Interview Skills that Win the Job

THIS BOOK IS PREPADED BY

MERCURY TEAM
AUTHORS.

N.PRADEEP. P.VISHNUPRIYA.
N.KALYANI. N.BRAMAJI. P.LALIH KUMAR. P.SIVA KUMAR.

PREFACE
You probably already know that your rsum is a tool to obtain an interview with a potential employer, and the interview determines whether you receive an offer of employment. Many candidates mistakenly believe their work ends once they secure an interview, but those who are unprepared for the interview are rarely successful. Youll want to invest the time and energy in a positive interview outcome.

An interview gives you and the interviewer an opportunity to exchange information about the open position. The interviewers task is to determine whether you have the skills and motivation to do the job and whether youll fit into the organization. Your goal is to present yourself in the best possible light, so you stand out as the ideal candidate. To reach this goal, you must seriously prepare for every interview, realizing your level of preparation probably will be the deciding factor in whether you receive a job offer.

ACKNOWLEGEMENT
This book on interview skills is the creation of all the authors. It would not have been possible to write this book without the help and support of the kind people around me, to only some of whom it is possible to give particular mention here. Above all we would like to thank our parents, brother and sister have given me their unequivocal support throughout, as always, for which my mere expression of thanks likewise does not suffice. This book would not have been possible without the help, support and patience of my English Prof. paulish. The good advice and support from my team members has been invaluable on both an academic and a personal level, for which I am extremely grateful.

Contents:
Introduction.. 1 Before your interview... 2 How face interview... 9 During your interview... 12 Closing the interview 15 After the interview 16 The evaluation process.. 17 Interview types.. 18 Stress.. 18 One one 19 Screening 20

Lunch time.. 21
Committee...22

Group...23 Telephone24 References.. 25 Selling your self..26 Dressing for success27 Body language.28

Stress reduction... 29 General suggestions.30 Remember! ............................................................... 32 Conclusion 34

INTRODUCTION
An interview is an exchange of information. It allows the employer to evaluate your personality, communication skills, attitudes, values, motivation, interests, and technical skills. The interview also enables you to obtain information about the organization in order to make an informed decision. An interview is a discussion between equals. Although you need to treat the interviewer(s) with respect, there is no need to be overly deferential.

A successful interview is one in which both the interviewer and interviewee receive accurate information and can make an informed decision about

the fit between the job and the applicant's personality and skills.

BEFORE YOUR INTERVIEW:

RESEARCHING THE COMPANY
One of the most important things you can do to make a positive impression in the interview is to research the company. The smaller the firm, the more likely you will need to poll current and past employees for information, or check with friends who work at competing firms. Large corporations have been reviewed by various sources and those reviews are often available in the public library at the reference desk. Some reference librarians and career centers also keep clipping files on local companies. You may also find information on local companies through your chamber of commerce, and larger companies may have stockholder and annual report information available to the general public. Some additional resources to do company research are:

The Internet
Review the facilitys website. Look at all current openings (what other types of jobs are available at the facility?) This can provide you with helpful information about career paths, etc. Look at the web site from the vantage point of a client or patient: How does the facility present itself to its patients/clients?

Researching the company directly (visiting the physical location) can also provide you with information regarding the corporate culture. Is it conservative or relaxed, do people wear formal business attire to the office or more casual clothing? Is the atmosphere one you feel comfortable in?

Remember, the more you know about the facility, the more focused your answers will be!

QUESTIONS TO RESEARCH THE COMPANY

How old is the company? Where are the offices, stores, manufacturing, etc., located? What does it produce, or what does it have to offer? What has been its growth?

What does the future seem to hold for its products or services? Does it have a long-term market? What other industries or competitors impact it?

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How many competitors are there? Who are they, how do they compare in terms of size and growth? Reputation? What makes this firm different from their competitors? How large is the organization? What population do they serve? Who is their client base? What is their reputation? What type of benefits are available? (not asked in the job interviewfind out when researching the company or when they have offered you the job) What is the salary range for this position?(not asked in the job interview find out when researching the company or when they have offered you the job) Is training provided?

Emphasize Areas of Your Background

Examine your job-related skills, accomplishments, and goals. Specifically look for ways in which you stand out from your classmates. Think of specific examples that demonstrate your positives. Be prepared to talk about specific events that might demonstrate your personality traits. Be comfortable talking about your past and present experiences. Practice with another person prior to the interview. This is your time to showcase your talents.

