Are thank you notes an outdated concept? Absolutely not. Interviewers always look for applicants who have as much EQ as they have IQ. Courtesy and respect are often as valued as intellectual skill, interpersonal savvy, and interactive ability. E-mail, snail-mail, or fax? If your earlier communications have been via e-mail, e-mail your note of appreciation. If the company is more formal and you’ve corresponded through the postal service, mail your thank you as you would Continue reading →

You’re all set for your interview; you have on a new outfit, your shoes are shined, and your hair is as good as it’s going to get. So, what can go wrong? Plenty, if you concentrate more on how you look than on what you say and how you say it. If you are a savvy applicant, you will pay close attention to the people who are  interviewing you. Watch their body language. Do they Continue reading →

What are three mistakes that both interviewers and interviewees commonly make? They don’t listen as much as they should. They don’t probe as much as they could. They don’t create a safe environment that encourages a healthy exchange of information necessary to determine if there would appear to be a fit between the applicant and position being discussed. Good interviewers are able to strike a balance between intimacy and formality. They know what to say, Continue reading →

What are three common mistakes that interviewees make? Talking too much. Coming on too strong. Saying too little. Think through what you want to say, in advance of saying it. That’s called practice, and verbose candidates aren’t apt to do it. Coming on strong typically results in over-promising and under-delivering. Saying too little leaves too much to the imagination, none of it helpful or productive.

What are three things you should know before heading out to an interview? Know about the company. Know why you want to interview them. Know why they ought to interview you. Learn about the Company Let’s get down to basics. Do your homework before interviewing. If you’re short on time, check the prospective employer’s web site. If you have the luxury of more time and the company’s track record is good enough to merit space Continue reading →

“I have a telephone interview scheduled for later this week. What should I consider when preparing for it?” More and more employers are conducting screening and even full interviews by phone or video.  Here are some thoughts specific to interviewing by phone to help guide you and prepare. Be mindful that while you and the interviewer will be asking and responding to questions, you’ll both be interpreting, evaluating, assessing, and concluding, without benefit of the Continue reading →