Best job interview tips - ace interviews with these little-known strategies

If you're looking for job interview tips that are proven to dramatically increase your chances of success, you've come to the right place! You'll find this site filled with the most effective, up-to-date tips for interviews. Use these job interview tips and launch yourself on your dream career with a company of your choice.

You'll find details on the best ways to prepare, questions you can expect to be asked and answers to tough interviewing questions. Plus more job interview tips like the mindset you must adopt if you're to succeed the way you're capable of doing.

Along the way, you'll also learn about the worst mistakes job hunters make at interviews and how you can avoid them. That's at least as important as all the other stuff!

Effective follow-up after the job interview requires a well thought-out approach. You'll learn more about this as well.

Following the right interview etiquette is vital if you want to land that job. The bad news is yes, there are certain things you must do in a certain way. The good news is it's not as hard as it sounds. See the etiquette related job interview tips.

Many candidates have questions about what to wear for job interviews. Is there a reliable rule of thumb you can follow here? Surprisingly, the answer is yes. Skip to the relevant page to find out more.

Ok, that's enough of an intro. Dive right into these job interview tips; pick one that interests you at this moment. And above all, have fun! Job hunting, at its best, is an interesting, exciting game!

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How to organize your work day

A list is a worker's best friend

If you are like me, you get to the end of your work day and ask yourself, “What did I actually do today?” First of all, you may have completed more tasks than you think. Although you may not actually sit down and organize your work day, you may be working in an organized manner. To feel more productive at the end of the day, and to figure out just what you have accomplished, try out some of these suggestions.


Make a list

People who work from home, especially if they work around their family and their schedules, know the value of making lists. Jotting down your To Do List some makes the tasks you need to accomplish more manageable. In fact, the mere act of writing down what you need to do helps you weed out the things that should not even be on your list and also puts the most important or time-sensitive tasks at the forefront. In short: by seeing it on the list, you are more apt to get it done. You can even go one step further and put the most important tasks at the top so you can try to accomplish them first.



A great place to write your lists is in a calendar planner of some sort. Planners and calendar planner refills such as the popular Day Runners and At A Glance Daily Planners make it easy to see all of your tasks and appointments together in one central area. Let’s face it. If you cannot find your list, what good is it? Keeping your To Do List in this centralized location where you can find it at a moment’s notice makes your work day run much more smoothly.



Check it off


Now that you have your list, go through each task. Do this each time you organize your work day. Beginning with the most important, go through each task and work on it until it is completed, if at all possible. Sometimes it is necessary to wait for someone else’s input on a project, or for some necessary piece of information to be finalized, but if you can, finish the task completely before going on to the next task on your list. You will be amazed at the sense of accomplishment you will feel when even one or two of your tasks are crossed off your list!


If you prefer using a simple notebook or even keeping a digital form of your list, go ahead and do what works best for you. This is an essential part of how to organize your work day. The point is to work off your list so you can see the check marks or the lines through your completed tasks.




Develop your system



A filing system is essential to staying organized on the job. Some people prefer to keep everything on their computer so they have a digital record, and some people prefer the tried and true method of paper files. While I advocate the Green practices of keeping everything digital, I find a combination of both works best for me. That way, if I lose something and a client calls, I can lay my hands on the pieces of information I will most likely need if my computer is off or, perish the thought, crashes all together. Develop a good filing system and use it faithfully to organize your work day.

Filing cabinets are a great way to keep everything sorted and organized without having it sitting out in the open looking like a mess. It is easy to access and keeps everything neatly tucked away until you are ready to use it. Keep things even better organized with classroom storage tall baskets with handles from a teacher supply store. Small items such as pens or boxes of extra paperclips can be stored and easily accessed in them. Having extras of things you use regularly is an excellent way to organize your work day.

If you do not have to leave your office to get supplies, you make more time to work on that To Do List.



Set a time limit


Many of us who work from home especially are in love with our timers. There are a number of timers available for free online. In fact, I am using Online Stopwatch right now. You can also use a simple kitchen timer. Simply figure out how much time you need to complete a project or a portion of your project, set the timer and do not stop until you hear it ring or buzz. It is a simple idea, but brilliant.


By making yourself work until the timer goes off, you can complete a good chunk of your project. Just make sure you do not get distracted by the phone or an unnecessary visitor. You can set your timer in small increments of fifteen or twenty minutes at a time. It doesn’t matter how long, just stick to the time.



