like the speechwriter, you want your audience toremember the important points you have made. Byconcentrating on a handful of strengths, you will find thatyou are more focused and succinct about telling whatyou have to offer. More importantly, the folks you meetare more likely to remember you for your strengths.

Tips Source22:Visualize Interview SuccessBy Marky Stein, Monster Interview Expert

Olympic gold-medalist swimmer Michael Phelpsemployed visualization and relaxation techniques beforehis races. Golf superstar Tiger Woods incorporatesvisualization into his pre-swing routine. And PhilJackson, the legendary former head coach of the LosAngeles Lakers, implored his players to visualize victorybefore games.

So if your career goal is a better job, visualizing yourinterviews in advance could be worth trying.

The Power of Positive Thoughts

Many of us have visualized worst-case interviewscenarios. It's not unheard of for people to havenightmares about upcoming interviews. According toLynn Joseph, vice president of Parachute, anoutplacement company in Point Richmond, Virginia, thatpower can be harnessed in a positive direction to getwhat you want from an interview. [Note: The author isalso employed by Parachute.]

Athletes, entertainers and salespeople have been usingvisualization for decades. Now job seekers are using thistechnique as well.

The Journal of Consulting Psychology outlined anexperimental study of visualization techniques. Onegroup of job seekers received traditional careercounseling and interview coaching. Those in the secondgroup were exposed to the same career counseling andinterview training, but these job seekers also learned touse visualization techniques related to these subjects.

Two months after the training, 21 percent of those in thegroup who did not use mental imagery found new jobs.But 66 percent of those who used this technique wereemployed within two months.

Train Your Mind

What distinguishes good visualization techniques from apassing daydream is that you purposefully program yourmind to visualize only the positive things you want tohappen. Follow these steps to seize the power of yourimagination and program yourself for a successfulinterview:

Lie down comfortably in a quiet room. Closeyour eyes, and use each breath to relax yourbody from head to toe.

Imagine yourself preparing for the interview onthe morning it will take place. When youvisualize getting to the employer's office, useyour senses to imagine the colors, light,shadows and objects in the room. In your mind,hear the interviewer's voice when he greets you.Notice your emotions are calm and confident asyou shake hands.

When you meet the interviewer, imagine you aresmiling warmly, and he is smiling back at you.As the interviewer begins to ask questions,imagine you answer them spontaneously andeasily. You feel confident and comfortable.Ideally, at the end of the interview, you mightimagine hearing the interviewer say somethinglike "You're hired" or "Welcome aboard!"

The more you use your imagination in this way, thebetter you'll get at effective visualization.

Make Visualization Work for You

Cynthia, a financial analyst who was terrified ofinterviews, started using mental imagery to prepareherself for them. "Before I used the imagery, I felt like ascared puppy," she told me. "Now I feel like a lion."Cynthia got a job with a higher salary than she hadimagined.

Brenda, a triathlete who used to cross the finish line inabout the 20th percentile, now says, "If I practicevisualizing a ‘win' for about a week before the race, I'mensured a third or even second place." Even the NFL'sSan Francisco 49ers and the US Olympic gymnasticteams make mental imagery a compulsory part of theirtraining programs.

You have nothing to lose by trying this technique forsucceeding at job interviews -- and you might just find itworks. Imagine that.

Tips Source23:Tactics for Handling a PanelInterviewBy Carole Martin, Monster Contributing Writer andKathryn Troutman, Monster Federal Career Coach

There you sit alone in front of the room, waiting for theassembled strangers to attack you with interviewquestions. It's really not quite that bad. In fact, there isan upside to panel interviews. You'd probably have totalk to each of these people individually at some point inthe process -- this way, you get it over all at once.

Panel -- or board -- interviews are often characterized bya standard set of questions for all applicants. Typicallyformal and organized, this interview format is often usedin academia and government or for high-levelexecutives. Occasionally, you’ll encounter a panelinterview for other positions in a company.

Interview Preparation: Don’t Be Ambushed

Find out what type of interview you can expect. Therecruiter setting up your job interview can probably giveyou an idea ahead of time. If you have the opportunity,ask how long the interview will be and who will be on thepanel? You can better tailor your answers when youunderstand the interview conditions.

And remember -- no matter how uncomfortable theinterview situation -- you are there as a professional tolearn just as much about them as they are eager to learnabout you.

Different Perspectives, Same Purpose

How do you deal with so many interviewers in onesitting? The best way is to take them one at a time. Theboard or panel is not one entity, but several individualscoming together with the common goal of hiring the bestcandidate for the job. At the same time, each person hashis own agenda or department's interest at heart.

For example, the HR manager will be checking to makesure you are a good fit with the culture and peopleworking at the company. The hiring manager will want toknow about your technical skills or business know-how.And the person from accounting will want to know if you

are savvy enough to operate a business budget.

What to Expect from the Panel

You may be asked to speak about instances when youdemonstrated particular behaviors or skills that are keyto performing your desired job. This form of interviewing,known as a behavioral interview, relies on the premisethat past performance is the best indicator of futurebehavior.

Always be prepared to provide a sort of elevator pitch --a brief summary of who you are and your career goals.This message can include your overall mission, top-levelskills and interests, but not a recitation of your life’shistory. Be ready to share your concise message at thebeginning or end of the interview.

Practicing for the interview with a video or audio recorderis extremely helpful. The best interview answersincludeexamples that are compelling, on-target and spoken withinterest and some enthusiasm. When speaking, don’thesitate to lean forward. Check your posture at a tableand lean forward to demonstrate interest in the position.Remember to look at each person who asks thequestion, and then shift your eye contact to the othermembers of the interviewing team.

Lastly, make sure you get each person's business card,hopefully at the beginning of the interview, so you canaddress each person by name and follow up withindividual thank-you notes afterwards.

Team Interviews

Another multiple-type interview is the team or "goodcop/bad cop" interview. The team is usually made up oftwo interviewers, one who asks the questions and onewho takes notes. The two typically trade roles, which canbe confusing if they have different styles. Keep in mindthat these inquisitors are working together toward thesame end, so treat them equally.

Although these interviews can be stressful, interviewpractice and preparation can pay off. When yourehearse your answers and your physical presentationbeforehand, you will feel more confident no matter howmany people you have to face.

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