In this article we will debunk 5 common myths about the job interview process and ultimately increase your chances of getting hired.

1. Recruiters basically ask all the same questions – there are a few traditional questions, but you should always expect the unexpected. Go in with a good perception of the job in question and understand how to communicate your background experience as it relates.

2. You must where a suit – a suit isn’t always required. You might be able to get away with a white long sleeve shirt, a nice pair of slacks and dress shoes. This all depends on the job you’re applying for.

3. A cover letter isn’t required – a resume is good for highlighting your qualifications, but the cover letter is your introduction to the employer. It should always accompany your resume.

4. Employers don’t like job-hoppers – try to avoid short job stints, anything under a year. However, things do happen so focus on presenting yourself and what your skills can provide the company.

5. Always take the first offer – only if it represents the right career opportunity. If you have other interviews lined up, honor those appointments and you might find something better.

When it comes to a job interview, the importance of body language should never be underestimated. These tips should help to ensure that your body is sending the appropriate messages.

Strong and Natural

The interview begins the moment you enter the room. Walk in standing tall with your head held high and keep your presentation professional but natural. Greet the recruiter with a firm handshake – not weak, but not a bone-crusher either.

Good Posture

More than likely, the interviewer will invite you to have a seat. Make use of the entire chair and avoid sitting on the edge; this will make you look nervous. Sit straight up with your back flush against the chair and look the interviewer directly in the eye.

Know How to Express Yourself

Natural movement such as hand gestures show great passion and energy on your part. However, a mellow recruiter might be turned off by too much movement. As always, you want to appear natural, but may have to tone it down a bit here.

Every interview is a learning experience. Although you can’t always predict the outcome, you can better your chances by practicing good body language and remaining calm and confident.

What you do after landing an interview weighs heavy on whether or not you get the job. The suggestions below will prepare you for the interview and give you the best possible chance of getting hired.

Bring Copies of Your Paper Work

Always bring backup copies of your resume and cover letter. These important details should be studied just before heading into the interview. This will allow you to easily point out your qualifications to the recruiter.

Early Bird Gets the Job
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We’re not suggesting that you arrive two hours, or even an hour early. However, you need a little time to get yourself together. Try to arrive about ten to fifty minutes early. This will give time to check in with the receptionist, find out exactly what you need to do and perhaps even get a closer your look at your potential new place of work.

Stay Calm

The interview process can be very stressful but you should try to relax before the recruiter has a chance to apply the pressure. You can practice this the night prior to your interview with a few breathing exercises. When those tough questions are presented, you’ll be ready for them.

You finally made it through that intense interview, but your work isn’t done just yet. If you want to be considered for the job, you must follow up the interview with proper etiquette.

- Ask the recruiter when the company expects to make a decision – you don’t want to sound pushy, but this will show that you’re very interested in the position.

- Follow up the interview with a phone call to check the status of your application – too many potential candidates miss out on opportunities because they sit back waiting to receive a call. Be proactive and give yourself an advantage over competing applicants. You can take this one step further by following up with a thank you letter. Wait at least a week to 10 days before placing the follow up call.

- Keep your references alert – let your references know they that may be receiving a phone call from a potential employer. If not, they might be caught off guard and possibly ruin your chances of getting hired.

- Keep looking for jobs - even if you gave your best at the interview, you should always continue the job search. Keep landing interviews until you find the right job.

The pressure in the room gets so intense that you feel like you’re being interrogated rather than interviewed for a job. Staying attentive, calm and delivering educated answers all at once can be very difficult, especially when you’re nervous. No one is perfect but there are a few things you should never do during an interview.

- Scratch the back of your head - this type of gesture will make you appear disinterested to the interviewer. If your head is itching, tough it out for a few more minutes.

- Scratch or rub your nose - some recruiters see this as a sign of dishonesty. Aside from that, it’s totally gross.

- Sit with your arms folded – this suggests that you’re either unfriendly or have a major attitude going on. No one wants to hire a grump or a know-it-all.

- Slouch down in your seat - posture is very important. Slouching back in your seat doesn’t make you look cool but disinterested and unprofessional.

- Constantly look at the clock or the door – sure, ready to get it over with, but you want to give the recruiter your full attention. Keeping your sight on the clock or even the door indicates that you’re not all that interested.

During a job interview, how your body reacts is just as important as how you respond verbally. Here are a few tips that will help you conquer the interview and land that job:

Sit up straight – posture is critical. Be sure that you’re sitting upright and lean slightly forward to show your interest and engagement in the interview process.

Maintain your enthusiasm – you can show your enthusiasm by giving simple nods and positive gestures here and there. After all, you’re a job candidate, not a bobblehead figure.

Keep your distance – respect the personal space of the interviewer. Anything closer than 20 inches could make them uncomfortable and serve as a distraction.

Prepare for interruptions - if the interviewer receives a phone call or someone walks in on the session, keep your cool and wait for them to finish. You never want to fidget in your seat and act
is if you’re too important for an interruption. You could extend courtesy by displaying your willingness to leave and give them a bit of privacy.

End the interview like a professional – when the interview concludes, always stand, smile and end the interview on a positive note with a firm handshake.

How bad do you want that dream job? Even with all the determination in the world, you might not get it without the proper attire. According to a recent article in the U.S.A. Today, far too many candidates still haven’t learned the importance of dressing for success. The article revealed how a few applicants showed up to interviews wearing sneakers, spike heels, jogging pants, and even worse, sagging pants. Some went as far as exposing tattoos and body piercings. Needless to say, many of those candidates costs themselves a good a job.

Appearance plays a big role in the conservative business environment. However, even if the actual job doesn’t necessarily require a professional presentation, it’s important to look your best when showing up for an interview. Here are a few tips for both men and women:

Mens Attire

- Long sleeve button up shirt

- A conservative tie

- Dress shoes, dark socks

- Neat hairstyle

- Neat, close shave

- Little to no jewelry

- Briefcase or portfolio

Women’s Attire

- Professional suit, solid color

- Color coordinated blouse

- Professional shoes, moderate heels

- Light colored hosiery

- Professional hairstyle

- Light perfume and make-up

- Manicured fingernails, mild colors

- Little jewelry

- briefcase or portfolio

Almost everyone gets nervous when they’re about to go into an interview. Will they get the job? Will the boss ask them something that they can’t, or don’t want to, answer? What if they accidentally burp or knock something over or trip or do something embarrassing? Those kinds of thoughts can run around and around in your head until you get sick or panic.
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You’ve probably heard the phrase ‘you never get a second chance to make a first impression’ and it’s very true of the job market. If you want to ‘nail’ your first impression when you apply for a job, there are some simple things that you can do. (more…)

Just like any modern person, I’ve been through plenty of job interviews for all sorts of employment opportunities.  I’ve been overqualified and under qualified, and everywhere in between.  At the same time I’ve observed plenty of interviewing styles, and skills be them strong or weak.

One question seems to stand out.  I’ve gotten hit with it more often than not, and I find  its best to just be prepared for it.  It has been worded a thousand ways, and it’s the most important question, to ask or be asked, in any job interview:

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