Education and Employment 3

From the Examiner


-----



We have discussed having the right knowledge to do the job. We have discussed having the right education on your resume to get past the prescreeners so you can get the interview. But there is still one last major area of education you need for a job: how to ace the interview for that position.

This is a tricky subject. Like any skill, it is best acquired from experience. However, that experience is all too often failed job interviews. How do you gain the skills, techniques, and tactics, as well as the experience, without burning bridges and losing out on opportunities?

This is a question that actually has an easier answer than you might think. But there are several steps. Just like any endeavor, you wish to acquire skills that will produce results. A few simple observances will have you acing interviews in no time.

First, learn the mechanics of interviews. Be prepared for behavioral questions as well as canned questions. If your profession warrants, be prepared for technical questions.

Second: practice. Perfect practice makes perfect. Get a coach or friend to help. Do mock interviews with them. Borrow a friend's resume (with his knowledge, of course) and go on actual interviews under your name but his experience for practice. The more you "do" the better you get.

Third: learn the key words. There are key words for each profession to avoid, and some to make sure to use. Similarly, there are key words at each employer that specifically can turn them off, and there are specific key words by employer that can solidify your chances. Listen to how they talk and work their phrases back into your lingo.

Finally: CHILL. Seriously, relax, folks. The best interviewees are the ones who know they have the skills, education, and ability to do the job. Nervous candidates give employers a feeling that they may not be ready for a perceived step up. Calm candidates give the "been there - done that" impression to employers and set minds at ease.