Tips for a successful interview

Stop for a moment and think of yourself as an employer: You have one position that must be filled and you must hire the best candidate for the job.

This candidate must meet the required qualifications and possess the skills desired to apply for the position. This position holds high standards for the company. The fortunate candidate would be the communicator between the public and the management teams on a daily basis. This candidate will be expected to continue the trend of movement for the company in a progressive way.

Yes, this is a plate of information, I know it is, but this is what employers are looking for. Surprisingly, this job description could be for an administrative position or a vice president position or any position in-between. Think about it: "What would be your first step to find the potential candidate for the position available in your company?"

This question has several answers that could make or break the company. This one question could be a stepping stone into a bright future for the company and the employee.

Next question: "Where would you begin your search for this potential employee?" Here are a few steps to consider.

Step #1: Advertisement
Employers have become very creative when posting positions. They go where you are already looking. For example: the Internet. There are "mega search" engines and avenues that are available at www.jobing.com, career associations, hospitality associations, medical associations, and volunteering opportunities. Employers post in Career Centers on a daily basis, and on blogs.

Other avenues would be to network with family, friends and neighbors. Tell them you are looking for work and to keep you in their thoughts.

Step #2: Qualifications
When applying for a position make sure you meet the qualifications required for the position so you will get an invitation for an interview. Preparing for the future is so important. Obtain skills, such as computer skills and personal skills, are so valuable to your success. Take courses that will allow you to sharpen your abilities, skills and interests. Some courses to consider would be speech, human development, computer science, science, English and math. Employers like progression, initiative and motivation.

Step #3: Preparations
Once you have received an interview, prepare, prepare, prepare. If an employer has extended an invitation to an interview, never take it lightly. Preparing for the interview is key. Research the company, its history and its mission statement. Be prepared to ask the interviewer questions about the company and the position you are interviewing. Dress professional, blue or black attire. Ladies, please wear pantyhose. Gentlemen, please wear socks with your dark-colored shoes that match.

Hair should be clean and styled for the office. Ladies, wear very little makeup and no jewelry that will dangle and make noise. Arrive early, allowing at least 15 minutes before the interview.

I encourage you to visit our Career Services Center at North Lake College for interviewing tips days prior to interview.

Note: The interviewer on most occasions will present the salary if not known beforehand. If they do not mention it in the interviewing process, you may ask when the position has been offered.

Step #4: Follow-up
This final step is so important. After the interview, send a thankyou note to the person or persons who interviewed you for the position. Before or after the interview, ask for business cards or names of the person who interviewed you. By doing this, you jog the interviewer's memory of you and this will also show that you want the position.

I hope these tips will help your job search be a successful on, and please visit the Career Services Department in A-337 for more information.

Until next time, happy job hunting.

- Brigitte Campbell is a career planning and placement specialist in Career Services at North Lake.