My techniques for Job interviews- Based on Past experiences.. April 14,2005...

My techniques for job Interviews. Based on Past experiences. April 2015..
   First of all i want to thank you for reading my sports blogs, my financial blogs and of course the life experience's and Sports blogs.. 

    Now after retiring from the Armed forces,, Conducting or doing interviews ,, is a new things. Sure the military has their sailor of the year interviews and qualification boards,, But Civilian life is different.

  Based on experience I had to learn the hard way, like over dressing for the job, or over qualified for positions applied, talking more about what I have done,, instead of what I can do for your company,, If anyone has ever worked with me, gone to school or just know who I am..? I'm a over the top, outspoken, in your face kind of guy. Cocky , perhaps, but if your confident about your abilities,, so be it? I mean,, society is funny, we like confident people but not too Much We love humvble people but then again .. not too much.. So the key is to have balance in your resumes, cover letters and your APPEARANCE AND demeanor.. 

  1) Before anything else, research the company your about to interview for? I mean .. here is what to look for?
   Mission statements, you don't have to memorise it, but be familiar with their mission and culture.. 
   
   What does the co do? and why? Look into what projects are coming up and read up on it.. Based on my last interview,, nothing looks or sounds better than a new employee that has taken the time to research the company and be familiar with whats going on? 
   On my last interview.. believe it or not,, I spent more time about things I read and heard about the Company and incorporate the mission statement and present projects the company is involved in I can tell they were impressed with my enthusiasm and of course my attention to detail.. My take is that they are thinking if he or she has taken the time to research and get to know whats the company is about, Thats  a winner for a employee,, In other words,, we found a team player that understands what the team needs. Believe me,, they were happy ,, at the interview.. 
   In addtion , I explained what I can offer to the he company,, ok,, the technical skills I acquired in the military but my soft skills, like getting along with people, always helping others get better and the ability to adapt to duties and schedules. They may not say it , but they love when candidates volunteer info like that.. 
 Just remember, they have read your resumes , and done their back ground checks,, etc,., The interview is the selling point,,, you have to sell yourself,, why? 
   The idea of a interview is to ensure I;m a good person to work with and I'm gonna be dependable and worthwhile to the company. They want to hear positive vibes about what you are,,,, Just think about it.. Do you want to work with  unfriendly people,, No of course not,. You have to blend in and you have to be able to adapt to the work cultures..
  Now dressing for the Interview's.

 1) if its a corporate job with tie and suit requirements , then wear that,, If a warehouse, usually , casual pants and a polo shirt will work,, But the best advice is visit the work place one day , or look at their websites, you can get an idea what they wear ,??, and most of all, Be comfortable in what your wearing,,, Going out buying new shirts and pants , that  are still stiff,, can make you look stiff. In other words,, dress the part!!

In addition , ask questions when they ask for for some questions, anything about the company is the best bet,, !! Asking about pay and time off or what is not a good sign. Instead ask about whats the future projects of the company , it shows you CARE ad enthusiastic about the company,, In other words,, more about the company and what you can do with your technical and soft skills,, Forget about the qualifications you received from the Military,, Its not that they are unimpressed, they want to know what can you do for me lately? They want to know what skill sets you have that the others don't have,, Yes, you have to sell your value to the company.. Like I said the interview is more about getting to know you,, is he a happy guy, is he enthusiastic ,,? Those qualities are what employers are looking for,!!, Because we all know they love people that are always happy and putting out a positive vibe.. because when that happens based on my experiecne,, the work seems easy  and time goes faster because your having fun..!! If I was hiring a employee, I;m looking for the skills of course , but I want a great attitude and a enthusiastic person that can get people to work and be happy. If anything I feel I showcased all those items listed.. 

My take: 
1) Research the company your applying for:
Mission statement 
Values :
Future Projects or awards given to Company.

2) research what they wear at work.. Then wear that at the Interview.. Remember , you don't want to over dress, and if not sure, than slacks and button down collared shirt with tie is a great touch.. 

3) Have all your resumes, certs and qualifications ready , but don't present it unless asked for,,

4) Turn off of just leave the phone ,, in car.. You don't want it to ring or alarms going of,,, It happened to me,, they said that's ok,, But I can tell it was a turn off and I didn't get the job,, even though I thought I did.. ?!?!

5) Talk about  what you can do  for the company , and not what have you done.. ? Emphasize your technical skills that apply to the position applied and also mention your soft skills, like ability to lead people. ability to adapt to unpredictable scenarios and always smile.. !

6) Talk about what you know about the company and the position applied for and ask questions about the position and company,, it shows that your a caring person and that you want to learn a the job quickly. Show enthusiasm and always smile and look them in the eye. They want to see that your sincere , honest and likable.. Most people who are happy and joyful, look at you and smile alot.. 

Lastly, always thank them , Shake their hands and tell them you appreciate taking time out of their busy day. Be sincere, and be thoughtful and considerate,, all qualities that are lost in today's generation. Believe me,, it can sway the bar on your side if you show respect ,courtesy and honesty,, because we often do not see that in today's high tech world.. 

 I hope these tips help you or someone you know doing job searches and  scheduling job interviews.. If anything, Be yourself, and let that be your calling card. remember they want to get to know you, if you asking questions and showing enthusiasm,, those are great signs that a employer is looking for.. 
Don't be nervous or scared , juts relax, share your attitude with them and sell yourself,, Many people think the resumes, cover letters and certifications should be enough. But having a great working atmosphere with people that like one another ,, can be the difference from a winning team to a dysfunctional one.. The old adage" To get along , you have to go along!" is ever so true,, so don't rock the boat and assimilate yourself to the employer and the work culture  your going to be a part of.. I know its not natural to sell oneself.. But if you want to succeed in life or what.,. ? Selling oneself can get you the career , the wife, the life you want.. But you must understand yourself , before others can understand you! Have a great day and Nail that Job interview!! Until my next blog!
THE SOURCE  PRODUCTIONS@ 2015..