Avoid the Top 10 Interview Mistakes

by Rosmadi Mahmood

For many, the interview is the single most stressful part of the job search process. Any number of things can go wrong, and a big part of being successful is avoiding simple mistakes. Here’s a top ten list of the most common interview mistakes:

1. Arriving late

Don’t give a weak first impression even before the start of the interview. Lateness shows lack of respect and poor time management skills. After scheduling the interview, find out the distance and directions to the physical location. Don't assume you "know how much time it takes". Being late to an interview adds stress…and interviewing is already stressful enough.

2. Under-dressing

Dress for success is a common phrase, but a lot of candidates do not take it seriously. Unless the company you are interviewing with instructs you otherwise, wear business professional clothing. Remember that everything - your appearance, your tone of voice, your conduct - contributes to the impression (positive or negative) that you make. Be presentable - wear a pressed shirt, a tie and polished shoes.

3. Not being prepared

This interview could be a significant milestone in your career. Re-read the relevant version of your CV and the job advert, just before the interview. You'd be surprised how many people can't remember what they wrote on their CV.

Also, be familiar with the job description so you can draw on your experiences, talents, strengths and abilities to connect with the company needs. Highlight how you're suited to that particular job.

Not to forget, make sure you've brought with you everything you were asked for. This include all of your essential educational certificates as well as personal portfolio (if any).

4. Failure to research the company

As a general rule, the more famous the brand, the more they will expect you to have done your homework. Researching the company shows you're serious about the job.

Do your homework before the interview; f ind out about the company’s past, vision, competitors, achievements, numbers, etc. Some companies even have their candidate expectations somewhere on their website.

Study all these information in detail. Nothing communicates disinterest like a candidate who hasn't bothered to do pre-interview research. On the flip side, the quickest way to a good impression is to demonstrate your interest with a few well thought out questions that reflect your knowledge of the organisation.

5. Lying

Be yourself and be honest! Don't pretend to understand a question or train of thought if you don't. The interviewer will pick up on this. If you don't know an answer, say so. Relax and be yourself.
6. Criticising your past boss or coworkers

The fastest way to talk yourself out of a new job is to say negative things. You should never talk negatively about your current position, the industry, people that you’ve work with and previous nightmare dilemmas. Interviewers are interested more in how you overcome these challenges. Anything negative you say about any topic will reflect negatively on you. If there is something you need to express that is negative, say it in positive way.

7. Lack of confidence and enthusiasm

Lack of confidence can be a big turn off. If you appear too nervous, the interviewer will think that you're not confident enough to do the job. If you are serious abour getting the job, you’ll need to sell yourself as a representative of the company. Show yourself in a way they would feel proud of working with.

Make the employer feel that you are excited and interested in the job opportunity rather than just coming to the interview to see what's out there.

Maintain eye contact, greet the interviewer with a smile and a firm handshake (not too weak, not too strong), and show common courtesy. Don't be afraid to display your passion for the job/industry and to show confidence.

8. Not listening

You must read the interviewer’s gestures and tones and respond accordingly. Focus on the question that is being asked and don't try to anticipate the next one. It's OK to pause and collect your thoughts before answering a question. Give a targeted response to what the interviewer has asked. Be clear, concise and to the point. Don’t expand in endless explanations.

9. Not asking meaningful questions

You don't have to talk at all times in the interview. It is not only okay, but also essential to ask the interviewer some questions. Have at least three or four intelligent questions to ask him or her. Interviews are an exchange of information, and not coming in with questions shows that you did not prepare for the whole interview.

10. Not following up after the interview

Calling or sending a note after the interview is your way of showing your appreciation. It is a direct way of telling the company that you are truly motivated and want this job.