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Try not to be too long winded. Remember, short and precise answers are appreciated.

DEVELOP ANSWERS TO EXPECTED INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Much of what will be asked in your interview will be fairly obvious ahead of time. Practice your answers to tough questions you're likely to be asked. Practice your responses, either alone or with someone you can trust to give you an honest and candid reaction. You need to make an honest assessment of your experience and employment history and be prepared to deal directly with both your strengths and weaknesses If the employer asks a difficult question that you have not prepared for, ask for a minute to think about it and give a quality response.

Below is a list of commonly asked questions in an interview. Consider how you might want to answer: "Tell me about yourself." How would you describe yourself? 1. Why are you willing to leave your current employer? 2. What do you know about this company? Why are you interested? 3. What are your short-term and long-term goals? 4. How do you feel about your current supervisor?

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5. What are your strengths? 6. What are your weaknesses? 7. What are you currently looking for in salary? 8. What information is important to you in making a decision about this job change? 9. What questions do you plan to ask the employer either about the job, company, or other things?

10. Who have you learned the most from? What was it? Why was it important? 11. What could be improved in your boss? 12. What do you like and dislike about your current boss?

13. When are you available to start? 14. What are your plans for the future?

PRACTICE YOUR ANSWERS :

You have heard it before, but practice does make perfect. One possible way to practice is through a "mock interview" at the Career Development Center.

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They can help you critique your performance by evaluating the content of your answers, your body language, voice intonation, eye contact, and general demeanor. Interviewers will assess your personality and attitude, career goals, confidence level, communication skills (both verbal and nonverbal), accomplishments (academic as well as personal), and knowledge (an understanding of the organization and the career field.

PREPARE A LIST OF QUESTIONS TO ASK THE INTERVIEWER

You can also indicate your interest in the position by asking thoughtful, pertinent questions. Make sure that the questions that you ask are not questions that could have been answered through your research efforts.

Remember to ask open-ended questions which will supply you with more information and allow the interviewer an opportunity to talk. If you do not ask questions, it may be interpreted as a lack of enthusiasm for the position and the facility. We recommend asking three to four questions. It is perfectly acceptable to bring a written list of questions to the interview to use as a reference. Below is a list of possible questions that you may raise.

1. What are the company's goals? Future projections? Direction? 2. What skills are important for this position? What experience is necessary? 3. What opportunities are there for professional growth? Company growth?

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4. Why is this particular position available? Is this a new position? 5. What are some frustrations of this position? Whom do you report to? 6. Why did you join this company? Why did you pick this career/industry? 7. What criteria do you use for performance evaluation?

Dress Professionally
Make sure your first impression is a good one by looking professional and confident. Even when the corporate culture is more casual, it doesn't hurt to be the best dressed person in the room during an interview. This is the time to be conservative in dress, not trendy or hip.

For a man, it's best to wear a dark suit with a white shirt and a contrasting tie, polished shoes and dark socks. For a woman, the best choice is a dark, skirted suit or tailored dress with a matching jacket, with neutral hose and simple pumps. A conservative hair style, with clean, neat fingernails is most appropriate, and makeup and jewelry should be minimal.

Arrive Fashionably Early

You should be at your destination and have reported to the receptionist well before the interview.

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Fifteen minutes early is a good rule of thumb. To make sure you don't arrive at the last minute, go over your travel route in advance, and even drive it once to test the route so you are absolutely confident you know how long it will take.

Smile at Everyone
A pleasant demeanor can go a long way toward making a good impression, and it will probably release a little of the tension for you as well.

HOW TO FACE AN INTERVIEW

1. Golden Rule: Speak

1) Loudly 2) Clearly 3) Slowly 2. You need to make sure that you arrive and are ready to take the phone call about 15 minutes before the scheduled interview time. Please make sure the phone is not busy (or engaged) about 10 minutes before the scheduled interview time. 3. Have a pen and paper ready to take notes during the interview with your resume and verify the resume experience. 4. Be calm and composed before and during the interview. 5. Be enthusiastic during the interview. Smile. They can definitely hear it in your voice. Discuss hot buttons for client.

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6. Provide direct and complete answers to all questions that are asked of you. Always research the clients website before the interview to get an idea of the clients business. 7. If this is an international call, there may be delay across the phone line. Wait for the interviewer to finish talking and then respond to the question. 8. The interviewer begins the conversation with How are you doing? You need to respond back with Fine. How about you? 9. You need to end the interview with. Thanks for your time. It was nice talking to you and I look forward to being a part of your project. 10. Always call the interviewers by their first name only. For example, if the interviewers name is John Smith, make sure you call him John.

