Research the Company

You must study information about the company, including its mission statement, projects and awards. You should look for things that you can relate to your experience or skills. Your goal during the interview is to explain how you can contribute to the company. Therefore, it is essential to do this research so you can use specific examples. If you know the name of the interviewer, see if there is information about her on the company page, Google and LinkedIn. You may have similar backgrounds.

Self-Evaluation

Some of the questions interviewers ask require you to think about your strengths, weaknesses, failures and successes. Using the information you learned during your research, think of examples for each that relate to the position. Emphasize specifics about yourself, and avoid saying things like “hard working”; that answer is too common. When thinking about your weaknesses or failures, focus on examples that illustrate the steps you took to improve.

Mock Interviews

Most universities offer mock interviews in the career services departments to help students practice. If that is not possible, have a friend ask you common questions. Ask them to give you feedback on your responses. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will become. As a result, you will be able to speak intelligently and thoughtfully during the interview.

Do’s and Don’ts The Day of the Interview

• You should get a good night’s rest the night before the interview
• Eat a good breakfast
• You do not want to be sleepy or risk the interviewer hearing your stomach growl.
• You should iron your interview clothes.
• Do not wear excessive jewelry, flashy clothing or reveal any visible tattoos.
• Hair and makeup should be subtle and professional.
• Try to avoid excessive caffeine — that could make you more nervous and jittery.

The post How to Prepare For a job Interview appeared first on UF CJC Online Master's.

A thoughtful thank-you email is an essential part of professional etiquette. These messages should be concise yet impactful, expressing your genuine appreciation for the interviewer’s time and consideration. They also offer a chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role, highlighting how your skills align with the company’s needs. Additionally, if there was anything you forgot to mention during the interview, the thank-you note provides a perfect opportunity to bring it up.

Sending a thank-you note demonstrates your professionalism, attention to detail, and respect for the interviewer’s time. It can also set you apart from other candidates who may not take this extra step. In a competitive job market, every detail matters, and a well-timed, sincere thank-you email could be the final touch that helps you secure the job.

Crafting a Memorable Thank-You Letter

Following up after an interview is a critical step in the job search process. A well-crafted thank-you email not only demonstrates your professionalism but also reinforces your interest in the position. How you approach this email can significantly influence the interviewer’s perception of you. Below are key guidelines to help you make the most of your thank-you note, ensuring that it leaves a positive and lasting impression.

Be Formal

Maintain a formal and professional tone in your thank you email, even if the interview was a laid-back one. Keep in mind that the interviewer may forward your email to other supervisors to review. Do not refer to the interviewer by her first name unless she introduced herself that way. Avoid greetings like “Hey,” emoticons, exclamation points, and acronyms like “LOL.” Remember that you are still working to impress the interviewer with your communication skills.

Express Excitement

In the first sentence of your email, thank the interviewer for her time and convey your enthusiasm about the position. For example, write, “It was a pleasure meeting you yesterday. I enjoyed learning more about your company, and I would love to be a part of the team.” Include information that you learned during the interview or through your research about the organization to show your genuine interest.

Add Relevant Information

Thank you emails are an opportunity to add information about your skills, experience and qualifications. Gently remind the interviewer how you are a good fit for the position and describe specific qualifications. If the interviewer requested further information, such as the names of references or writing samples, include these in your thank you email.

Be Patient

Avoid sounding overconfident in your thank you email. Even if the interviewer implied that you have a good chance of landing the job, do not blow it by sounding cocky. Convey your professionalism by refraining from saying anything negative about your current employer or asking for a quick decision about your candidacy.

The post How To Write a Thank You Letter After Your Interview appeared first on UF CJC Online Master's.

Failing to Research

A common mistake in the preparation process is not researching the company and the position. Interviewers expect candidates to spend time on their website to learn their mission statement, basic history and current projects. Unprepared candidates ask obvious questions, which tells employers they are lazy or not interested enough in the job. Candidates who are unclear about the position should study the job description and should plan to show how they are best suited for the job.

Arriving Late or Disheveled

Candidates who arrive late have a hard time recovering in the interviewer’s eyes. The smartest candidates plan ahead by timing the commute and arriving no more than 15 minutes early. Candidates make bad first impressions by dressing too casually or provocatively, wearing wrinkled clothing or forgetting to comb their hair.

Talking Too Much or Too Little

Some people clam up when they are nervous and some become overly chatty. When a candidate does not know how to answer a question, she becomes anxious and flubs the answer. She should never ramble on, trail off or just answer “yes” or “no.” The best interviewees give a specific example of their experience when asked about their strengths, weaknesses and successes.

Failing to Practice

People who are unprepared have a higher level of anxiety and fail to answer questions successfully. Candidates need to practice by saying their responses out loud. The best interviewees study commonly asked questions and tailor their answers to the position. Savvy candidates practice mock interviews with a friend to receive instant feedback.