Be realistic



And finally, be realistic. You cannot finish everything all in one day. There will always be something to put off until tomorrow and that is fine. If you follow these steps on how to organize your work day, you will find there are lines through many of your tasks on the list. When you get to work the next day, re-write your list and remove those items that are complete. Feel free to add new tasks, but know that they will eventually be moved off your list for good.



It is an art to figure out how to organize your workday. If you follow a plan, you will feel as if you have accomplished more than your thought possible.


Speaking as someone who has lived with lists for years, it’s a beautiful thing!

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Tips for Staying in Shape When You Lead a Busy Career/Life

The summer always offers a great opportunity to get outside more than usual because of the incredible weather. That usually leads my girlfriends and I to have discussions on what we can do to get more exercise throughout the rest of the year because we all lead such busy lives. Here’s a list of advice I compiled based on all of those discussions:

* Always take the stairs: Skip taking the elevator and walk up and down using the stairs. As one girlfriend told us, “I’ll climb up the stairs, walk across the building and back down the stairs on the other side, just to go to a meeting on the same floor I’m on. It gives me a few extra minutes of exercise and allows me to clear my mind before heading into my next meeting.”

* Park further away: Forget circling the parking lot for a space up front. Try purposely parking a ways away to increase the distance you’ll walk to and from your vehicle each day.

* Go for a walk during lunch: Before you eat lunch, try going for a walk. Walk alone to clear your thoughts and relax or grab a friend for some animated discussion while you walk. One girlfriend noted, “I always drink a glass of water before I go for my lunchtime walk. It not only keeps me hydrated but it also seems to lower my appetite because I’m never as hungry after my walk.”

* Exercise or stretch while on conference calls: A friend suggested this and I’ve actually started trying this. When you’re on a conference call (and no one can see you) try a few exercises by your desk such as leg lifts, arm stretches, squats, etc. Just be sure to put your phone on mute so no one hears any heavy breathing on the line! It’s actually amazing how this can decrease stress and make you feel more energized in the middle of the day or when feeling sluggish by late afternoon.

* Decrease your television time: Instead of television, go for a walk around the block with your husband or a friend and chat while you walk. Or, take your kids to the park instead of everyone sitting in front of the TV.

What are your favorite tricks/tips to stay in shape with a busy life? Please share them in the comments section of this blog and help other women.

~ Lisa Quast

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Organize A Project With Five Easy Steps

Nancy Clark

I’m not going to try to guess what type of project you’re wrestling with. Do you have more than one? You probably do. Today, I’ll talk about a way to organize—and simplify—a project that doesn’t involve managing other employees. The Group Project will be covered as another topic.

Think of 1 project you want to do. What if I said to you, “Right now, write a list of what needs to be done to perform this project beautifully?” Would you sit in front of your computer with your fingers paralyzed, perched over the keys? If so, you may have the Perfectionist’s Dilemma—you may be expecting to see a neat, perfectly arranged document appearing on your screen. Don’t worry—in this case, you’re normal.

Wouldn’t you feel better if I directed you to type up a very rough draft of what needs to be done? And I’d promise that no one else will be able to look at it. Is the paralysis gone? And wouldn’t all this be more doable if I gave you Five Easy Steps to follow? Good! Here are the Five Easy Steps.

1. Define the Goal – What’s the end product you want to achieve? What’s the goal date? Give yourself a little leeway by establishing an Almost Goal Date. This is the date you’ll aim for—knowing you’ll have a few extra days for polishing or basking in your early success.

2. Outline the Big Steps — Leave space below each one for step # 3. Put an End Date on each of the Big Steps.

3. Outline the Little Steps that are contained in each of the Big Steps above.

4. Keep a Running File on everything. Save information in computer files or paper files in case you’ll be doing a similar project another time, or in case you want to document your success in the workplace. Yes, you do want to do that!

5. Put the Next Step on your To-Do List each day. Refer to my tips on writing your To-Do List. Remember each one has an action included.

Tip of the Week:

You know that Running File I mentioned as part of #4 above? Well, you can use that for 2 purposes that will benefit you in the long run. First, you may need to do this same project another time. Of course, it will be because people realized you did such a great job the first time! Think about how much easier it will be the second time. You’ll have your outline, timeline, and the necessary backup materials in your Running File for that project. Easy! Now the second reason is that you may want look forward to the day that you can give—ah, delegate—this project to someone else. That’s what leaders do! And leaders also have a responsibility to see that their delegates are organized and productive. Well, you’ve already performed a big part of your future responsibility.