Do not call him Mr. John or Sir. Make sure that you write down the names of the interviewers so that you remember to address them by their name during the interview. 11. Find out from the sales representative and recruiter about the requirements of the project for which you are being interviewed prior to the interview. Tailor your answers to best suit the details of the project for which you are being interviewed. For example, if the project is an accounting system, make sure that you highlight any experience that you have with any accounting systems that you have worked in the past. Also, for example, if the project requires Sybase as the backend database, make sure that you highlight your Sybase experience, if any. 12. Anticipate what the interviewer is looking for and provide intelligent answers to satisfy the interviewers questions.

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If you have not worked on a particular software or version, do not answer saying No. Say that you have worked on a similar product or that you are a quick learner and some of the other things you would bring to the table . 13. Never use the words involved in. This implies that someone else did the work and that you were assisting them. Either say I was responsible for, if you were in charge of the work, or I carried out if you were part of the team carrying out the work. 14. Never use the words we. Always say I. This clearly indicates that you did the work.

15. If the line is bad or you cant hear, never keep saying Hello. Simply say Im sorry, the line is bad, I cannot hear you. Would you please repeat the question? Or simply Would you please repeat your question? 16. If you do not work for X but for the subcontractor, make sure that you never mention that you work for the subcontractor instead of X. Always indicate that you work for X directly, unless instructed otherwise by the recruiter/ sales representative. Never discuss rates or salary with the client. 17. Make sure that you check with the recruiter/sales representative as to what the interviewers expectations are and make sure that you provide a suitable start date. 18. Highlight any special training or certifications you have. 19. Never discuss personal issues with the client.

12 DURING YOUR INTERVIEW

Make the First 10 Minutes Count
The first ten minutes sets the tone of the entire interview. You can help make sure it's a tone that works to your advantage. State everything as a positive, and display genuine enthusiasm. That shows you are interested, energetic and confident.

Maintain a Friendly and Professional Demeanor

Be accessible and open, but always professional. Listen carefully to the questions being asked, and make relevant and concise responses. Stay on course with your answers, and provide specific examples whenever appropriate to reinforce the points you are making.

Bring Resumes
Bring along some extra resumes, in a folder, with your name on the label. They will have use for them if and when the process goes to the next step, and it makes the point that you're organized and prepared.

Ask Permission to Take Notes

It implies that you are very interested in the position and the company, and it shows clearly that you are well organized, detail oriented and thorough.

13 Answer Questions Confidently

Even the toughest questions can be handled with poise and confidence. Don't try to hide weaknesses in your experience or difficult relationships in your work history. Never dwell on the negative, and put a positive, but honest spin on things. In describing even the worst experience you've had, you can emphasize what you have learned from it, as opposed to that awful things happened.

Remember no one is perfect, and that goes for job candidates too. You need to make the most of what you have, and a positive approach will help immeasurably.

Tell Your Story

The most effective way to relate your experience and expertise is to tell it in a story form. Try to create a picture of your experience, your abilities in working with others and your focus on teamwork, results, problem -solving -whatever qualities the job you're interviewing for requires . Talk about your experience you "feel" and what you "think." The more your interviewers feel they are dealing with a person, instead of facts on a resume, the better.

Interview them
Ask key questions. By asking them to describe the position youre applying for, you'll learn their priorities, and you'll have some clues about which points on your resume to emphasize.

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Ask them about the first two or three projects you'll be involved with. Ask about their goals for the person in this position. This is what you prepared your list of questions for.

BE AWARE OF BOTH YOUR VERBAL AND NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION

Make an effort to talk more deliberately and articulately than usual.

Dont use the words think, guess or feel which sound indecisive. Avoid phrases like pretty good or fairly well. Avoid constant use of filler words like you know, right, like, etc. Use positive words to describe your skills. Maintain reasonable eye contact and be aware of negative body language such as crossing your arms.

LISTEN ATTENTIVELY
Listen effectively, paraphrase to clarify and confirm the interviewers question and answer what is asked. Wait for the interviewer to finish speaking before formulating and delivering your answer.

BE PREPARED TO DISCUSS SALARY

Be prepared to discuss the topic of salary intelligently. Research the field and find out what the average salary is for your chosen major.