About the Author
Article written by Rosmadi Mahmood, Editor, Jobs DB Singapore Pte Ltd. He can be reached at rosmadi@jobsdb.com.sg

Four Steps to Improving Your Life: Look at the Big Picture

Do you desire to make more money, improve and enjoy the financial the path your life is on? Do you know what is holding you back? The answer is easier than you think and the way to improve your situation is simple.
The number one step is to take a close look in the mirror. You are personally responsible for where you are now and whatever circumstance you’re facing. All of your “what is”, is due to your choices, decisions and actions. This may be hard to admit at first, but when you do your success will come much easier. Change happens anyway, so why not be in control of these changes in your life and shape them to your desires?
The second step is to look at those choices and decisions you have made to see how you got to where you are now. Be honest with yourself. We all know that bad choices end with bad consequences, and good choices lead to good consequences and/or results. Have you been making choices that will take you to your desired end goal? Are you being responsible for your actions, your spending, and your choices? This is why you must take a look at the big overall picture of your life up to now. If you do not enjoy financial freedom, and you want to have and make more money, what do you need to do to accomplish the task?
Now third identify exactly what your challenges are. They may be a lack of skills, perhaps you are a stay-at-home mom who is looking for something that contributes to the financial stability of the family without leaving home, or maybe you are not in a job that you like. Are you doing what makes you happy or are you stuck in the same old routine? Often when people are going to work everyday, they end up doing the same things over and over, merely existing, living paycheck to paycheck and can’t see any way of getting ahead. Take a serious look at what you are good at, what you have a real passion or desire to do, then, follow through with whatever that is for you. Make sure to utilize each of these practical steps in all aspects of your life.
Fourth engage in the process of moving your life forward. Look back at those challenges, establish goals and choose a path to move them in the direction you want them to go. If you know that something is not working, why continue repeating the action? The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. Define what you want, set your goal, and make it your intention to reach the goal. Take small steps to begin with.

For some individuals it is easier to work backward from your goal. Here is an example: Say your goal is to run a 5 mile marathon, well you don’t begin with running the whole distance at once. You build yourself up, you run a ½ mile today and tomorrow you run 1 mile. Before long you are able to run all 5. If your desire is to build your income to enjoy financial freedom then set up a specific dollar amount to work toward. Now work in smaller steps in the direction toward the goal.

Maybe you already have a full time job, you might consider becoming involved in the home based business where you can work at home and make more money to help you reach your goal. This will take some dedication, persistence, consistency and a bit of work on your part, however if you find the proper network marketing group that supports your passions and desires they can assist you obtaining your goals.

When we have a real desire to accomplish something we can always find the time to make it happen. Pour your heart into it. Take the time, be committed hold yourself responsible and accountable for the day to day actions that will improve your life.

Begin taking the steps that will assist you to enjoy financial freedom, it may give you the opportunity to work at home and make more money while spending quality time with your family or friends. They may want to join you in your new found freedom. Take the journey and then you can show them how your network marketing group was able to serve you and bring your dreams into reality.

About Author

Businesswoman, Friend, Collaborator, and Team player, Rebecca Hofeldt fulfills her Entrepreneurial Calling by offering a great service that enriches the lives of others.



Source: ArticleTrader.com

Tips on accelerating your search for a new job

Following are some tips on accelerating your search for a new job:

* Get a Positive Attitude: While it may not be easy these days, it is an absolute must to remain positive and optimistic.

*Be Aware of Job Security: Don't wait for your company to go out of business before you start looking for a new job. If you have any reason to believe your job is in jeopardy, update your resume and start testing the waters. When the time seems right, make the jump if it is to a better, more secure job.

*Search Online: Regardless of the industry you are in, you are missing out on major opportunities if you aren't looking for a job online. Internet use allows you to send out more resumes far quicker than any other way.

*Be Proactive: If you would normally send out 5 resumes a day, start sending out 10 or even 20. Don't be picky with the companies you choose -- get in as many interviews as you can now, and be pick with the *offers* later. If a job listing has a both a contact phone number and email address, pick up the phone and call them -- it is far too easy for an email to be filed away for later.

*Totally revamp your resume: While your old resume might have landed you a job in yesterday's booming market, today competition is as tight as ever. Your resume is your first impression with an employer; it will get you interviews or cause you to lose them. Consider having your resume re-written by experienced editors -- for example, The Killer Resume offers resume editing and writing by Harvard-educated professionals who have a great deal of experience with what works and what doesn't in resumes.

