Acing the Interview

4 general tips from USA Job Prepare the 1-minute resume. The first question most interviewers ask is "tell me about yourself." How you answer this question will set the tone for the rest of the interview. That is why you develop a one-minute resume. Describe where you are from, your education, and what you have to offer.

One-Minute Resume Example: "I grew up here in Southern California, and I am active in intramural sports and student government at Dana Middle School in Arcadia. In addition to having the skill, talent and experience you're looking for, I am an Honor Student at school, which also reflects the discipline and commitment I have to excellence in all I do. The experiences I have had as a web leader have increased my ability to relate to people of varying backgrounds, cultures and needs and has given me the leadership training necessary to help others. I enjoy traveling, spending time with friends and playing soccer."

Develop and Practice Your One-Minute Resume You should do this for three reasons: It shows you are comfortable with yourself. This puts both you and the interviewer at ease. If you have a polished one-minute resume, YOU begin to control the interview. A well-delivered one-minute resume will draw the interviewer in to you. Be careful not to brag - simply tell a story about yourself.

2. Have a positive attitude. “This job is mine!” - All successful job hunters The key to winning in an interview is a positive attitude. The good news is you have an advantage over the interviewer: the interview is about YOU and you know more about yourself than the interviewer does. The interview is your turn to show all that is great about you. Remember, resumes don't hire, people do. Be prepared for difficult questions and unexpected events, such as delays. Don't let these affect your positive attitude.

3. Make a First Impression! Be early! Wear business clothes because first impressions are important. Remember the details (clean hands, fingernails, combed hair, brushed teeth and deodorant…)

4. Follow-up. After you conduct your successful interview, it is important to follow it up with a thank you note. Writing thank you notes are not an exercise in tradition; rather, it will allow you to highlight additional skills and qualifications that you may have for the job, it will show that you follow through and it will show that you have class. Your thank you note should also ask the employer when they expect to make a decision. An email thank you note is also appropriate.

A Step-by-Step Guide…

Before the Interview Think about the job and prep for questions Research the company or business Come up with 1-2 of your own questions in case you’re asked Make an appointment (introduce yourself and why you are calling, repeat time and date, get directions, thank them)

Beginning the Interview Introduce yourself to them first Look them in the eye Introduce yourself Extend your hand with a firm handshake Let’s take a look at an article….

During the Interview Communicate you’re listening fully Nonverbal posture Paralanguage Paused response Answer directly and honestly If you don’t know an answer, say so

After the Interview If they ask for questions, give them at least one (one should be “When may I expect to hear from you?) As you get up, smile and thank them for meeting with you. Shake hands again. Act as though you enjoyed the meeting. Follow up with a quick thank you letter…just a few lines; don’t over do