INTERVIEW PREPARATION

 Assess your strengths and weaknesses
You will need to spend some time assessing your own strengths and weaknesses(do a SWAT of yourself)
For each area of strength you should be able to demonstrate (provide examples) of how it was developed and utilized. As for your areas of weakness, you have to know what you
are doing to improve in that area. It is advisable to list on a sheet of paper all your skills,
abilities, accomplishments and weaknesses and be able to provide examples from your
past experience as to how you developed, utilized or improved these qualities. Relating
your areas of strength to the required qualifications is a key factor in gaining the
interviewer’s attention.

 Study the position available
Review your understanding about the type of work/position you will be
interviewed for. If you are interviewing for a marketing position, be aware of the typical
job duties/responsibilities for that position as well as the required qualification to perform
the job tasks. If you are not clear about the nature of the position you will be interviewed
for, make sure to use your network of contacts to help you develop a better understanding
of the job.

 Research the company
Find out as much as possible about the employer. Learn about the company from
its website, annual reports, brochures, and other similar sources. You should be able to
know the company’s exact name, history, purpose, services/products, major competitors,
approximate number of employees, where its branches are located and its future prospects.

 Know the dress code
Did you know that approximately 60% of job applicants are screened out because
their appearance does not fit the organizational image? You should dress like other
employees in the organization. If you are well-groomed and neatly dressed, your
appearance will inspire a basic confidence in your work habits.

Bring appropriate materials

Take along additional copies of your resume, a list of questions to ask about the
organization and position, a portfolio (if applicable), a pen and a pad of paper on which
you can make a few notes to yourself. Make sure to note on a piece of paper the name of
the interviewer, company address, and telephone number in case of emergency.

 Find interview location ahead of appointment
Be sure to get specific directions for getting there. Repeat the directions and
make sure they are correct. It is even better if you can make a “dry run” to determine the
exact location prior to the meeting. You need to find out the approximate travel time to
the interview location, check out the best route and parking locations. Make sure that
you arrive 5-10 minutes before the interview.

PREPARING FOR AN INTERVIEW

Panel Interview
A panel interview is a formalized setting with three or more individuals in attendance who are prepared to interview a job candidate at the same time. This is a fairly common interviewing technique for positions in education and government. Often times, for those being interviewed in this setting, it can be somewhat intimidating. To reduce your level of anxiety, keep the following in mind:
1. Obtain business cards if possible from each participant of the panel interview. You will want to place these cards on the table in front of you, in accordance to where they are sitting on the panel. This will help you to remember their names.
2. Use visualization to put yourself in a relaxed frame of mind immediately upon entering the room. It helps if you can picture the interviewers in costume or disguise.
3. Answer each question to the best of your ability. Remember, you can only answer one question at a time. Be inclusive in answering your questions. Make eye contact with all members of the panel when answering any question.

EFFECTIVE JOB NETWORKING

To be able to network effectively especially if looking for job, there are some few tips to follow:
 Determine which organizations, positions, career path, or specific persons are of interest to you. Do enough research so that you will be able to talk intelligently to your new contact
 Ask the individual when it would be a good time to chat. Give a brief summary of your background and what you are seeking. Focus on what you have in common. Have a goal in mind and state your purpose.
 Be flexible. If they offer another time for a meeting, make every effort to make yourself available to their schedule.
 Ask for information, direction and advice, NOT A JOB! Be prepared and have a short list of questions or topics in mind.
 At the meeting, be sure to ask for referrals.
 Always listen attentively and take notes if necessary.
 Respond to any questions directed to you with comments.
 Be sure to bring your resume and ask for their critique of it.
By all means, be courteous and thankful and be sure to follow-up by
sending a handwritten note thanking him or her for their time.

DEVELOPING MENTAL MUSCLES

Browsing the net for stuffs to inspire me and enrich the life’s of people I cherish (You) , I came across Mark V.Hansen article ,Decide what to Do.
Here are the ways you can develop your Mental Muscles.
 READ, READ, READ.
It is amazing! Many people never read anything useful apart from the magazines and the local newspaper. Spend time, reading books that will help accelerate the achievements of your goals and desire, search for motivational eBooks on the net and absorb the contents with ease, remember, you become what you constantly read or allow into your mind.
Do a search of eBooks you love to read on www.pdfdatabse.com or just search free eBooks download on Google or any of your favorite search engines.
Yes, Just one eBook could change your life and thoughts. Good Luck
 MASTERMIND
One of the greatest secrets of fulfillment is to share your knowledge, experience and desire with people you believe and trust in. Surround yourself with like minded individuals and let them help you in your weakness and increase your strength .One person thinks of an idea another person can expand it and the next add a little ingredient to it. Try this, it has worked for me and I believe it will work for you to.
 SEEK OUT A MENTOR
Decide on a group of people you admire most, whether you know them personally or not? From that list, figure out who you’d most like to emulate. Then study them. Research and buy any kind of information you can find on them. If they offer seminars, attend them. If they’ve written books, read them. If they’ve got tapes, listen to them.

REMEMBER, YOU ARE POWERFUL BEYOND MEASURES, JUST EXERCISE YOUR MENTAL MUSCLES