How to successfully interview for a job

Well, you have made it this far. Unless you have some connections on the inside of an organization, getting an interview can be a difficult feat. Depending on the job and the company, you can be in competition with literally thousands of applicants. Now, your goal is to make yourself stand out among the rest as the best possible candidate for the job. How do you do this? Read on and find out!

Preparation, of course, is the key to the whole thing. Start with your clothing. What is suitable attire for a job interview? Depending on the job you are interviewing for and the company's standards of dress, there is a range of possibilities. The basic outfit for a man is usually a dress shirt, dress slacks, tie, and dress shoes. This would be suitable for a man who interviewing for a number of positions. If you are interviewing for an office position, a business suit would, of course, be called for.

For a woman, a nice dress or skirt and blouse worn with dressy shoes would probably be a suitable outfit. Women can even wear a pantsuit as long as it is dressy and looks professional. There again, the outfit depends on the job that you are interviewing for. Make sure whatever outfit you wear is clean and pressed. Remember to pay special attention to your shoes. Make sure your shoes are clean and polished. And, unless, you are applying for a job as a tennis instructor, hula dancer, or construction worker, do not wear tennis shoes, sandals or thongs, or work boots to your interview.

Make sure, before you leave home, that your face is shaved, (men only, of course), your hair is neatly combed or styled, and that your hands, including underneath your fingernails, are clean and neat. Women can wear make-up if it's not overdone, and both sexes should take it easy on the old stinky stuff.You don't want to offend your prospective employer right off the bat with an overpowering stench of perfume or after shave.

Plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early for your interview. Companies sometimes have paperwork for you to fill out, and, anyhow, you want to make a good impression of being punctual.

Once you arrive for your interview, remember to be pleasant and mannerly to each and every person you come in contact with, and that includes receptionists, secretaries, security guards, etc. Stand up and sit up straight and in a professional, business-like manner. Don't slouch in your chair; act alert and interested.

Answer all of the questions the interviewer gives you. It doesn't hurt to talk yourself up in order to try and sell yourself, but don't overdue it either. Be prepared to answer tricky questions that interviewers tend to ask, such as where you want to be in ten years from now. If you don't answer that you want to be employed at that certain company in a higher position than you started out at, then you are going to fail miserably. Watch out for tricky lead ons such as, "Tell me about yourself..." too. Don't sit there and blab on and on about yourself. Tell the interviewer about a hobby, your family, etc., but be brief.

Be especially prepared to explain any time lapses in your work history. Many prospective employers are very interested in that. Be honest. If you were unemployed, then say so. Don't try to lie by saying you were out of the country or that you were self-employed if you really weren't. Honesty counts, and prospective employers have ways to tell if you are lying or not!

Don't forget to thank the interviewer for his or her time at the end of your session. Then, don't forget to send a written thank-you note to the person who interviewed you. This is common courtesy, and by using it, you can help to put yourself above the rest of the crowd!

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Tips for filling out job applications

Welcome to the wonderful world of job hunting. The first thing you will need to do is complete an application for employment. Ok, so you already knew that, right? But did you know that the appearance, truthfulness and presentation of an application can all be important deciding factors in the hiring game? So many clues are revealed by this one piece of paper. The application can demonstrate attention to detail and ability to follow directions. It can reveal a person’s willingness to learn and also what level of importance they place in finding a job. There are several factors that can make or break your employment application, the trick is to know and use them to your advantage.

Three key points to consider when filling out your application are:

1. Information. If you are filling out the application at the job site, make sure that you bring along all the relevant information you need to complete all the questions. Addresses, phone numbers, references, etc. need to be correct and complete, in order to demonstrate that you actually care about getting the job. Incomplete references and unknown information will only give the appearance of laziness and lack of interest.

2. Honesty. Do everyone a favor and refrain from lying on your application. Information Can be checked out and if you have fibbed about anything, it will only count against you and will usually place your application right on top of the trash can. If you know how to perform certain tasks, say so; however, if you don’t, you’re only causing inconvenience to the company who might hire you on the basis of such false information.

