 | NEVER disclose anything about your past that you do not have
to...but be upfront with direct questions...If personal questions are
asked by the interviewer, keep your answers professional and
focused on the job you are interviewing for
|
| NEVER disclose anything about your medical history unless you
feel that there are changes in accommodations that need to be
made...with BP this is totally unnecessary
|
| NEVER discuss family, children etc... if you bring it up they can
ask questions...they are not allowed to ask about your personal
information such as marriage and children first though...if they do
say something first say..."Oh, I didn't think you could ask me
those questions"...
|
| NEVER, EVER, EVER bring children with you to a job
interview...EVER
|
| NEVER "badmouth" your former employer, boss or
supervisor...if you want to be immediately excluded from a job,
"badmouthing" and telling an interviewer how the boss made
you angry, so you just walked off the job is the way to
go...otherwise, try to focus on the positives of your previous
employer
|
| NEVER discuss law suits etc. brought against former
employers....this could label you as a trouble maker
|
| ALWAYS reveal any criminal background you may have even a DUI/DWI...or spitting on the side walk...too many people do not realize
that when a criminal background check is done...even magistrate court
counts and paying a speeding ticket is an admission of guilt
|
| ALWAYS list previous employers, but not necessarily your
supervisor...a close co-worker is acceptable as a reference, but put
the co-worker's title, however, be prepared to answer questions about
your working relationship with your supervisor...try to answer these
questions in the most positive way possible...never criticize your
former supervisor, especially by "name calling"
|
| ALWAYS contact those who you intend to use as references...ask
them ... if they prefer not to be used as a reference you will not
question and will understand...sometimes people's personal references
can be very damaging...be prepared with names, complete addresses and
phone numbers when you apply
|
| ALWAYS have a CURRENT typed resume...this makes a BIG
impression...but don't make corrections in pen etc. I keep
mine on computer so I can easily make any changes
|
| ALWAYS "over-dress" for the interview...but don't go
overboard. It is almost never appropriate to wear jeans and a t-shirt
to an office type job interview...then again...you don't want to wear
a suit and tie to an interview for a casual position, that's for
business...but even here make sure your clothing is clean, pressed and
in good repair...jeans and a button down shirt are great...also make
sure you are clean and well groomed no matter what position
|
| IF you have previous positive reviews or evaluations from your
employer, bring copies for your application...be careful if everything
is marked "EXCELLENT" ...that makes me a bit wary...we all
have things we need to work on...and although these are good and show
your past history...they don't count with me as much as a job
reference does...
|
| Make Sure you have a firm hand shake...nothing turns me off
faster than a "cold fish" hand shake from someone...but don't over power
the interviewer...if they are on their knees before you...then you
went too far...lol
|
| Maintain good eye contact during the interview...but DO NOT
"stare down" the interviewer...lol
|
| Try to be as relaxed as possible, don't be afraid to tell the
interviewer if you are a "bit nervous"...but try not to
break out into a cold sweat...
|
| Be pleasant and smile when appropriate. A smile really does
brighten your face and make you look more positive
|
| PREPARE yourself for the following questions:
Why did you leave your last place of employment?
DO NOT PLACE BLAME HERE. A good answer is something like,
"I feel that I wanted to expand my responsibilities more and I
had reached my potential in my position." or "No room for
advancement"
What are your best qualities?
What are the areas that you feel you need to work on?
(DO NOT ANSWER "I don't know" to either of the two above)
(Do not answer ANGER MANAGEMENT to the second question...lol)
How do you handle conflict with a co-worker? with a supervisor?
(don't get silly...know what I'm thinking right now...lol)
How will hiring you benefit XXXXXXX Company?
Where would
you like to see yourself in 5 years, 10 years (etc)?
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| Thank the interviewer for their time and consideration at the end
of the interview. Ask when you can be hearing from them.
Wish them a good day.
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