Doesn’t that make you think leaders have it easy? I hope you get the opportunity to see that it’s true!

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How To Master Telephone Interviews

By Nathan Newberger

Don't be afraid to pick up the phone! The telephone interview is by far becoming more and more popular. Many job hunters still get that adrenalin rush even with the phone interviews. But following the tips and advice in this article will help you master the phone interview and get you to the next step - the face to face interview.

Often, the first step in the hiring process is the telephone interview.

Companies and the recruiters they employ use the telephone interview to develop a pool of candidates to look at closer, and to pare down the number of applicants for a job opening.

The advantages to the company are:


• the cost is less.

• the list of questions can be standardized.

• the interview can be delegated to a lower level (cheaper) employee.

• it can be done quickly.

The aims on both sides of the telephone are limited. The caller wants a selection of qualified candidates, and the process screens out many candidates. If the call is a straightforward screening call, the caller will likely ask about your experience, availability and salary requirements. Your strategy is to provide facts that support your resume, with some context about your performance. Try using numbers and facts to be effective, however, you don't want to volunteer anything that could disqualify you . Make every effort to sound professional but not personal, as this call is not to establish rapport.

Since you are unlikely to win the job from a telephone interview, your goal is to secure an in-person interview with the person who has the authority to hire. Approach the call with that attitude.

Managing the Telephone Interview

Try to reschedule surprise interviews. Say that you have a conflict and suggest a time you can call back. When you call back, be prepared for the call just as you would for a full-dress interview.

Have ready


• pen and paper, a calculator

• the job ad and the resume and cover letter which you sent in response to the ad.

• a list of your accomplishments which relate to the job you are discussing.

• research you have done on the company.

• a short list of questions about the job.

• your calendar.

The Techniques of a Pro


• Smile - it comes through in your voice.

• Speak directly into the phone.

• Don't smoke, chew gum, eat or drink anything. It all telegraphs to your listener.

• Stand up. Your voice sounds stronger.

• Avoid ah, er, hum. This habit is especially noticeable on the telephone. This takes
practice. So practice.

For a winning performance


• Confirm the caller's name and company. Get the caller's telephone number.

• Be aware that the caller can't see you - can't see your hand gestures, can't see you
taking notes.

• Pace the call. Let the caller do most of the talking, without interruptions.

• Do use the technique of repeating or re-phrasing questions. It tells the caller that you
listened carefully, and gives you time to think about your answer.

• Avoid the simple yes or no; add selling points at every opportunity.

• If you need time to think, say so - as in radio, silence during a telephone conversation is
dead air time.

• Compensation issues come at the end of the interviewing cycle, never at the telephone
stage. You can truthfully say you don't know enough about the job to state a salary figure.
And, of course, you would need a personal interview to really talk with the company.
Which is another way to go for the personal interview. Re-affirm your qualifications,
express your interest in the job and the company. Say you would appreciate the
opportunity to talk about the job further - in person.

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Dress For Success

By Nathan Newberger

Its true - You Are What You Wear! Especially when it comes to the job interview.

Believe it or not, you are examined from head to toe in all interviews. Not only is your experience and personality sized up...but also your appearance. The dress code for men and women differ substantially so this article is broken up into seperate sections for each gender.

Before you go on that job interview, make sure you read these dressing tips! Many people take for granted the appearance aspect of the job hunting process. The better you are dressed, the more confident you will feel and exude.

There's no impression like the first impression. Initial decisions made about you in the first three minutes of the job interview are nearly irreversible.

The purpose of your clothing is to project an image of professionalism. Consider:


• Your clothes should subtly add to your appearance. More importantly, clothing shouldn't
detract from your business persona.

• Much as you may want to stand out, wearing the business "uniform" communicates
instantly that you are a mature, stable professional and a member of the team.

• Even if the internal dress code is very casual, your interviewing attire should adhere to a
conservative standard.

• Dress up - the best you would ever dress when actually employed there.

Here's how to dress for the best possible outcome:


• Research the prospective employer - companies and even industries have definable
corporate cultures. Find out what the corporate uniform is - and wear it.

• Select an outfit you have worn before and are comfortable wearing.

• Try on the outfit a few days before - enough time to have drying-cleaning and repairs
completed.

• Check the ensemble for missing buttons, frayed cuffs and other needed repairs.

• Everything must be clean, neat and ironed.

• No bulging pockets or sagging coat lining.

• Hair and nails must be clean and groomed.

• Scent should be low-key or absent.

