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The following
Power Tips are summarized excerpts from a publication of The Search
Network called "21 Steps to Career Success". This booklet is given to
all our candidates free of charge and summarizes all the moves an engineer
needs to make to prepare for and secure the very best "next career step"
possible.
Develop and Practice Your
Interview
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Catalog your
previous positions, jobs skills and accomplishments.
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Develop a powerful
summary you can verbalize effectively and customize for each position
you seek.
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Review your
material with a view to key ideas and phrases, not to "memorize".
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Relax, be natural
and don't appear to be reading a "script".
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Remember, employers don't always hire the person
with the best skills and experience, but go for the best person for
the job. This includes more subjective qualifiers like personality
and style. They want people who are on the same wavelength.
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Establish rapport- Studies have shown that only 7%
of meaning is conveyed through words. Vocal tonality conveys 38% and
body language an incredible 55%!
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When the interviewer approaches, stand up, shake hands
warmly and firmly, and walk in an open, upright and confident gait.
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During the interview, look relaxed and have an upright,
open posture.
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Convey a sense of energy, enthusiasm and interest
by being animated and looking directly at the interviewer.
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Eye contact is extremely important.
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Voice is a powerful instrument. Use proper volume,
enunciation, pitch and speed to convey confidence and warmth.. Match
the tonal quality and speed of your interviewer.
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Dress conveys a strong impression, and many people
are judged by their initial appearance.
Men: To be safe, use a conservative, dark suit
and navy blue or gray are the most powerful colors. Don't use polyester
material. For some, polyester seems too informal.
Women: Wear a conservative business suit in neutral
colors such as gray, taupe, camel or blue. Avoid frills and bold floral
print blouses. Keep accessories simple. Use conservative makeup and
avoid lipsticks that are bright or dark.
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Invest in yourself so that the company will feel confident
investing in you!
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Arrive early.
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Bring a copy of your resume.
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During the first few minutes, ask the interviewer:
What qualifications are you looking for in this position? The answer
will give you invaluable insight into what to share about your experience.
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Be positive!
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Show enthusiasm for the company, the position and
the interviewer.
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Find opportunities to address the needs of the interviewing
company and show how you can help them.
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Don't discuss salary, vacation or benefits until you
know they want to make you an offer. Your recruiter will help you
get the strongest compensation and benefits package possible.
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Be focused and succinct in your replies and comments.
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Ask questions to set yourself apart.
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Keep your body language, tonal quality and content
in sync so your communication is believable.
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Close the interview with statements about your regard
for the company and your ability to handle the position, as well as
a strong statement of your interest in it.
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The Search Network, as part of its normal services
to the candidates it is placing, offers in-depth interview coaching.
Take advantage of this expertise! It will help set you apart from
the "rest"!
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