Your résumé was impressive enough to be picked up from a pile of hundreds for a second look. You have the required experience and skills, so now they'd like to meet you and see what lies beyond the carefully orchestrated résumé you worked so hard to complete. So why isn't the job just handed to you on the spot? You're qualified for the position. Your presentation was flawless. But the important question is, who are you, really? How does your résumé translate into personality, work ethic, company culture and the ability to work effectively with the existing team? This is what the interview is really about. Many job hunters are bogged down by the myth that they should go i....
Oh, to be able to turn back the clock or eat one's words. Interview mistakes are not only embarrassing, they are potentially costly. Recovering can be tough -- but not impossible. Consider these ways to limit the damage:
Apologize "People are more willing to forgive than we might think," says Marc Dorio, author of "The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Perfect Job Interview." He notes that owning up and uttering a genuine "please forgive me" can be quite disarming. "It demonstrates character, and an interviewer may be impressed by that. After all, it will show that as an employee you will be honest and admit when you make a mistake as opposed to hiding it or ma....
Job interviews are stressful. Being peppered with questions about your employment history, the skills you possess and how you'd handle hypothetical work situations is hard enough. You don't want to compound the challenge by making an easily avoidable mistake, like showing up late or failing to bring an extra copy of your résumé. Over the years, Robert Half International has surveyed hiring managers and workers, asking them to recount the biggest interview gaffes they've either seen or heard about. Following are some of the most unforgettable responses -- and suggestions for avoiding a similar fate. Don't forget your people skills --"An individual applied for ....
When Lynn Hazan, president of recruitment firm Lynn Hazan & Associates, found a candidate who had excellent experience on paper, she wanted to learn more about him. As it turned out, he was difficult to work with in person: He missed a scheduled talk with her, sounded annoyed with the staff on the phone and was unresponsive with follow-up materials. Ultimately he was not a good fit for the client.
This situation isn't uncommon. With all of the advice available about résumé and cover letter do's and don'ts
Many people have had a job that sucked. So while the person interviewing you for a new position can probably relate, you shouldn't vent to her about why you hated your last job. Things may have gone bust at your last place, and whether you left or they asked you to leave, there are ways to package a miserable job experience into lessons for the future.
In the interview process, most employers will ask why you are looking for a new job if you're currently employed. Or they'll want to know about your last job and whether you left on good terms. The first key to success in answering these questions....
| 
