Career & Life Coaching

Job Interview success depends on more than what you say.  What you do can also determine whether you become a new employee or another candidate steps out of the unemployment line.  Pay close attention to your body language, for a successful job interview.

Attention to Details

During the interview, the person(s) conducting the meeting will be looking, as well as listening.  Sometimes, what is not said speaks louder than the actual spoken words.  Therefore, it is extremely important to pay attention to the following details:

• Clothing
• The Handshake
• Feet Positioning
• Seating
• Arm Position
• Space between you and the Interviewer
• Eye Contact

In fact, if the position is truly desirable, your body language for a successful job interview is worth practicing.

Professional Interview Tips

The “Do’s” and “Don’ts” of successful job interviews have been compiled by knowledgeable people that normally sit behind the desk. The advice is almost universal; and, it begins with the clothing chosen for the occasion.

Clothing

It is vital to wear something physically and emotionally comfortable.  People who feel good about how they look tend to experience a more successful job interview.  Of course, it is also important to dress appropriately for the appointment.  While some individuals feel at ease in their best bathrobe and slippers, or shorts and a t-shirt, looking like a future employee of the company is a better plan.

The Handshake

Something as seemingly simple as the handshake can ultimately set the tone of a successful job interview.  In general, it’s best to wait for the person conducting the interview to offer his/her hand first.  When a hand is extended in greeting, grasp the entire hand firmly and palm up, so not to appear aggressive.

Feet Positioning

Sitting up straight, with feet planted firmly on the floor, is the best posture for a successful job interview.  Women should avoid crossing their legs, and men should not sit with their legs too far apart.  Casually sitting with ankle resting on the knee is definitely taboo.

Seating

The best interview tips suggest waiting until a seat is offered by the interviewer.  In the event a person is left standing, it is important to ask which seat to take.  Nevertheless, it is a good idea to sit where all participants of the meeting are clearly visible.

Arm Position

Amazingly, one of the most coveted interviewing tips regards arm position during the meeting.  Typically, with so much at stake, people tend to have trouble knowing what to do with their arms and hands.  So, the best rule of thumb is basically to do nothing.  Relax.  Allow the arms and hands to rest naturally in the lap.  Of course, animated hand gestures while speaking is still a good idea, as long as it is not overdone.

Space Between You and The Interviewer

While it shows an interest in the conversation to lean slightly forward, it’s never a good idea to crowd personal space.  Job interview success often depends on appearances.  So, it is vital not to give the perception of being aggressive.  Allow 30-36 inches of space between the interview participants.  However, leaning into the conversation, with enthusiasm for the potential position, is a great attribute.

Eye Contact

Finally, maintaining eye contact is vital to a successful job interview.  When addressing and individual, look him/her straight in the eye.  It conveys honesty and a straightforward personality, which is a much desired trait in good employees.

In short, preparing for a job is much more than showing up on time and having the right answers.  Your body language for a successful job Interview often speaks louder than your words.

Copyright, Cecile Peterkin. All rights reserved.

Today, no one disputes the fact that the job market is very tight.  Gone are the days when jobs were plentiful and opportunities practically dropped into a person’s lap. Now, it is the ambitious individual, with a tenacious proactive approach, that lands the coveted position. In fact, finding a job through cold calling is a classic example of making opportunities happen.

Cold Calling Career Tips

Some individuals have the mistaken impression that finding a new job through cold calling means opening the phone book to the business section and starting with the letter “A”.  Nothing can be farther from the truth.  For cold calling to be truly effective and ultimately result in gainful employment, there are certain career tips to follow:

Research the Job Prospect

Have a Clear Focus

Be Prepared and Write it Down

Have the Right Attitude

Cold calling success stories don’t just happen. The individuals able to really make potential employers sit up and take notice start with a plan and know how to put it into action.

Research the Job Prospect

Forget the haphazard method of opening the yellow pages at “A” and ending at “Z”. If finding a job is important, then do a little homework first and research the job prospect.  Know about the company and the position of interest before ever picking up the phone.

One of the best career tips is simply to know a potential employer, before pursuing a job opportunity. The main goal is finding a worker with the qualifications to advance business goals. Therefore, finding a job through cold calling is more likely to be successful, if the individual on the phone shows a basic knowledge of, and keen interest in, the company.

Have a Clear Focus

A cold call is not the time to ramble on about professional attributes and yourself as the perfect individual for the position available. Initial contact is simply to get the proverbial ‘foot in the door’, and nail down an appointment for an interview.  Save the sales pitch for the face-to-face meeting.

Be Prepared and Write it Down

Successful finding a job through cold calling means being prepared and writing it down, if necessary.  In fact, good career tips suggest actually scripting a cold call. Include an introduction that is professional and to the point.  Then, nail down that interview time and place with a brief dialogue.

Plan ahead.  Anticipate the responses on the other end of the line. Don’t be at a loss for words, but don’t talk too much. Appreciate that time is valuable to a successful business.

Have the Right Attitude

Finally, finding a job through cold calling is more likely to achieve the desired result, if the caller has the right attitude. Always maintain respect and appreciation for the person on the phone. Treat every contact as if he/she regularly bends the ear of the president of the company.  After all, you never know.

In short, finding a job through cold calling is not an impulsive process.  It is extremely important to be informed, be focused, be prepared, and be respectful.  Without adhering to these career tips, the next caller will be the one to find a new job.

Copyright, Cecile Peterkin. All rights reserved.