tips for success from diane and pat

Interview Tips

Be prepared for your interview by thinking about how your knowledge, skills and abilities match the requirements of the job. Listen carefully to the job description and don't be afraid to ask clarifying questions.

Be familiar with these typical questions used by interviewers:

• Briefly tell us about your previous experience and how it relates to this position.
• How do you set your priorities to help manage your workload? Give us an example.
• Give us an example of a project that you generated on your own because you saw the need for it. Tell us what you did.
• Describe a complex problem that you recently solved. What was the problem? How did you resolve it?
• Tell us about a project or process that you have had to organize. What did you do?
• What do you do if two or more supervisors ask you to complete different tasks? How do you handle those types of conflicting priorities?
• Give us an example of when you were a productive team player.
• How would your last supervisor describe you?
• How would your coworkers describe you?
• Most of us have worked with difficult customers or clients. Tell us about a time that you had a difficult customer and how you handled it.
• What types of documents have you written in the work place? You may be asked to provide writing samples to demonstrate your written communication skills.
• Do you have any questions of us? Remember, a job interview is a 50/50 process; you are there to find out if this is an opportunity that fits your employment needs. At the first interview, focus your questions on the job requirements and the company culture, not necessarily on specifics like vacation pay, benefits, etc.

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Check out this article with 4 effective tips to use during an interview

Remember to avoid saying things in a negative way and instead use positive, forward-looking words.  Don't use terms like "boredom".  Don't bad-mouth previous employers or co-workers.  Don't say what you don't like; say what you're looking for and what you would like to get from a job.

On-the-Job

• Be aware of the employer's policy on personal use of the internet, computers and phones.  Most employers have very clear guidelines for you to follow.
• Personal cell phone use should be limited to appropriate times.
• Employers like to see all employees show initiative whether you are a temporary or permanent employee.  If you are at the end of a task, ask what else you can do.
• Ask questions, don't assume ..... better to do it right the first time.
• Show professionalism in all aspects of your job and work.  If you are unsure about the appropriate dress for a particular worksite, please ask. 
• Ask the employer how they would like the phones to be answered at their business.
• Know the company policies on attendance, breaks, and lunches. 
• We mentioned these unwritten rules in the section above, but they are equally relevant once you become an employee.  Avoid saying things in a negative way and instead use positive, forward-looking words.  Stay away from terms like "I'm bored". Never bad-mouth previous employers or co-workers. 

Internet Know-How

 Every job you undertake adds skills and experience to your resume.  Use each opportunity to generate a positive professional reference that you can bank on!