3. Legibility. One of the most annoying things an employer has to face is an unreadable application! Along with correct spelling and grammar, be sure to use an ink pen (not marker) in either black or blue. Employers usually aren’t too impressed with multi-colored applications. Make sure to PRINT your information, as handwriting can sometimes be too difficult to decipher, and can put your application at the bottom of the pile.

Ok, so you’ve got these points covered. Now what? You need to consider what you are really looking for in a job. If you’re there because of a classified ad, make sure that you’ve read the ad and can offer this company what they’re seeking. If possible, call ahead and find out what the job’s hours are, what the pay is, and if they provide any training for those who don’t have experience. Why waste time, gas and money applying for a job that isn’t what you want or need? Don’t state on your application that you can work weekends or nights or even overtime, if, in fact, you cannot. If you get the job based on your availability and then tell your new employer that you cannot work the hours indicated, you’ll be out looking for a new job again, very shortly. Completing the employment application is only ¾ of the battle.

To win the war, so to speak, you need to make YOUR appearance stand out, as well! When you visit a perspective employer, make sure to put your best “self” forward. Dress appropriately, even for those jobs that might seem less important. If you show up in your everyday jeans and t-shirt, hair dyed day-glo purple and nose, eyebrow and tongue piercings on display, you’re, more than likely, NOT going to make that all-important great first impression. Take a shower, put on some good clothes, and show them that you care about how you present yourself! When you’ve completed your application, if at all possible return it to the person in charge of hiring. Inquire about an interview at that point and ask if you may call to check up within the next few days. Let them know that you are definitely interested in this position.

Getting a job is about presentation. How you present yourself and your application can make all the difference! Follow these suggestions and you can get your foot in the door of a great future!

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Job interviewing technique

Okay, so you’ve got the phone call from the company of your dreams. You’re nervous, excited, and ready to get the job! What will you wear? What should you say? What if you make the wrong impression? Job interviews can be nerve-wracking, especially if you feel that you present yourself better on paper than in person.

What can you do to make yourself more prepared for the interview? There are several things that will help you feel more prepared before walking through the door of your interviewer!

Do you want the job? Make sure you have an understanding of the job you want. Be honest when answering interview questions, and make sure you have some basic knowledge of the industry. Look at the company’s website, search for press releases online, and find out what the company’s mission is. How does your career goal fit with their mission statement? Be prepared to make a parallel to the interviewer! Practice listening. Make sure you always let the interviewer finish a question before you form the answer.

A few days before the interview get your clothing ready. Wear something that makes you feel both comfortable and confident. Practice visualizing yourself having a great interview in that outfit! Organize yourself well ahead of time; bring a fresh copy of your resume to the interview.

When you arrive to the interview, be friendly with everyone you come in contact with. While waiting to be called, go over the points you want to make in your head. If you are nervous, visualize yourself going to work every day at the dream job. Take a deep breath and prepare to show off your confidence and poise.



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Find a freelance writing job

While talent is a must if you want to succeed as a writer, a knack for business won’t hurt, either. Here are three areas to take into consideration when trying to launch a successful freelance writing business:

* The basics: In the world of writing, certain practices follow a standard format which you need to adhere to in order to survive the so-called slush pile, the mound of submissions an editor has on his or her desk that will never make it to print. For instance, always query an editor with an idea first unless the editor's guidelines clearly recommend writers submit complete manuscripts. Always address your correspondence to a specific person. Call the magazine’s editorial department for correct names of submission editors. There might be more than one if the publication is a large one with several departments. Only address an editor by e-mail if you’ve been told that’s acceptable. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope with your query or manuscript. If you’re not clear about how to write a query letter, consult books for sample letters. Basically, a query should include your idea presented from an unique angle, why it fits the publication you are addressing, and what qualifies you to write the article.