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Understand that salary may vary according to geographic region, size of facility, experience, and education. Do not pinpoint a salary. If you are asked what you are expecting to earn, give a salary range rather than quoting a specific figure. Do not discuss salary if the employer does not raise the topic

Closing the Interview

Now is the time to be candid, but polite. If you like what you heard in the interview, let them know that. Reiterate how you can contribute to their organization and how you can help them meet their stated goals. Let them know how you think you would fit in with the corporate culture, and how interested you are in the position, now that you know more about it. Ask them what's next. This let's them know that you're interested enough to want a second interview, or to go to the next step. Leave the room on an upbeat, friendly and comfortable note. You may have just made some new friends and colleagues.

16 AFTER THE INTERVIEW: Steps to Effective Follow-up

REVIEW THE DAY

Immediately following the interview, review the questions you had trouble answering. Reflect on ways in which you could answer them more effectively if they are ever asked again. Practice your revised answers aloud. Reflect on questions you answered particularly well and highlight those themes in the thank you letter.

SEND A THANK-YOU LETTER

Send a typed thank-you letter to the interviewer (s) within 24 hours after the interview. While it may not affect the probability of receiving a job offer, its a common courtesy and it may give you an advantage over other candidates. Please refer to the next few pages for ideas on how to write a thank-you letter. E-mail or type a letter to send in U.S. mail; thank you letters should never be hand-written.

FOLLOW-UP CALL
If you do not receive a response from the facility in a week or so or shortly after your thank-you letters have been sent, it is appropriate to call to inquire about the status of your application.

17 The Evaluation Process:

Most interviewers make up their mind about a candidate based on the first 510 minutes of meeting the candidate. In those first few minutes, you have to make a good first impression. Give a firm handshake, smile, display lots of energy and confidence, make eye contact with interviewer and be friendly.

Making a good first impression and listening skills are very important in the interview process. Interviewers evaluate you on your appearance, communications skills, attitude, enthusiasm, technical knowledge, knowledge about their company as well as your ability to do the job.

You should know the size of the organization, product line or service, types of clients, present price of stock, who the competition is and any recent items in the news about the company. Go online and visit the company's website to gain information about their current needs. Tell the interviewer what skills and education you have that relate to the company's current needs . Develop a rapport with the interviewer. Offer a firm handshake at the beginning and at the end of the interview.

Jobs are not always won by having the right skills. Often they are won because one candidate has established a rapport with the interviewer

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INTERVIEW TYPES
Stress Interview:

Stress interviews are a deliberate attempt to see how you handle yourself. The interviewer may be sarcastic or argumentative, or may keep you waiting. Expect this to happen and, when it does, don't take it personally. Calmly answer each question as it comes. Ask for clarification if you need it and never rush into an answer. The interviewer may also lapse into silence at some point during the questioning. Recognize this as an attempt to unnerve you. Sit silently until the interviewer resumes the questions. If a minute Goes by, ask if he or she needs clarification of your last comments.

19 One-On-One Interview:

In a one-on-one interview, it has been established that you have the skills and education necessary for the position. The interviewer wants to see if you will fit in with the company, and how your skills will complement the rest of the department. Your goal in a oneon-one interview is to establish rapport with the interviewer and show him or her that your qualifications will benefit the company.

20 Screening Interview:

A screening interview is meant to weed out unqualified candidates. Providing facts about your skills is more important than establishing rapport. Interviewers will work from an outline of points they want to cover, looking for inconsistencies in your resume and challenging your qualifications. Provide answers to Interviewers questions, and never volunteer any additional information. That information could work against you. One type of screening interview is the telephone interview.

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Lunch Interview:

The same rules apply in lunch interviews as in those held at the office. The setting may be more casual, but remember it is a business lunch and you are being watched carefully.

Use the lunch interview to develop common ground with your interviewer. Follow his or her lead in both selection of food and in etiquette.

22 Committee Interview:

Committee interviews are a common practice. You will face several members of the company who have a say in whether you are hired. When answering questions from several people, speak directly to the person asking the question; it is not necessary to answer to the group . In some committee interviews, you may be asked to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. The committee will outline a situation and ask you to formulate a plan that deals with the problem. You don't have to come up with the ultimate solution. The interviewers are looking for how you apply your knowledge and skills to a real-life situation.

23 Group Interview:

A group interview is usually designed to uncover the leadership potential of prospective managers and employees who will be dealing with the public. The front-runner candidates are gathered together in an informal, discussiontype interview. A subject is introduced and the interviewer will start off the discussion. The goal of the group interview is to see how you interact with others and how you use your knowledge and reasoning powers to win others over. If you do well in the group interview, you can expect to be asked back for a more extensive interview.

