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Child Development - Tips on Successful Interviewing
 
   
 

 
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  • Successful Interviewing Tips:
  • Being Prepared
  • The Interview
  • Closing the Interview
If you are getting ready for an interview, read over these three tips:
  • Being Prepared
  • Successful Interviewing
  • Closing the Interview
 
 
 
 
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Being Prepared
You wouldn't take an important test without studying beforehand.   Likewise, you should never go into an interview without advance preparation.   Learn pertinent facts about the company, such as annual sales revenue, principal lines of business and technologies used.  Visit the company's web site to review its annual report and recent press releases.

Below are some questions typically asked during an interview.   By rehearsing your answers, you'll be more relaxed during the interview and appear more confident and professional.  Just be careful not to sound over rehearsed.   Your responses should come naturally.
  • Tell me about yourself.
  • Tell me about your background and accomplishments.
  • What are your strengths?  Weaknesses?
  • How would you describe your most recent job performance?
  • How do you stay current professionally?
  • What outside activities are most significant to your personal development?
You should also prepare a list of questions of your own to ask during the interview.   These will help the hiring manager to evaluate your professional needs and determine whether your working relationship will be mutually rewarding.   It's also your chance to show you have done your homework.

Here are some questions you might ask:
  • What would I be expected to accomplish in this assignment?
  • What is the current status of the project?
  • What are the greatest challenges in this position
  • How do you think I fit the assignment?
 
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Successful Interviewing
Your primary goal during an interview is to sell yourself for the position.   Follow the interviewer's lead, but try to get him or her to describe the job and its duties as soon as possible.  That way you'll know how to best present your background, skills and accomplishments.  Stress your achievements in a factual, sincere manner, and remember that showing genuine enthusiasm for the job can boost your chances of being further considered for the position.

Here are some important "Do's and Don'ts" of successful interviewing:
  • DOs
    • Arrive on time.
    • Greet the interviewer by name.
    • Smile and shake hands firmly.
    • Look alert and interested at all times.
    • Speak firmly, clearly and loudly enough to be easily understood.
    • Look the interviewer in the eye while speaking.
    • Structure your comments in a positive manner.


  • Don'ts
    • Exhibit overbearing, overaggressive or egotistical behavior.
    • Show a lack of interest or enthusiasm about the position or company.
    • Appear excessively nervous.
    • Overemphasize your compensation.
    • Make excuses for unfavorable factors in your work history.
    • Disparage past employers, managers, projects or technologies.
    • Answer only "yes" or "no" to questions.
 
Send questions or comments about this Web site to the  Child Development Department's  Web Content Manager .
Use of this Web server is subject to the Mt. San Antonio College Terms of Use  and  Privacy Policy .

Closing the Interview
If you are interested in the position, let the interviewer know.   If you feel the position is attractive and you want it, be a good salesperson and say something such as: "I'm very impressed with what I've seen here today: your company, its products and the people I've met.   I am confident I could do an excellent job in the position you've described to me."   The interviewer will be impressed with your enthusiasm.

Ask the interviewer, "Are there any concerns you have about my background?"   This is your opportunity to readdress any objections before you leave.   Otherwise you probably won't get another chance.

Keep a positive attitude.

Thank the interviewer for his or her time and consideration.   If you have answered the two questions - "Why are you interested in this position?" and "What can you offer?" - you have done all you can.
 
Send questions or comments about this Web site to the  Child Development Department's  Web Content Manager .
Use of this Web server is subject to the Mt. San Antonio College Terms of Use  and  Privacy Policy .
 
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