How to Calm Pre-Interview Jitters

If you are like most people, you get nervous before a job interview. Interviews can be very intimidating but with these helpful tips, you can conquer pre-interview anxiety!

The best way to get rid of nervousness is to be prepared. Practice interview questions with a friend or to yourself in the mirror. Hearing yourself speak aloud will help you form more confident answers when you’re in the real interview.
 

Get a good night of sleep. Rest will help your mind think clearly and rationally. Try a warm bath to relax, and then get in bed early.

The day of the interview, don’t spend more than hour researching or preparing, this will only heighten your nerves. Make sure you allow yourself enough time to look your best, this will help you feel more confident. Also, leave early and make sure you know how to get to your destination. Take deep breaths and don’t forget to smile!

How to Respond to “Tell me about yourself”

Often times, the most puzzling part of an interview is the broad icebreaker: “Tell me about yourself.” When employers say “tell me about yourself”, they really mean what can you do for this business. Prepare yourself before an interview using these helpful tips as guidance.

1. Make a list of your top qualities that apply to the position you are being interviewed for. Practice a dialogue in the mirror of what you will say about yourself during the interview.

2. Be confident. Don’t be afraid to talk about your accomplishments and traits that you are proud of. The interviewer wants to know why you make a better fit to the position than other candidates.

3. Begin with your most impressive accomplishments and try to relate them to how these experiences will help you in your future career.

Practice, practice, practice! And don’t forget to make eye contact!

Things To Do Before You Graduate

If you’re approaching the end of your program, there are a few things to think about before you move on to life’s next chapter. Here’s 4 must-do’s before you graduate:

Get letters of recommendation – While you’re still a memorable face to your teachers, get a letter of recommendation so you will be prepared to start applying for jobs right after graduation. Although all of our instructors at Career Quest will continue to help you with your job search after graduation, we think its best to ask for recommendations while you’re still having regular interaction.

Get connected on LinkedIn – If you are not on LinkedIn yet, get signed up today. LinkedIn keeps you connected with professors, past employers or other professionals you may lose contact with when moving on to the career world. It’s important to stay in touch with these contacts for future references or possible job opportunities.

Clean-up and update your online image – It’s time to make sure you present yourself as a professional; this means both in person and online. With today’s competitive job market, every detail counts to set you apart from other job applicants. Many employers check social networking websites to screen candidates. Make sure your online image reflects the image you want your future employer to see.

Practice your interview skills – Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but a little practice goes a long way. Draft a list of questions a potential employer might ask in an interview and begin preparing answers to them. This will help to gather your thoughts and prepare you for any tricky questions that could catch you off-guard in an interview. Don’t memorize your answers too much though; you still want to be personable!

Interview Take-Along Checklist

You’re interviewing for a job tomorrow, and you think you've done all the interview preparation you need to do. You’ve practiced your answers to a multitude of common interview questions and have thought up some questions to ask the interviewer. Your interview suit is pressed and ready. But what do you bring to the interview?

Do you have any questions?

Guest post by: Danielle Cook, Career Services - Lansing Campus

In an interview, the answer to this question should always be yes. Given that it’s almost always the last question your interviewer will ask, we want to help you make sure you’re ready with an educated answer. Here are three possible questions to keep in the back of your mind:

On-The-Spot Job Interviews

Anytime you are applying for a job in person, or even online you should be prepared to be interviewed immediately. If you're applying in person, the hiring manager could interview you right then and there. If you applying online, the hiring manager could call you within minutes.  Keep reading for tips on how to always be prepared.

Do Your Research!

 

It's always important to research a company before going on a job interview.  Keep reading for tips on how to get started

The Cover Letter – Your Chance to Impress

Resumes and online applications forms can only say so much, writing a cover letter allows gives you an opportunity to explain why you believe you are qualified for the job, to make a positive impression and to explain reasons for employment gaps or career changes.


Keep reading for our cover letter writing tips.

Follow directions. Before sending your cover letter, read the job posting carefully. Employers often list specific instructions to follow when applying, such as including examples of work, explaining your prior work experience or submitting your cover letter in a certain file format.

Personalize. Address the letter to the hiring manager by name. If you don’t know the contact’s name, call the company and ask. Also, don’t just write one cover letter and assume you can use it over and over. Write a new letter for each job you apply for and make sure the letter shows that you have researched the company.


Keep it short. Limit your cover letter to two or three brief paragraphs. Avoid sharing personal details that don’t relate to the position.

Proofread! Have someone else read your cover letter and try reading it aloud to make sure you find any mistakes.

The Career Passport

If you want to be successful in your career search, be sure you have the right road map! Career Quest has taken the experience of the most successful job seekers and compiled it into a Career Passport. Spend time to get a stamp of completion in each  'area' of this passport and you're well on your way. Students who attend Career Quest are guided through each one, making sure those stamps really do mean something.

Here are some of the areas we know are essential to landing in that ideal destination: your new career position.

How-To Talk About You!

Have you ever been in an interview and been asked to “tell me about yourself”? Many people struggle to talk about themselves in an interview; here are some tips for making a good impression:

THE DREADED QUESTION: 'WHAT ARE YOUR WEAKNESSES?'

You know your best qualities, but what are your weaknesses? 

Read this to handle the question everyone hates!

UM... I'D LIKE TO WORK FOR YOU!

Words and catchphrases to avoid during an interview.
See them here.

MAKE THE RIGHT FIRST IMPRESSION

They happen fast!

Here are the best ways to be prepared for that moment.

SURPRISE PRE-INTERVIEW TIPS - ACE IT!

Congratulations – you’ve landed an interview! Now what? Besides researching the company, and preparing for questions, here’s how to stay cool and look smart even while you wait. Read the first tip on Facebook today: your future employer is researching you while you are researching them!
Learn more here.

FOLLOW-UP MADE EASY

What's the right way to follow-up after an interview? 
Are there rules for this?
Check out these guidelines.