Have Some PASTA with Your InterviewWritten by Barbara Snyder
When cyclists prepare for a big race, they always make sure they load up on carbs. It is not uncommon to have a pasta feed night before an important event so that athletes can store up some of carbohydrates they will be burning up next day. The same goes for preparing for an interview. A candidate for a job, preparing for that all-important interview, needs to take in some PASTA. However, it isn’t same kind of pasta, but it is something that will energize, fortify and maximize a person’s chances in having a successful interview.Here is PASTA that is being suggested: P, prepare thoroughly; A, attitude adjustment; S, start interview off smartly; T, tips to be followed; and A, after-the-interview follow-up. These five steps can provide a level of preparation, comfort, and professionalism that should impress decision makers with your performance under pressure and to demonstrate your abilities and attributes in best light. How does one prepare (P) for an interview? You would be surprised how many people do absolutely nothing or very little in this realm. However, this is one thing that you have completely in your control. Consider following tasks that can be done in order to be more prepared than your competition: anticipate a question as an opener about qualifications and background ; anticipate a closing that will allow for you to wrap up and review your qualifications; write out answers to anticipated questions; practice or rehearse how you will deliver those answers; re-read your application; and visualize how you will present yourself verbally and non-verbally. Spending time on this first step will give you confidence and practice that will help you relax, or at least curb some of nervousness during actual interview. Attitude (A) or your overall demeanor is a dominant factor that will influence how interviewer or panel perceives you and your personality. It is important to be positive in all ways that you express yourself and to always be courteous to everyone with which you come into contact. It is a good thing to be mildly assertive, but not aggressive or arrogant. Show that you believe in yourself and know that you are being judged on your attitude, work ethic, intelligence and honesty. In establishing your positive attitude think about what employer wants in their employees, which will most likely include all or some of following: self starter, dependable, easy to work with, works well under pressure, manages time effectively, could handle a crisis situation successfully, could handle constructive criticism, and concentrates on needs of company over personal needs. Starting interview (S) is precise point where a first impression will be made. Many times a candidate thinks that first question of interview is actual beginning of interview. In reality it begins when candidate enters room and is introduced. It is important to be on time, even early, to mentally prepare to be called into interview room. Remember that there will be small talk that interviewer(s) will remember. The handshake, which should be firm, and smile, which should be sincere, go a long way in establishing a rapport with decision makers. In addition, grooming and appearance will be two areas in which to take extra care and time. It will pay off big dividends. Make your first impression a positive and pleasant experience.
| | Experience Overrated?Written by Jonathan R Taylor
I often hear people who want to transition into another career downplay their chances because of their lack of credentials. They often believe that they have locked themselves into one particular field because of their past work experience. A few years ago, before I made my transition into field of sales, I held this same paradigm. With a background in social work, why would any company take a chance on me? I had no business degree and no formal experience in outside sales. I then discovered something very important—what separates success from failure has less to do with your experience and qualification than how you conduct job search process itself. I find that people with experience tend to lean on their credentials a little too much when it comes to seeking a job change. People with little experience in their desired field realize they must market and sell themselves just as if they were selling any other product. This means that instead of focusing on “work experience”, a person should focus more on skills that he or she can offer to organization they are targeting.
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