18 you the opportunity to use the terminology of your workplace to demonstrate your expertise. SHOW RESULTS Employers care less about what you did than the results of your action. When you are discussing your accomplishments: • Make sure that you try to use numbers • Know how you measured your results as well as how you know the result was a good one • If the results were less than positive, be prepared to tell what you learned from that situation and how you might do it differently next time CONNECT THE DOTS You want to tell the interviewer how the skills you used in your example match the skills needed for the job you want. Just because you used a skill to do something doesn’t guarantee that the employer will see how your example fits into what he wants or needs. Most employers aren’t good at guessing what you are trying to say. If you want them to know something – tell them. PLAN TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEW Along with planning how you will respond to interview questions, you must also plan for how you will dress and get to the interview site. Think about things you will need to take to the interview. Your goal is to be as prepared as possible to avoid any problems on the day of the interview. By being prepared you will demonstrate that you have good work habits. Finding people with good work habits is as important to an employer as finding people with good skills. Do you have the qualities and attitude of a good worker? Let your words and actions show the interviewer that you should get the job. DRESS FOR SUCCESS Know your future work environment. Investigate appropriate clothing to wear at your future job before you decide your interview attire. Talk to people who have worked there or try to visit the organization before your interview so you can see what people generally wear. Dress in ways that show the employer that you understand the work environment and will dress to fit that environment. You should also: • Shower, brush your teeth and neatly comb your hair • Wear shined shoes and clean clothes • Do not distract the interviewer with excessive jewelry, makeup or cologne • Remove your hat and coat during the interview • Depending on the job and the work environment, consider whether you need to hide your tattoos and piercings GET TO THE INTERVIEW Try going to the interview location beforehand. This way, you will be familiar with the route on the day of the interview. Otherwise, give yourself plenty of time for any delays that might occur. If you drive, find out in advance about parking options near the interview location. COMMUNICATE CONFIDENCE WITH YOUR BODY LANGUAGE Actions speak louder than words. This is particularly true in an interview situation. Body language plays a significant role in determining whether an employer sees you as a trustworthy, confident, capable individual. Also keep in mind that the more interested you are in what you are saying, the more interested the interviewer will be in listening to you. Lastly, smiling during the interview is important. If you smile, you will present yourself as a positive individual who is likable and would fit in with an existing team.
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