Show and Tell

Acing an interview requires more than pleasant conversation.
The research, preparation and planning required for a job interview can be a tedious task, but it can also set you apart from the competition.
Doing an internet search on any big news involving the company can be a good conversation piece with the interviewer.
E.g. if the company is in transitional period, use that opportunity to point out your skills that would help them through this change.
Preparation leads to confidence during an interview.
Products and services have brands, but people have brands as well.
It is important to project that brand through research you've done about the company and knowing your resume.
Study your resume and have 4-5 examples ready in case an employer has questions.
E.g. if the interviewer asks: "Have you ever done X?" you can respond with the situation, what you did, and list the results without hesitation.
However, job candidates should limit their responses to essential information only.
Talking too much, or too little can be perceived as negative.
There's a fine line.
You need to listen and answer.
Some people get excited and try to describe everything they've ever done.
When asked about his past experience one candidate talked for 35 minutes without taking a breath.

Promoting Yourself

You must be your strongest advocate during the job search process.
Most job seekers fail to promote themselves properly, instead relying on their resume and references to carry the load.
A well crafted resume and good references are only part of the overall picture for job seekers.
Job seekers must be able to execute under the pressure of the interview process.

Fashion police

Because of casual dress code, fewer workers own the basics they'll need to wear if called for a job interview.
And if the own the suit, it may no longer fit.
If you do purchase something, approach focused on basics is best, meaning navy blue or grey suits.
Take care of all the details as well, including shoes, ties, belt, attache case and other accessories.

Vec dugo vremena sam bio zainteresovan za konsulting poslove software inzinjera za koje treba putovati od ponedeljka do cetvrtka, i petkom se radi od kuce.
Sutra putujem u Toronto (iako je kompanija iz USA) da se nadjem sa dva menadzera, i tu ce mi objasniti sve detalje, a najverovatnije i dati konkretnu ponudu.
Svrha ovog puta je da i ja budem siguran da je ovaj novi posao nesto sto mi se svidja i da cu biti veoma zadovoljan pozicijom (tj. da necu biti razocaran i naci nesto novo nakon par meseci).
Pravim listu pitanja koja cu pitati oba menadzera i evo te liste (vecinu sam nasao na internetu). Svaki savet je dobro dosao! Narocito me zanimaju pitanja u vezi putovanja.

ABOUT THE COMPANY
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• What are the company’s strengths and weaknesses compared to its competition and who is the biggest competitor?
• How important does upper management consider the function of this department/position?
• What is the organization’s plan for the next three years, and how does this department fit in? (i.e. what’s in the project pipeline?)
• What is the company’s policy on providing training so employees can keep up their skills or acquire new ones? (more specifically java/j2ee certifications)
• What do you like most about this company? What’s been your best experience working at this company?

ABOUT THE POSITION
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• Why is this position open?
• What are the day-to-day (and overall) responsibilities of this job?
• Can you tell me a little bit about my team and people I’ll be working with on projects?
• What kind of work can I expect to be doing the first year?
• What are the major frustrations of this job?
• Who will review my performance and how is it measured? How often?
• What’s a typical career path for this position?
• How much opportunity will I have for decision-making in my first assignment?
• When top performers leave the company why do they leave and where do they usually go?
• Now that we have talked about my qualifications, do you have any concerns about me fulfilling the responsibilities of this position?

ABOUT THE TRAVEL
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• Which cities are good candidates for my first assignment?
• How are traveling expenses reimbursed?
• What is covered under traveling expenses?
• Who arranges flights, hotel rooms, etc?
• Do you typically book a hotel room that is a walking distance from the client’s site?

Prava pitanja - dobri odgovori

Без обзира на популарност мање или више стручно прављених и писаних приручника, рецепт за остављање најбољег могућег утиска на пословном разговору ипак не постоји. Да, постоје одређена правила, али строго дефинисан пут који ће вас одвести право до циља - не.
Утисак који ће неко ко је у позицији да одлучује формирати о нама у великој мери зависи од нас самих - од наших ставова, начина на који их пласирамо, енергије којом зрачимо, сигурности коју уливамо саговорнику.
Наравно, када су пословни људи у питању, општи проблем је присутна клима неизвесности.
У актуелним околностима тешко је прогнозирати шта ће се догодити већ сутра.
Ипак, иако се до радног места тешко стиже, и мада је, без обзира на квалификације, степен стручне спреме, радно искуство и општу културу, и даље свима неопходно фамозно зрнце среће, свест о себи и својим способностима (али критичка) темељ је успеха и просперитета.
У преводу, чак и када су најгоре, околности нису довољне да бисте оправдали неуспех, и то нипошто не би смеле да буду.
Либерални капитализам, који је код нас још увек у формирању, тражи одговорне личности, лишене несигурности и дилема, свесне свакодневне конкуренције и спремне да се потпуно посвете ономе што раде. Културни јунак нашег времена је менаџер, константно укључен у све токове, ужурбан, елегантан, онај који поставља права питања и увек има подједнако добре одговоре.