*Polish Your Interviewing Skills: Once you begin interviewing, be sure prepare yourself for each meeting. Interviewers are impressed by confident individuals who show strong communication skills and eagerness for the position. When in doubt, always wear a suit and tie to the interview. Mention a willingness to work in groups but the ability to carry your own weight. Research the company's website before the interview, and if you are able to slip in a few facts during the interview (e.g. "I'd particularly be interested in working with your Open Server product") it will score you extra points. Remember -- the more you interview, the better you will get at it. This is particularly true because most interviewers ask the exact same questions. Soon enough, the answers will flow out of your mouth before you even hear the whole question.

Anyone can get a job when the market is booming, but those who prevail in tough times like these show true character and spirit.

Decision Making - A Successful Decision Includes Action.

Making a decision without taking appropriate action is no decision at all. There is a huge difference between deciding to do something and actually taking action to get the thing done.

"Remember, a real decision is measured by the fact that you've taken new action. If there's no action, you haven't truly decided." Anthony Robbins

We all know folks who make the same New Year's resolutions year after year and yet nothing changes. Perhaps you fall into that category. If no consistent action is taken, things will remain the same. People choose to create new circumstances for themselves or they let things happen to them.

If you follow your decisions with actions, they will be greeted with success. Make the decision to go forward and then adjust your decision along the way - making it right as you go.

"Sometimes you make the right decision, sometimes you make the decision right." Dr Phil

Do not cause yourself extra headaches and problems by worrying ahead of time, about how all the details will be worked out.

Also, be careful not to fall into the trap of wanting microwave results or falling victim to discussions of why things cannot be done.

One of the problems in our society is that we have grown to fear making mistakes, rather than seeing the error as simply feedback and information to use, in adjusting our course. This fear of making a mistake is frequently so strong that we get into paralysis by analysis, when attempting to make new decisions. We spend all of our time getting ready to be ready, in order to do what we anticipate doing. The time goes by, and once again nothing gets accomplished.

There is no such thing as failure until you make the decision to quit. Then you have made a decision to fail.

Perhaps the fear you hold is the fear of success. You may be subconsciously worried about how your friends and family will react to you if you change, grow and achieve what you desire. In that case you might be sabotaging your own desired results by holding back on making the decisions that would allow you to advance.

The monkey chatter in your head may sound like this?

Should I quit or should I stay?
Do I love him/her or do I leave?
Do I watch T.V. or do I exercise?
Do I say it or do I keep my mouth shut?
Do I start a business or do I stay at my job forever?

Indecision causes internal conflict and can lead to ambivalence.
It is the one factor that has cost people more than they will ever know.

"Indecision is debilitating; it feeds upon itself; it is, one might almost say, habit-forming. Not only that, but it is contagious; it transmits itself to others." H. A. Hopf

Indecision leading to ambivalence is a symptom of something deeper. If you cannot make a decision on things that are important to you, you may want to explore the area of self-esteem.

People who can make decisions and adjust their course along the way have a strong sense of self-esteem. They are not afraid of making a mistake. Should they make one, they simply pick themselves up and keep going.

What is your indecisiveness costing you?
It is important to remember that you are to make the decision where you are at this moment, in space and time, with the knowledge and tools you currently have. When you decide not to act it may seem like you are protecting yourself, but in reality you are starting to suffocate. Like nature, if you are not growing you are dying.

One of the most valuable lessons I have ever learned came from Mr. Bob Proctor, the grandfather of personal development himself.
He says," There was some discussion about money around me. I pointed out that money had nothing to do with it. Once you make the decision you will find the money ... every time. If that is the only benefit you receive from this particular message on decision-making, burn it into your mind. It will change your life. I explained to two of these people that I never let money enter my mind when I am deciding whether I will or will not do something. Whether I can afford it or not is never a consideration. Whether I want to or not is the only consideration. You can afford anything; there is an infinite supply of money. All of the money in the world is available to you, when the decision is firmly made. If you need money, you will attract it.

I am well aware there is any number of people who will say that the above is absurd - that you can’t decide to do something if you do not have the necessary resources. And that’s fine if that is the way they choose to think.

