THE INTERVIEW
 The next step in the recruitment process is to call the selected candidates for interviews. The interview process constitutes the tool most heavily used to determine who gets the job. That is why it should involve careful preparation. What should you do to gain the competitive edge in an interview?
Your Appearance
Dress for success. Remember image counts and people do judge you by the way you look. If you dress well, you will be more confident and respond accordingly.
Punctuality
Do not be late. If you do not know where the company is, take a test run prior to going on the interview. Do not arrive breathless. Give yourself time to fill out necessary paperwork prior to meeting with the interviewers. Bring all your past employment information in an organized format to complete applications.
Interview Preparation
•Research the company you will be interviewing with. Most interviewers will ask you what do you know about the company or industry.
•Get as much information as possible about the position you are applying for. You may be asked to explain why you are interested in doing the job.
•Be prepared to give examples and explain accomplishments stated on your resume.
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The person on the resume and the one sitting before the interviewer should be the same people. Too often, people make the mistake of inflating their qualifications and cannot present themselves in the same light to the interviewer. Do not falsify information. The interviewer can usually tell if you are exaggerating. I asked for your weaknesses, convey work attributes that can be reflected in a positive manner.
•Writer of Job Descriptions,
Exhibit confidence not arrogance. Be genuine and leave off the airs.
•Watch your body language. Do not slouch or appear removed from the interview.
•Listen to the question that is asked of you. Do not be afraid to ask the interviewer to clarify a question you have difficulty understanding.
•Convey to the interviewer what makes you unique. Know the strengths and assets that set you apart from the other candidates.
•Remember every thing you say in the interview answers one general question, “Why should we hire you”
•Make sure you have questions for the interviewer. This shows your interest in the position as well as the company. Certainly there are things you want to know. Do not miss this opportunity to show your enthusiasm for the position.
•Do not discuss salary in the interview. The appropriate time for discussing salary is after the hiring manager expresses that you are the selected one for the job.
•Do not forget your manners. Get business cards from the people you interview with. Send each one an individual thank you note. While this does not guarantee you a job, a thank you or follow up letter provides an additional opportunity to sell your most valuable points prior to the hiring decision being made. It is also a chance for you to reconnect with the interviewer by reiterating some of the points that sold well during the interview.
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