* The tools: Typewriters are out. If you were in the business of writing before computers were as prevalent as they are now, you might be able to get away with a typewritten submission to an editor with whom you have an established relationship. But if you’re starting now, you need a computer with a word-processing program, a laser printer, an Internet connection, and an e-mail account to be competitive as a writer. These tools can actually make your job much easier than in the days before personal computers. The simplest word-processing program will allow you to edit your work and correct mistakes before the text is printed. A laser printer ensures a clean manuscript and the ability to reprint it as many times as needed. The Internet connection and e-mail account will link you to a number of markets much larger than pre-Internet writers had ever access to, not to mention the amount of postage, print toner and paper you can save by conducting business electronically. What I like the most about submitting manuscripts by e-mail is the fact that it stretches my deadlines to the last minute. When I use the post office, I usually have to mail a manuscript about a week before it’s due to guarantee the editor will have it by the deadline. By using e-mail, I have up to the day the story is due at the editor’s desk to click the “send” button. As you get busier as a writer you’ll learn to appreciate any extra minute you can find to get all your assignments done.

* The record-keeping: Your computer will also come in handy here. Learn to create databases as soon as possible to keep all your editorial contacts, submissions, potential markets, earnings and expenses neatly organized so you don’t have to rely on your memory to recall every single editor’s name you’ve contacted as well as every business-related check you’ve received or written. The first time you file your taxes, you’ll be grateful for your diligent record-keeping throughout the year.

Now, set up your freelance writing business and go find a quiet place to start turning your ideas into profit.

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How to make money with a market research job

Have you ever been wandering the shopping mall and had someone stop and ask you if you would like to take part in a market research survey? Market research and advertising is big business today. There are people asking questions in election polls over the phone, stopping viewers outside movie theatres and even giving away free products on commercial TV, if you simply call their 800 number and tell them what you liked or didn't like about their candidate, food product or commericial advertising - and these people will pay some serious money for your responses!

Pinecone research, formerly Acorn, does market research surveys on-line. You can make money and receive free products for doing 10 minute surveys on everything from cereal to furniture polish. I found out about this through Consumer Opinion Services (the market researchers at malls and grocery stores). If you go to Pinecone's home page, you will find a toll free 800 number to call to get started. Your first on-line survey, about you, will pay five dollars in cash. Once you are in the system as a surveyor, they pay you $5 by check for each survey. You also may receive free products, anything from shampoo to cereal to try out at home. These researchers are serious about the questions. Based upon your answers, they will change the product, the packaging, the price, or even the advertising campaign.

Pinecone's web site is specifically formatted to your computer equipment at sign-up even if you are a WEBTV user, so the product displays and questions are easy to read and respond to in a hurry. One note of caution however, you must have a working telephone and email in case of additional follow-up questions, but they almost never call unless a question has been skipped. Also, personal information such as income, race, and ages of family members are asked to determine demographics or target audience of sales.

Sometimes these little surveys will put you on a major list if you are a registered voter for a "focus group" - if you are asked to go to one of these, usually for political candidates and issues, they can pay over $50 and feed you dinner or lunch! So the next time you are stopped at the mall, remember the market researchers are asking you to make a difference in their advertising.

Often a researcher will ask your age or source of income. Anyone who works for a grocery store, advertising or market research are excluded. This is because many of the products have not yet been introduced to the market and they do not want a professional in the field to give away their secrets. This makes many of the surveys fun and adventurous since some of the products are SO new they appear bold or even funny at first presentation to the public.

Radio and TV stations often do "listener" or "viewer" surveys. After an initial phone call, they send you a packet to keep track of what stations you hear or watch often and they also pay a small stipend for your trouble or send demo records/videos for your review. In order to find out more, go to FREE STUFF in your search engine or look for Pinecone Research, Greenfield, or observe closely those 800 numbers on the products that you buy. Even a short letter to a company whose products you appreciate can produce a coupon or free sample from the company.

