It takes at least two days to write a superb new application, addressing the issues and organising the information so that you sell yourself. The biggest error most people make is throwing away a great chance by rushing a mediocre CV out at the last minute. Regard your CV and application letter as work in progress and give it a polish every couple of months. You never know when you will be asked for it.

The difference between managing your career and just letting it happen can be more than the cost of your home over the course of a lifetime. You need to take this task seriously right from the start.

You do not need to be headlining the trivial details of your life like your address and what primary school you went to. You do not need to tell someone that the document is a CV.

For each occupation and each level of each occupation and for changes of career and country there are key things you need to be saying that recruiters want to hear. If you already know enough then spend some time listing these key things before you ever start writing your application. If you need more information, then start collecting it, start finding out what buzzwords, concepts and competencies that will carry conviction.

If you follow a boring format or copy out your job definition it will be dull as ditchwater to recruiters who have to read lots of applications every day. You need to reach these people where they get interested. The story of your career needs to build up expectations that you are worth meeting. You need to tell them the context in which your achievements have taken place and let them know what value you offer for the future. Enter the page content here.

Do not pepper your CV with titles like PROFILE, CAREER OBJECTIVE and SKILLS unless you want to appear like someone who has slavishly followed a template. You can have an introduction to your CV but there’s no need to label it. All you really need is a few sensible headings such as PROFESSIONAL, CAREER and PERSONAL - under which you can group your skills/qualifications, narrative of achievements and necessary details.

Bulleted paragraphs are a great way to save space and add impact but they need to be congruent. They need to relate to the one before and the one after in an intelligent way. Lists of superlative claims with no substantiating evidence cannot be understood in context and cut no ice with anyone.

The medium is in the message. If they have reached the third paragraph of your letter and glanced at your CV, you have already shown them that you can communicate. There is no need to tell them you are a GOOD COMMUNICATOR, a SELF-STARTER or a GREAT TEAM PLAYER in so many words. It needs to be implicit in your account of yourself, not stuffed under their nose as a grandiose claim. People who do that look naive; people who get good jobs come across as mature enough to know how to say things that matter about the real issues involved.

People cannot help but be impressed by talented design and clever typesetting. Your choice of fonts and styles, however, is somewhat limited by the restrictions of email and online CV Builders. You need to find out what these restrictions are by studying the word processing program you are using and asking yourself: how can I be sure that my fonts and format arrive on the reader’s computer the same way they left here? If you want to make a subtle and sophisticated impression you need to start finding out about the technicalities by actually reading the help files and manuals you have so far taken for granted.

Your letter needs to sing, summarise, promise, capture the spirit of what’s best about you. Safe, boring, over-length, repetitive letters that regurgitate your CV or try to match every single minor point in the job definition will have one damaging effect on the reader - they will think you are not very bright.

Professional writers throw away more stuff than they publish; put it all down and then reduce it until you fit two pages. If necessary group your entire EARLY CAREER under a separate heading and just give each job a line or two. Place the focus on the last 5-10 years and the highest levels of activity and achievement. Cut the minor roles and competencies which are already implied by the big stuff you do. Write your brief and powerful introduction last; when you know what you need to say to summarise your offering, and don’t bother giving it a heading anyone can see what it is.

Browse some of the most Read Articles on How to Be Successful in Interview’s and Toughest Interview questions here. Hope these articles will help you in Preparing for your Interviews and improvises your existing skills as well. For Now Take Care n Have Fun. . CHEERS

The best way to avoid the most common and dangerous interview mistakes is to think ahead and decide not to make them… Read on for a whistle-stop tour of the top ten interview clangers!

1. Lying
Although it’s tempting, it doesn’t work. By all means gloss over the unflattering things. But out-right fibbing NEVER pays. Mark Twain said: “If you tell the truth, you never have to remember anything.” Think about it. They will catch you out later.

2. Slating your current company or boss
Fed up with your current job and would give anything to leave because they’ve treated you badly? Your job
interview is NOT the time to seek revenge. Bear in mind that the interviewer will be listening to your answers
and thinking about what it would be like to work with you. Ask yourself: do you like working with people who constantly criticize others? Isn’t it a bit wearing? The trouble is that the interviewer draws massive conclusions from your answers. So your throwaway comment about your boss or employer may be interpreted to be your
“standard” way of thinking. It makes you look bad, not your employer.

3. Being Rude
If you find you were accidentally rude, then apologise calmly and genuinely. Then leave it behind you and get on with the rest of the interview. If you dwell on it, it will affect your performance. What’s “rude”? Well, that
depends on your audience. As a rule of thumb, avoid cracking jokes about potentially sensitive topics and
beware of being too “pally” with the interviewer: polite and friendly is enough. After all, you’re not in the pub
with them. So stay professional. Also bear in mind that everyone you meet could be involved in the selection process. So blanking the receptionist or talking down to the junior members of staff could cost you the job.