24 Telephone Interview:

Telephone interviews are merely screening interviews meant to eliminate poorly qualified candidates so that only a few are left for personal interviews. You might be called out of the blue, or a telephone call to check on your resume might turn into an interview. Your mission is to be invited for a personal face-to-face interview.

Anticipate the dialogue: Write a general script with answers to

questions you might be asked. Focus on skills, experiences, and accomplishments. Practice until you are comfortable. Then replace the script with cue cards that you keep by the telephone.

Keep your notes handy: Have any key information, including your
resume, notes about the company, and any cue cards you have prepared, next to the phone. You will sound prepared if you don't have to search for information. Make sure you also have a notepad and pen so you can write

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down notes and any questions you would like to ask at the end of the interview.

Be prepared to think on your feet: If you are asked to participate in

a role-playing situation, give short but concise answers. Accept any criticism with tact and grace.

Avoid salary issues: If you are asked how much money you would
expect, try to avoid the issue by using a delaying statement or give a broad range. At this point, you do not know how much the job is worth.

Push for a face-to-face meeting: Sell yourself by closing with

something like: "I am very interested in exploring the possibility of working in your company. I would appreciate an opportunity to meet with you in person so we can both better evaluate each other. I am free either Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday morning. Which would be better for you?"

Try to reschedule surprise interviews: You will not be your best

with a surprise interview. If you were called unexpectedly, try to set an appointment to call back by saying something like: "I have a scheduling conflict at this time. Can I call you back tomorrow after work, say 6 PM?"

REFERENCES
Assume that your references will be checked. It is vital that the individuals that you are using as a reference know in advance that you are using them as a reference. If possible, get written letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation are good forever. It is not always possible to contact prior supervisors or work associates. If you have changed your name, let the reference know the name you worked under when you knew the reference, and the name you are using now.

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If it has been a while, you may want to refresh them on what you did, and what you accomplished when you worked for them. Make it easy for the reference to say nice things about you.

SELLING YOURSELF
An interview is centered on the subject that you should know better than anyone else, yourself. You need to have taken the time to think about your particular strengths and skills, particularly as they relate to the position for which you are applying, and to be prepared to verbalize them.

Not all interviewers are skilled in the art of interviewing and drawing information from you. You must be prepared for the inexperienced or overworked interviewer. Be ready to take advantage of any opportunities to tell the interviewer how your skills and abilities can benefit the company. Stick to your assets that are work related. Give it all you have, be confident, enthusiastic, but not overly aggressive.

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DRESSING FOR SUCCESS

Rule of thumbdress for the interview slightly more formally than you would dress for the position you are applying for, keeping in mind the company dress standards. Even in informal environments, you are generally expected to dress up for the interview. Select and try on your interview clothes the night prior to your interview. Do they feel comfortable? Are all the buttons on and no loose threads hanging from hems, are you spotless and well pressed? Do you feel good about yourself in these clothes? Going for a promotion? Dress for the job you want, not the job you have. Observe what individuals are wearing at the level of employment you are aiming for and emulate that style of dress after eliminating the most flamboyant and conservative styles.Your exterior image is often the only one

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Some people may be able to judge you by. The first impression you make in the interview is what you look like. While we have limited control over our Facial features, hair, height and weight, we do have control over our clothing and style of dress. When going for a promotion within your current company, dress for the job you want for an extended time prior to applying for that position. You can not change your style of dress a week prior to an interview, and expect that you will be viewed as a serious contender for a promotion

BODY LANGUAGE
Your Body Language How we sit, stand and move says a lot about who we are and how we feel about ourselves. Your body language can reinforce or detract from what you say in the interview. It is important to convey a strong, confident and open body language. Tips on positive body language Roles play your questions in front of a mirror or video camera, or ask a friend to critique your posture and gestures. Be sure they tell you what you are doing right, as well as what you could improve upon. Shake hands with the primary interviewer when entering and leaving the interview. Smile. Be sure to convey interest and enthusiasm with your facial expressions. Use good eye contact.Use gestures if appropriate. Try not to freeze into one position. Breathe.

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STRESS REDUCTION
Job interviews seem to have been designed to induce a good case of stress. No matter how practiced you may be in the art of interviewing, stress is still a factor in most interviews. Stress may be exhibited by Your hands perspire or shake. You havent moved in 5 minutes and your feet fall asleep. Your voice rises or cracks. You cant remember the speech you had memorized the night before.