The post Easily Avoidable Mistakes During a Job Interview appeared first on UF CJC Online Master's.

Your Strengths

Choose three or four specific traits that relate directly to the position. Be careful not to just list them out or quickly talk through them. Speak thoughtfully, conveying that you put thought into your answer. Stay away from answers the other candidates will say, such as “I am hard-working.” In most cases, traits the employer desires are listed in the job description. If these traits are applicable to your skills, definitely be sure to say so.

Your Weaknesses

First, remember that everyone has weaknesses and you won’t be crucified for yours. Does this mean you should tell them that you are incredibly cranky in the morning before you have coffee? No. Stick to traits that are non-issues, and do not relate to the position. For example, if you know the job does not require typing skills, explain that you are a slow typer but are working to get better. Always explain how you are trying to improve upon your weaknesses.

Paint a Picture

For each strength and weakness, prepare a story to illustrate your traits. They do not have to be long, but they should include an example from your previous work or school experiences. When talking about your weaknesses, consider them as challenges you’ve faced and the steps you’ve taken to overcome them. For example, discuss any additional classes or outside tutoring you’ve finished. The interviewer will respect your genuineness and honesty.

But, I Don’t Have Any Weaknesses!

Since this type of question is so common in job interviews, the interviewer expects a complete answer.

• You should not make jokes, stall or come up with nothing. You will look unprepared and unprofessional.
• You also don’t want to point out anything that will hurt your chances, so don’t mention a weakness if it is listed as a desired trait in the job description.
• Avoid sounding over-confident by exaggerating your strengths; remember that the interviewer can check your references.

The post How to Answer the ‘What Are Your Weaknesses’ Interview Question appeared first on UF CJC Online Master's.

Your Body Language

Remember that your gestures and expressions are indicators of personality traits and mood. If you’re nervous, you may sit on your hands or avoid eye contact. Practice speaking with a friend and pay attention to your cues. Keep your hands relaxed and open, resting on the arms of the chair or on the desk in front of you. Smile when you speak, and make eye contact when the interviewer is speaking. These actions will help you appear enthusiastic.

Speak Candidly

Try to avoid one word responses. A good technique is to cite personal stories or experiences to support your answers. Choose stories that you enjoy remembering and talking about. Speak thoughtfully, and use gestures with your story so your conviction and passion will shine through. Prepare your stories ahead of time so you don’t ramble. Your ability to open up and recall a previous work experience shows the interviewer you care about your work.

Being Comfortable

Dress confidently by wearing your favorite professional outfit. Make sure to try on your clothes a few days earlier in case you need to have anything pressed or altered. Wear comfortable shoes. The interview day is not a good day to try anything new with your looks, so keep your hair and makeup natural. Even if you are nervous, you still want to appear relaxed. During the interview, avoid messing with your hair or your clothes — this signals anxiety to the interviewer.

Be Yourself

The interviewer will pick up on cues such as fidgeting, rambling and avoiding eye contact that indicate lying and insincerity. She will know if you try to answer a question using examples that you know nothing about, claim to know a skill you really do not know, or exaggerate your experience. Remember, you made it to the interview on your own merits. Don’t try to pretend to be someone you’re not. They like you for you.

Being Yourself

In the journey of securing your dream job, authenticity and preparation pave the way to a successful interview. As you navigate through the nuances of demonstrating your true self, remember that your sincerity, passion, and genuine interest in the role are your greatest assets. By embracing your unique qualities and experiences, you engage not just as a candidate, but as a real person who can bring value to the team. So, stay true to yourself, reflect confidence, and let your personality shine through—after all, that’s what brought you this far.

The post How to Be Yourself During the Job Interview appeared first on UF CJC Online Master's.

Think About Your Past

Past behavior is the best predictor of future behavior. So leave out the story about getting caught when you took a sick day to go to the spa. Use specific examples pointing out how your past relates to the company’s needs. Interviewers may ask you to describe a situation where you showed good leadership, to describe the most creative work-related project you’ve completed, or to describe an instance where you worked with a difficult person and how you handled it.

Your Greatest Strengths and Weaknesses

Almost every interview will include this question. Don’t be afraid of saying a weakness. Don’t make a joke or avoid the question. Interviewers are looking for honesty. Use a weakness that is not directly related to the job you are interviewing for, such as a habit of sleeping late when applying for a night job. If that is too difficult, explain a weakness and the steps you are taking to correct it.

Some Questions Will Surprise You

Do your research before you enter the interview. Interviewers will ask you what you know about their company, and you should study their website so you can answer this question. They also may ask you who your favorite or worst previous supervisors are and why. Never bad mouth anyone, so turn the question around by saying your previous boss was detail-oriented but you learned so much from him.