4. Complaining
Ok, so your train journey might have been a nightmare and maybe you thought the tube would never arrive, or the tailbacks on the motorway were endless. But your interviewer doesn’t want to know that!
Complaining, even in jest, is not a recommended icebreaker. It may be completely harmless, or it might simply make the interviewer switch off. Don’t let complaining set the tone for the interview!

5. Talking about people you don’t get on with at work
These days, it’s common to be asked how you deal with conflict. Companies realize the importance of
interpersonal relationships in the working environment. So if they ask you about difficult people or situations, make sure you hold back from character assassination and blaming others for problems because it won’t do you any favours! If you accidentally do “break” this rule, apologise and explain what you “really” meant.

6. Not Being Prepared
Re-read the relevant version of your CV and the job advert, just before the interview. You’d be surprised how
many people can’t remember what they wrote on their CV. And if you remember what type of person the job
advert was looking for, it’s easier to demonstrate that you have those qualities.
Make sure you’ve brought with you anything you were asked for. It’s fine to bring a note-pad and pen, but
make sure they’re tidy. It’s even ok to bring notes with you; particularly if you have any questions you want to ask. It shows you’re taking the job application seriously. Ill-prepared candidates rarely get job offers.

7. Appearing to be too nervous, or too confident
If you appear too nervous they’ll think you’re not confident enough to do the job. However, appearing too
confident will make them think you won’t fit into the team. If interview nerves are an issue for you, it’s worth getting practical help from a professional, such as an interview coach.

8. Making a weak first impression
Unfortunately, no matter how hard the interviewer tries, a lot of “don’t want to hire them” decisions are made in the first few minutes of contact. If you make a strong first impression, the interviewer will be more inclined to overlook “imperfections” in your answers.

9. Not having researched the company

As a general rule, the more famous the brand, the more they will expect you to have done your homework.
Researching the company shows you’re serious about the job.

10. Putting your foot in it and not noticing
Yes, we know, you didn’t mean to put your foot in it. But it doesn’t really matter what you intended. What
counts is how the other person reacts. So what can you do? Be prepared to simply say “sorry, that’s not what I meant!” This requires you to actually be paying attention to the interviewer, rather than your own thoughts
and feelings. Once you’ve apologized, leave it there, take a deep breath to help you relax and move on with the job interview.

Read More Mind Bolling Articles on Successful Interview Here. . Start Rocking N Have Fun. . CHEERS

You know they’re coming. . I mean, those seemingly unanswerable questions that pop up during job interviews.

You can’t clam up. And you don’t want to stutter and stammer. So what’s a job seeker to do?

The ‘Future’ Question

Otherwise known as the “big picture” question, the future question goes something like this: “Where do you see yourself in five years?”

The best tactic: Talk about your values.

Don’t get too detailed about your specific career plan. Instead, discuss things that are important to you professionally and how you plan to achieve them. If growth is a goal, mention that. You can also talk about challenge, another value that employers prize in their employees.

The ‘Salary’ Question

Most people will tell you that whoever answers this question first loses. But that’s not necessarily true.

When an interviewer asks your salary requirement, try first to gently deflect the question by inquiring about the salary for the position.

If the interviewer presses you for a number, give a range. To decide on a range, think about the salary you want, your salary at your most recent position and the industry-standard salary for the job.

The bottom line: The salary question is one of the most important, so you should prepare for it in advance and plan what to say.

The ‘Why’ Question

There’s a fine line between boastful and confident. And you need to learn it.

When an interviewer asks you why they should hire you, you’re going to have speak confidently and honestly about your abilities. But you should avoid sounding overly boastful.

Aim for earnest and prepare by practicing. That’s right: Stand in front of the mirror and acknowledge your abilities and accomplishments to your reflection. Tell yourself: I have a very strong work ethic. I have integrity. I have excellent industry contacts. I aggressively pursue my goals.

It’s sometimes hard to praise yourself, but after a few sessions you’ll sound sincere.

The Seemingly Silly Question

If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be? What if you were a car? Or an animal?

These type of questions can bring your interview to a screeching halt.

First, don’t panic. Pause and take a deep breath. Then remind yourself that there’s no “right” answer to these questions. The job isn’t hinging on whether you choose to be a spruce versus an oak.

Interviewers usually ask these questions to see how you react under pressure and how well you handle the unexpected. It’s not so important what type of tree (or car, or animal) you choose as that you explain your choice in a way that makes you look favorable.

So, be a spruce — because you want to reach new heights in your career. Or be an oak — because you plan to put down roots at the company. Either way, you’ll get it right.

You can read More such mind blowing articles on Interview Tips and select from a wide variety of topics on “Successful Interview Techniques”. CLICK HERE

My last article was about “The Most Common Interview Questions“, and hope the article gave you an Idea about the basic interview questions and how you need to handle them. In this post i will discuss in-depth Info about mastering interviews. Read On. .