To me that is a very limiting way of thinking. In truth, it probably is not thinking at all ... it is very likely an opinion that was inherited from older member of their family who did not think either.

Thinking is very important. Decision makers are great thinkers. Do you ever give consideration to your thoughts and how they affect the various aspects of your life?

Although this should be one of our most serious considerations, for many people it is not. There are only a small percentage of folks who make any attempt to control or govern their thoughts.


History shows us that all great leaders have one attribute in common and that is they do not make the mistake that 97% of the people do - which is letting circumstance dictate their actions.

Circumstances can and may cause some delays or detours but they should not be permitted to stop you from going forward. When the decision is made to go forward, the how will show up. People will be inspired and the answers they seek will appear. Ways will show up where there were none. Believe....

Taking the responsibility to make decisions that are right for you, and following up on these decisions with actions, will actually clear your mind of clutter. It will bring you a sense of peace and you will start seeing some successful results.

About Author

Lynette Chartier, Life Style Mentor and Successful Entrepreneur, is helping many become the next success story.



Source: ArticleTrader.com

Do's and Don'ts When Asking Your Boss for a Raise

8 Do's and Don'ts When Asking Your Boss for a Raise

DO
1. Devise a “Plan of Action”. First and foremost, get a strategy together. Make a note of the specific projects you’ve undertaken and the results you’ve accomplished. List all of your job skills and the features that make you an asset to this company. Find out what a typical raise is for someone with your experience in your area of occupation. Know the facts and be realistic in your request.

2. Ask for an amount that’s slightly higher than one you would be happy with. If you would be happy with a 5% raise, ask for one a couple of points above it. That way, if your boss starts to negotiate, you won’t feel as if your worth has been diluted any by getting less than what you feel you deserve.

3. Remember, your boss shouldn’t be the only one negotiating. If your company is going through a slow period or the economy is down, try to be flexible and know how to respond if your boss suggests a lower amount than what you may have been expecting. Consider other ways of getting a raise too, such as additional vacation time, employee perks or more time off. All of these can be just as good (if not better!) than an actual amount of money.

4. Choose a specific day and time to meet with your supervisor about your raise request. Avoid choosing a Monday or Friday when bosses are at their busiest. Studies have actually shown that people are more receptive on a Tuesday or Wednesday after lunch. That way, they’re not thinking about the weekend or their stomachs while you’re getting up the nerve to ask about a raise! If you’re afraid of being interrupted during your request, ask to speak to your supervisor for a few minutes after hours.

DON’T
1. Raise your tone of voice if your boss objects to your raise at first. Remember, he or she is paying you to do a certain job, and you’re asking for more money to do the same job. Be professional and polite at all times, and listen more than demand. Chances are, if your supervisor doesn’t award you a raise, they might hint at what else could be done to earn it. If they don’t, don’t be afraid to ask what steps would be necessary to “prove yourself”.

2. Threaten with quitting if you don’t get the raise or telling your boss you have another job offer unless you actually do. He may just call your bluff and let you go!

3. Stumble or beat around the bush with your request. Be straightforward and confident. You are a valuable member of a team and the supervisor hired you because they obviously thought you were the best qualified. If you have “Thank You” notes from customers or letters from the company praising you for a job well done, bring those to your meeting as well, as they’ll help to cement your request and remind your supervisor of your role within the company and its progress.

4. Compare yourself to, or talk negatively about your coworkers or others in a position higher than you. You may think that this will put you in a positive light when it comes to a promotion or a raise, but to your boss, it shows that if you have a poor attitude toward your colleagues, you’ll keep the same poor attitude if you are promoted.

Remember, be confident, professional and tactful. If the boss says “no” or wants to “think about it”, open his mind to further consideration by volunteering to do more at the office. Stay an extra hour or help another team on a critical project. This demonstrates that you’re willing to “tow the mark” rather than giving your boss the impression of “gimme the money first and THEN I’ll work”. Good luck!

About Author

About the author: ------------------------------------------------------- Simon Weaver can help YOU start your own profitable business on the Internet within the next 24 hours! To learn more, visit: http://www.YourOwnFreeBusiness.com/pips.html-------------------------------------------------------









Source: ArticleTrader.com