Tips on Alleviating Stress Before The Interview

Tell yourself what a good person you are, what a good Candidate you are for the job, think about your strong Points, build your selfconfidence. Move around. Exercise lightly to moderately. Get your blood flowing and breathe deeply prior to the interview. Meditate. Get to the interview on time or early. Do what works for you to calm yourself: Positive visualizations, quiet time whatever makes you feel calmer?

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General Suggestions: Be Prompt and Know Where youre Going

It may sound clich but you'd be surprised how often it happens. Ask for directions, reconfirm the date and time of your appointment, plan for traffic, parking and possibly getting lost. Arriving late not only makes a bad impression, it prevents from having a few extra minutes to relax and collect your thoughts.

Dress Professionally:
Again, what sounds clich is so important in making a first impression. Dress to what is appropriate for the job, company and industry culture. Avoid heavy makeup, perfume or cologne.

Writing Your Resume:

Get your resume and cover letter written by professionals which will be more enticing to the eye and reader-friendly to hiring managers.

Introducing Yourself:
While your resume explains your skills and experience, the personal introduction you make of yourself is equally, if not more important. Be confident! Start with a firm handshake, a smile and look the interviewer in the eye. Be prepared to answer questions about yourself but remember Be concise! Listen attentively, don't interrupt and be sure to answer the question.

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Relate Your Own Experience:

Find out as much as you can about the position and the company's philosophy. Relate that with specific examples to your own work experience. Focus on results. Share your knowledge of the industry, whether it's personal contacts or knowledge of the latest news in the field.

Ask Relevant Questions:

It's important to remember that while you're the one being interviewed, an interview is also your opportunity to find out if the job or company is right for you, too. Ask relevant questions regarding the company and position, what the responsibilities are, management practices, etc. Don't bring up salary information in the first interview unless you are specifically asked. Don't ask about vacation time or personal days, etc.

Telephone Interview:
A company may wish to meet you for the first time over the telephone. This type of interview is just as important as a personal interview, if not more important, because if it doesn't go well, you won't get a chance to meet faceto-face with the company. Try to find a quiet place where you can speak freely and without interruption. Don't interrupt for call waiting! If the interview is coming to a close and the employer has not scheduled a personal meeting, ask politely "What is the next step?" or "Where do we go from here?" Send a thank you note.

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Personal Interview
Be enthusiastic, confident and build your case. Start by briefly introducing yourself and your background, link your abilities with the company's needs, and let them know how interested you are in the position.

REMEMBER! Be Prepared:
Know your strengths and skills. Be ready to talk about them if not directly asked. Know the job you are applying for. Research the company.

Practice:
Think about the questions you may be asked and practice your answers or presentation in front of a mirror, role play with friends, tape record or video tape yourself.

Be Confident:
Enthusiasm counts. Know you are a good candidate for the job.

Clothing:
Be sure what you wear is in good condition and appropriate for the position for which you are interviewing.

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Body Language:

Watch for nervous mannerisms, but dont keep from making gestures if they are appropriate and comfortable. Use good eye contact. Smile. Watch their body language for clues.

Closing:
Thank them for their time. Re-affirm your interest in the position. Emphasize your qualifications if no other opportunity has presented itself.

Send A Thank You NoteVery Important!

Note may be on personal stationary and may be hand delivered

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CONCLUSION
If you are invited back for a second interview, remember that you have better than a 50-50 chance of receiving a job offer. Prepare for this second interview. The second interview will concentrate on more specific subjects such as salary, benefits, bonuses, and options. Remember to only address these issues if the employer raises them. The second interview may involve a tour of the facility, interviews with staff from several areas of the facility, and possibly tests or forms to complete. The Interviewer should give you this information in advance. Whether it is your first job or fifth job, you want to find the "right" environment that matches your needs, values, skills, interests and goals. Dont be afraid to turn down a job offer, if after careful consideration, you feel it is not the right step for your career goals. If this is necessary, do so in writing and courteously because you never know what professional or personal ties this organization may have with others in your field.

Tips for an Interview:

Go alone. Arrive 10-15 minutes early. Have a good handshake. Maintain eye contact with the speaker. Dress neatly. Do not waste the employer's time. Do not plead for the job you want. Do not interrupt. Listen well. Do not bring up salary issue. Leave when the interview is over. Thank interviewer for their time. Send follow-up letter.