The job interview is your proving ground, the place where you must demonstrate why you are the best person for the job. Making that powerful statement that you’re the best of all the candidates requires the three Ps: Preparation, Presentation and Perception.

PREPARE PREPARE PREPARE

When you walk into an interview, the more prepared you are, the better the chances are that you’ll succeed. Memorize everything you put on your resume and cover letter and be prepared to explain each item. But you should also be ready to talk about more than just yourself. Get to know your future employer.

Warren Davis, the Director of Recruiting and Employment for RadioShack, emphasizes this point. “Your resume and application are fair game. Candidates should study themselves and the company with whom they’re interviewing.”

Read industry trade magazines, visit the company web site, and do a Google search to know more about the company’s Finance to find current news about your prospective employer. Be prepared to demonstrate what you know about the company and the industry.

Michele Stagg, the Director of Human Resources at Banana Republic, says she is consistently impressed when candidates work their skills into the context of company news. “The more an informed candidate can tie past experience to the requirements of the job they are interviewing for, particularly in terms of what the company is doing, the better.”

Another important part of preparation is making sure you look the part. Choosing what you wear is so important that it deserves its own article - Interview in Style and pretty soon i will be sharing my Views on Smart Dressing for a dashing Interview session in a brand new article

PRESENTATION IS PARAMOUNT

Keep in mind that you are marketing yourself to everyone you meet. The more people you leave with a good impression, the better your chances are of being remembered. Project yourself as someone who is thoughtful, helpful, and prepared.

Effective presentation includes being in the right place, at the right time. If you’re late for the interview, you could inadvertently tell your interviewer that you’re not right for the job, Its all about Time Management.

With 35 years of experience in HR, Peter Ackerson, Specialist Leader at Deloitte Consulting, has been directly involved in hiring hundreds of candidates. When it comes to job interviews, he’s seen it all. “There’s nothing worse than getting a call from someone who is hung up in traffic or went to the wrong office,” he explains.

Once you arrive, introduce yourself to the receptionist and turn off that cell phone. “Having a phone go off during an interview is a real turn off,” says Ackerson.

According to psychologist Albert Mehrabian, more than half of our communication is nonverbal or body language. Stagg agrees. “Body language is exceptionally important. Positive, upright and open body language shows self confidence and interest.” During introductions give a firm handshake and then take a seat facing the interviewer.

When you go over your resume focus on your accomplishments instead of reiterating job descriptions. Presenting yourself as an active problem solver will show an employer that you can contribute and succeed in the role. Stagg agrees that this technique can make a fantastic impact. “Give very specific examples of your qualifications. If you have qualifications in financial analysis, give examples of projects you worked on where your analysis was necessary. Describe your experiences that tie in to your skills or qualifications. Even better, tell me how those will help you meet the requirements of the role you might fill in our company.”

PERCEPTION IS KEY

The best way to know if your interviewer is getting what he needs is to ask questions. Susan Vobejda, the VP of Marketing at HotJobs elaborates, “When your interviewer asks you a complicated question, don’t launch into your answer straightaway. Make certain you understand what is being asked.” A clarifying question, or restating the question in your own words saves you from wasting your interviewer’s time, and demonstrates that your are a careful listener. Asking the right questions can also demonstrate your ability to think strategically, and help you decide if the position is right for you. To that end, Stagg suggests ending the interview with this question: “What are you looking for in a candidate to fill this role?” If the answer turns out to be something that doesn’t match your expectations, then you need to speak up.

Many candidates are so intimidated by the interview, they forget that the interviewer has a stake in seeing the candidate succeed. Peter Ackerson describes his attitude going into an interview as one of “hopeful skepticism.” They don’t want you to fail; they want you to show them why you will succeed with their company. The sooner they hire you, the sooner the search can end.

Happy Browsing. . For Now Take Care n Have Fun. . CHEERS

The Recession has hit the Indian markets. . or has it. Whatever may the situation in the Indian IT Markets, the Bpo’s are doing brisk business. The openings with major multinational however are still On  and getting prepared of an Interview and rocking is pretty important as well. One of the easiest ways to build confidence before a job interview is to prepare answers to questions you might be asked. Whether you’re applying for a position as a web programmer, accountant, or legal secretary, interviewers often use some general questions to assess candidates, so you’ll increase your chances for success if you prepare for them in advance.

Best Of Luck Amigo. Any questions, do let me know. .For Now Take Care n Have Fun. . CHEERS

These are some of the questions which you can expect from the interviewers. There are categories upon which employers may assess the candidates. These questions are divided into different categories for your ease and convenience. Prepare and get started to rock in any interview.

# When you have entered a new workplace in the past, describe how you have gone about meeting and developing relationships with your new coworkers, supervisors, and reporting staff.

Communication skill is another aspect of a candidates’ interaction that can be observed during the interview. At the same time, it is important to ask candidates behaviorally-based job interview questions about the communication skills they have exhibited on the job. Here are some questions :

Happy Interviewing. Have Fun. . CHEERS