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How to write a post-interview letter

Upon leaving a successful job interview, you may feel a sense of closure at having done everything possible to clinch an offer of employment. But don't overlook the post-interview letter of thanks. This will be your last opportunity to remind the company's interviewer of your credentials and to bring your name forward one last time as a candidate for the available position.

Use professional-looking, personalized stationery. Off-white twenty-pound bond paper with a matching envelope is your best bet. Check your computer's printer cartridge to be sure the letter will be printed in clear, crisp text. Center the letter on the page, and use the full block or modified block style of letter format. Keep a copy for your file before mailing.

Following the salutation, begin by thanking the interviewer for an opportunity of meeting and touring the company, assuming you were able to walk through the place or were guided from office to office, meeting employees as you went along. In this section, mention one or two company strengths that impressed you, such as the factory’s production capacity or the staff’s communication style. This will tell the reader that you were paying attention during your visit and have noted positive things about the organization rather than focusing exclusively on your own goals for the interview.

In the next paragraph, explain why your credentials and background make you a good fit for the company. For example, mention that your copywriting experience will be helpful in enhancing the department's marketing materials in reaching some of the readers indicated during your interview. In effect, you are using resale value to remind the interviewer that your skills will benefit the company in a specific way. Include a few adjectives like your college background or work experience if you think the reader needs to be reminded of these assets.

Then offer a vision for the future with respect to your possible job within the company. This might be something along the lines of "My newsletter experience may be helpful in developing a client e-zine that will keep your customers aware of our company's evolving product line." Most managers value forward-looking individuals who develop good ideas for helping the company to grow. In effect, you are taking initiative even before your hiring date!

Finally, close your letter with a positive look to the future:

"I look forward to the possibility of working with you to help Benchmark Enterprises reach an all-time sales record."

A team mindset is very important for many administrators, so demonstrating your willingness to come on board and do your part should make a great final impression.

Mail the letter a few days after your interview, preferably within a week. Even if the interviewer decides not to hire you, the letter will close your interaction with the company on a pleasant note, and he or she may keep you in mind for future openings.

A few well-chosen words can convey a powerful final image of the person who may join the company team. So don't forget to write!

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How to change your career

You are unhappy about your job. All the passion is gone. You work long hours everyday and you don't have time for anything else in your life but work. You are tired all the time and you feel restless. Even though this is what you have worked hard for, it's not making you happy anymore. You're at work longer than any other place in your life. You need to feel content about what you are doing everyday and enjoy it. When those feelings are gone, it's time to make a career change. But how do you go about changing your career?

The first thing is to accept you are depressed about your current career. No matter how hard you have worked to get that position all the passion and desire is gone. You need to take some time to find a new career that you can have some passion about and plan out the way to get it. If you don't seek out something that you can be passionate about in your career, you will become unhappy again. Don't just change jobs, but change to something that you really want to do and can be excited about.

We get depressed in our careers when things become monotonous at work and all the joy is gone. This is what make us not want to be there. Decide what you want to do next and plan it out for that change. Research that job field to know all the different aspects of it to see if you will enjoy doing it. Make sure you are not jumping from one job to be doing the same thing in a new one. Talk to someone that might already be in that field to find out what a day to day is like.

If you change careers you might have to start at the bottom to work your way up. Understand this when you change careers and don't expect to walk in in the same position you had. This can be very exciting to grow and work your way up in a company. Do some rearch also on how long it will take a person to reach the level that they want to be in. Find out if you have to work long hours like you did on your last job. That was one of the things that had you depressed about your old job, working all the time and not having time for yourself. Make sure you won't be jumping back into that same situation also. Take your time to discover what you really want to do next and plan out the way to do it. Once you have found the new career you want, spend time researching it carefully.

Changing careers can be scary from walking away from what you have already been doing to doing something you never did before. If you have discovered that your present career has made you unhappy and depressed, it's time to make a change. Study and get a understanding about the new career that you want to venture out into and it can be a very exciting career change instead of a fearful one.

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