• The favorite color of most Americans is blue - it conveys trust, calm and confidence.
Blue is a very good interview color.

The Fine Points


• Shoes should be comfortable and polished. Shoes that are well cared-for signal "Good
attention to detail."

• Be parsimonious with scent - many people are allergic and too much perfume is an
instant interview killer.

• Jewelry - real jewelry, if you have it. No jewelry is better than fake. No rhinestones
cufflinks, no cloth watchbands, no novelty tie tacks.

• Clean and polish your briefcase or purse; organize the inside.

• A winter coat must be cleaned and pressed, particularly since a coat may be the main
item your interviewer first sees.

• Your umbrella should be in conservative colors (black, tan, navy, gray) and in working
order. Do not leave it to drip on the company carpet.

• Bring a pen and paper; check that the pen works and doesn't leak. Store them in the
inside jacket pocket, where you can easily find them.

• Allow time to dress with care and deal with emergencies. Examine the results, front and
back, in a mirror.

Men - Consider These Tips/Advice


• tailored suits in navy, gray, beige. (black is a funeral color, avoid it.)

• dark suit, light shirt

• natural fabrics - wool/wool blend for the suit, cotton for the shirt, silk for the tie

• business shoes and over -the-calf dark socks

• matching silk tie in low-key colors

Women - Consider These Tips/Advice


• simple, tailored suit

• tailored dress

• dress & jacket combination

• simple blouse

• natural fabrics - wool/wool blend, cotton and silk

• conservative colors - blue, gray, beige or black

• avoid loud or flashy styles and colors

• use makeup sparingly.

• low -heeled pumps, flesh colored stockings

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Watch out for ILLEGAL Interview questions!

by Nathan Newberger

This information can help you when you are interviewing for a position and also when you conduct interviews yourself.

I’ll quickly cover the following:

A) Why Employer Ask Illegal Interview Questions.
B) Examples of Illegal Interview Questions.
C) Tips on How To Respond to Illegal Interview Questions.

Job Interview Fact
U.S. law prohibits certain types of questions and you are by no means required or obligated to answer these questions. These questions are prohibited for a reason: to keep employers from unfairly trying to weed you out as a possible employee.

A) Why Employers Ask Illegal Interview Questions.
The interview is where you get your chance to sell yourself directly to the employer. During the interview the employer is obviously trying to learn more about you and how you may or may not fit in the company.

The main reason why an employer might purposely slip in some illegal questions is basically to try and get information to keep you from getting a job. Most illegal questions revolve around personal information and asking them is usually not related to the job and is often discriminatory in nature.

Another reason some employers ask illegal questions is because they just don’t know any better. Many interviewers are not trained at all and simply don’t know what is legal versus illegal. Please keep this in mind, it may just be a poorly trained, inexperienced or just curious interviewer and not meant to be harmful or discriminatory at all.

B) Examples of Illegal Interview Questions.

Illegal questions generally fall into 4 categories:

1. Disabilities & Physical Skills
2. Personal Background
3. Race, Creed, or Color
4. Family & Relationship Items

10 Sample Illegal Questions:

1. How tall are you?
2. Are you a US Citizen?
3. How old are you?
4. Are you really a man?
5. Are you Chinese or Japanese?
6. What religion are you?
7. Have you ever filed for bankruptcy?
8. Have you ever been arrested?
9. Are you married?
10. How many children do you have?

C) Tips On How To Respond To Illegal Interview Questions.
First and foremost, avoid reacting in a hostile fashion remember that you can always decide later to decline the job offer. Your goal during the interview is to try and get the job offer.

Response 1:
Go ahead and answer the question. If you don’t feel uncomfortable and you think your answer is in your favor, why worry? Go ahead and answer the question and make no mention that you think its improper or illegal. Just remember that you run the risk of harming your candidacy if you give an answer not favorable to what the interviewer has in mind.

Response 2:
Refuse to answer the question. You are within your rights but in a delicate and sensitive area with regards to the potential job offer. You can say politely that you don’t feel comfortable answering the question and ask to move on. You may even want to mention to the interviewer that the question is illegal and doesn’t pertain to the job. The key here is to be as tactful as possible. But keep in mind, you may come across as confrontational or not a "team player" in the eyes of the interviewer.

CONCLUSION
Generally speaking, its better not to confront or debate the interviewer about the legality of a question. But if you have any uncertainty about the questions, you should be alert to any pattern of discrimination especially if you notice several illegal questions. Try and remember the questions and speak the employer’s HR director and get answers to what may have happened.

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