Job Interview Tips

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                  JOB RESEARCH
                 What does the employer do?  What is the corporate culture like?  What are the
                 challenges facing the industry?  These are clues as to what the employer is looking
                 for in a candidate.  Research the company. Go to the library for reference books.
                 Search the internet for company home pages, these are treasure troves of
                 background information.  Use search engines.  Use every possible resource to
                 gather information that prepares you thoroughly to understand what the company
                 does. Use these resources and mention some of the things you learned when you
                 interview.

                  APPEARANCE
                 Your appearance is critical. Dress and act appropriately whenever you have
                 contact with a potential employer.  Every meeting is a chance for you to be
                 evaluated.  You never get a second chance to make a first impression.  This means
                 that no matter how casual the meeting (especially breakfast or lunch 'get
                 togethers')  appears to be, you have an opportunity to make an impression that
                 counts. Be well groomed and look professional. Don't overdo the make up,
                 cologne or perfume. While this may seem obvious, employers say appearance will
                 either disqualify a prospective employee immediately or move the applicant along
                 to the next level. When in doubt, it's better to dress too conservatively rather than
                 too casually. Before you walk in, take a few deep breaths to calm your nerves.
                 Give a firm -- not a limp or bone crushing -- handshake.

                  DEALING WITH THE RECEPTIONIST OR SECRETARY
                 You are talking to an important person.  Do not act rude or superior. Be pleasant
                 and it may pay off.  Be aware that how you treat these gate keepers will affect the
                 net result of your visit with other important people in the company.  It will also be
                 communicated to those who make final decisions.

                  JOB INTERVIEW
                 Be positive during your interview.  An employer is only interested in what you
                 have to offer his company.  If you give the impression that you are only interested
                 in what the company can do for you, they will lose interest immediately.  A firm
                 handshake and eye contact are critical.  If you have difficulty looking someone in
                 the eye, look at the the bridge of their nose.  It will appear that you are looking
                 them in the eye.  We highly recommend the book 'Knock 'Em Dead',
                 www.knockemdead.com. Appear confident and relaxed during the interview and
                 use humor where appropriate, especially to defuse inappropriate or
                 touchy questions. Avoid stiff, canned speeches. Show respect for the recruiter's
                 time. If the interview is only 30 minutes, for instance, don't give eight minute
                 answers. Be aware of your body language. Don't cross your arms or fiddle
                 nervously with a pen or piece of paper. It's OK to lean forward to make points.
                 You want to be natural yet convey energy and initiative.
 
                 Let the interviewer establish the pace. Don't interrupt or ask questions at this point.
                 You don't want to come across as overly aggressive. Listen carefully. There will
                 come a time to ask questions, and this is when you can demonstrate your range of
                 knowledge about the company, its products and how your skills and experience fit
                 their needs.  We suggest writing down questions in advance and taking
                 them with you. Enthusiasm is often the significant factor in hiring. Interviewers
                 respond to a candidate's enthusiasm about a job. They want team players, yet they
                 also want someone who comes in with new ideas and eagerness, -- unlikely to be
                 found in an employee who's had a dozen similar jobs and who may be nearing
                 burnout.

                  KEEP JOB EXPERIENCE POSITIVE
                 If there are negative things in your education or employment, be honest.  Don't
                 dwell on them and do try to put them in as positive a light as possible. 
                 Do not make negative comments about past employers.  You do not want to appear
                 to be a malcontent. End the interview on a positive note.  If you are interested in
                 the position, tell the interviewer.  Don't make them try to read your mind. 
                 Remember that your competition is definitely asking for the job.  As you shake
                 hands good-bye, restate the key message that you want the job. That won't cinch
                 things, but it will set you apart from the pack, experts say. One good approach is to
                 say, 'Steve, you've given me a great picture of ABC Company and it  just confirms
                 in my mind that ABC Company remains my first choice. Working for you is
                 something I'd really like to do. Thank you for taking the time to meet with me.  If
                 there's any other information you need, please give me a call.'

                  FOLLOW-UP
                 Follow-up with a thank you note (see below). If you are interested in the position,
                 say so.  The employer is looking for your interest and enthusiasm.  They want
                 people who want the job.

                  THANK YOU LETTERS
                 Now that you have written a resume and done everything right during an interview,
                 there is still one important thing to do (no one said this was going to be easy). You
                 need to write a Thank You Letter.

                 Sending a Thank You Letter is an important step in the process.  It shows that you
                 understand and practice good business etiquette.  The letter gives you a chance to
                 reinforce some of the positive things you said in the interview.  You can also add
                 anything that you forget to mention in the interview.  Keep it brief!

                 Here are some things to consider when putting your Thank you letter
                 together:

                 Thank the employer for his or her time during the interview; this is, after all, a
                 thank you letter.

                 Mention some of the things you learned during the interview, specifically those
                 things you feel you are qualified to do. For example, 'I was especially excited to
                 learn that you are looking for someone with ProE design experience. As you may
                 recall my mentioning, I have over five years of experience designing components
                 in 3D.' Invite the employer to contact you for more information if necessary.

                 Mention that you are looking forward to the employer's positive decision.

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