American Eagle Interview Preparation Tips

1. You are required to bring the following items with you to your interview session
. (provide legible photocopies as well):
· At least two forms of government issued identification
· Diploma or transcripts from high school or college
· Job-specific certifications and/or licenses (front and back side)
2. Organize all of your paperwork neatly in a folder or binder. Looking organized and prepared is a key factor in landing the job.
3. Decide early on appropriate interview attire. We highly recommend professional/business attire.
4. Gather a notepad and pen; these are needed so you may jot down questions that come up while at a job presentation or interview.
5. Research the company; this action will help you make an educated decision when the time comes to accept an offer that may be made.
6. Arrange any time off needed from work, school or other commitments.
Interview Travel:
1. Make sure you know how to get to the interview; leave yourself lots of extra time for delays.
2. You should plan on arriving at least 15-30 minutes before the interview.
3. You should be prepared for all traffic delays on your way to your interview location. Make sure you know the exact address and the best place to park.
The Interview:
1. Check in with the appropriate company representative.
2. Remember to turn your cell phone off.
3. Maintain a relaxed and positive attitude. Being relaxed isn’t about being over-friendly or casual; it’s about feeling comfortable and confident. Listen to the questions asked, and answer them thoroughly. You don’t have to race to get your answers out; speak in a normal conversational tone.
4. Be forthcoming with information.
5. Be respectful of other interviewees by maintaining a professional and positive tone.
6. Thank your interviewer for taking the time to meet with you.
Ask the interviewer how they will inform you of their hiring decision.
Just by being prepared and relaxed, you’ll make a good impression, and you’ll walk away with more information about the job.
Even if the interview doesn’t result in an offer, think about what you’ve learned from the interview, and use it to help you be even better prepared the next time.

Questions You Should be Asking

1) What should I expect as a typical day?
2) What type of training will I receive?
3) Who will I report to?
4) What is the typical career path?
5) What are the key business reasons driving the need for this position?
6) Describe the three top challenges that I'll face in this job
7) What has to happen for you to know you've hired the best person?

Before interview

-> Get some sleep - grab some shut-eye before your big day
-> Have a friend ask you some standard interview questions
-> Talk to yourself in front of the mirror so you can check out your body language and facial expressions
-> Record yourself answering questions, so you can hear the pacing of your answers and impact of your overall presentation

Standard Interview Questions

By preparing ahead of time for some common interview questiones, you'll improve your odds of engaging in a productive conversation with your interviewer - one that can provide necessary insight into why you're the perfect person for the job.
(*) What are your weaknesses?
Answer should illustrate your willingness to continue to better yourself, both as a professional individual and as a member of a team.
(*) Do you have any questions for me?
You should be able to ask a few questions about the company's current operations and its plans for the future.
(*) What's the best part of your job?
Discuss the people you interact with inside and outside the office. Talk about the value of the work. Mention the numerous ways you feel your work benefits others.
(*) Tell me something about yourself
Interviewers don't want your life story. Instead, they want to know what personal attributes and experiences make you the candidate they're looking for.
(*) Where would you like to see yourself in five years?
Give your interviewer a tangible response, focusing on an area of the company, if possible.
(*) Why did you decide to become a (occupation)?
You can admit desire for financial stability, but not before you discuss your interest in your field, your appreciation of new challenges and any other reasons you can think of to convey the fact that you love what you do.
(*) Why should we hire you?
Never leave the interview without telling your interviewer that you want the job.
Talk about your strengths, reiterate your accomplishments and restate your willingness to learn.
(*) What's the worse part of your job?
Warning - TRAP!
It's O.K. to talk about negative things in a positive light, like:'I wish I had more time to focus on some of the issues the company is currently facing', but do not mention other employees or supervisors when talking about things you dislike.
(*) What are your strengths?
Discuss what you do well and provide specifics on how you do it.