Interview Tips for Success

• Before the interview, make sure to check the mirror. You don’t want to worry about your hair being out of place or food in your teeth as an unnecessary distraction.
• During the the interview, smile and show enthusiasm.
• Engage your interviewers with confident answers, always focusing your past experiences and skills on how they will relate to the position.
• Make plans to meet a friend for coffee after the interview. Having something to look forward to will boost your mood.

The post Avoid Pre-Interview Anxiety With These Tips appeared first on UF CJC Online Master's.

Before the Interview

• Make a list of common interview questions.
• Study the job description and tailor your answers to the position.
• Perform a mock interview with a friend. Practicing helps get the kinks out of your responses, and speaking the answers will help you learn them.
• Check out the company’s website and social media to gauge the office culture.
• Regardless of your gender, you must wear a suit. It is important to look your best and as professional as you can. Iron your clothes and shave. Some companies frown on facial hair, even stubble.

Questions About Your Experience

Interviewers will ask you questions about past jobs, such as your favorite or least favorite projects and supervisors. Speak honestly, but never bad mouth an employer. Focus on your accomplishments. The most important thing when answering these types of questions is to explain how your experiences will help you contribute to the company. If you performed similar duties in your previous job, use an example that highlights your qualifications.

Your Behavior and Personality

Another type of question focuses on how you see yourself and how you learn from your mistakes. You may be asked about your strengths and weaknesses. You should focus on qualities that relate to the position, and always choose a weakness that will not affect your work. You can consider a weakness as a way to explain a challenge and the steps you took to overcome it. For example, explain that you had trouble using Microsoft PowerPoint, until you recently took a training course.

Things to Avoid

If saying the right thing can get you hired, saying the wrong thing can immediately eliminate you from consideration.

• Don’t say anything unfavorable about your former co-workers, company or anyone you worked with.
• Never gossip. Not only will you look immature, but you never know if you and the interviewer share mutual friends.
• Try not to drink caffeine before the interview as the interviewer may be turned off If you are bouncing in your chair.

The post Interview Techniques That Work appeared first on UF CJC Online Master's.

Express Appreciation

Thank the interviewer for meeting with you. Be sure to mention the date you met with her so she can put a face with your name. Show your gratitude by being polite, but not gushy. Expressing your appreciation lets her know that you hold no hard feelings, and will let her know you are still interested in working with the company.

Admit Disappointment

Being able to express your disappointment shows character. Don’t go overboard; stick with a sentence or two saying that you were disappointed she chose someone else, but that you respect her decision. Next, gently ask if there were any concerns or questions she had that affected her decision about you. This will open the conversation up for feedback so you can work on any weaknesses she may point out.

Keep the Door Open

It’s important to mention that you are still interested in future openings. Tell her that you will follow up in a few months to see if anything new is available. Letting her know you are interested may prompt her to offer you something else. In addition, she may give you advice as to when to check back or to let you know of other companies she knows are hiring. She is now your contact with the company, so you should maintain a good rapport with her.

Read and Reread

Be sure to proofread. A poorly or hastily written letter may hurt your chances for future openings. End the letter politely by thanking her for her consideration.

The post Not Hired…Now What? appeared first on UF CJC Online Master's.

The post How to Answer the “What is Your Greatest Strength and Weakness?” Interview Question appeared first on UF CJC Online Master's.

Just as you prepared for the first interview, you must prepare for the second. The interviewer may need you to speak with her manager for final approval, she may want you to speak with your potential coworkers to get a sense of whether you’ll mesh with them, or she may be trying to decide between several candidates. Either way, expect the questions to be more detailed than the first interview.

Dig Deeper
Even though you researched the company in your preparations for the first interview, you must research even more for the second interview. Read professional blogs, magazines and press releases to learn more about the industry you want to work in. The interviewer may ask you about new trends, technologies or discoveries, and if you stare blankly at her, you’ll quickly move down (or off) the candidate list.

Good Work Anecdotes
During the first interview, you learned more about the position, organization and culture of the office. Now that you know more, prepare anecdotes highlighting your qualifications and work experiences that directly relate to the organization. Choose stories that exemplify your strengths, and practice telling them before the interview so you don’t ramble on.

Depending on if the position works independently or as part of a team, you should choose examples that convey you can function successfully in either role.

Evaluate the First Interview
Think about the first interview, and consider the questions you had trouble with. Chances are, the interviewer will ask you those questions again to see if you can elaborate or clarify something. Prepare your answers ahead of time so you can speak intelligently and thoughtfully. If you’re speaking with a different person, she may ask you some of the same questions you were asked in the first interview, so practice your answers to those questions as well.

The Don’ts

Even though you had a great first interview, don’t slack off now.

• Continue to portray yourself as a polite, professional and friendly person.
• Be nice to every person you encounter in the building; you want to leave a good impression on everyone you meet.
• If you see other candidates in the waiting room, remain professional and avoid chit-chat.
• Don’t be over-confident — you don’t have the job until the offer is in your hands.

The post Win the Second Interview appeared first on UF CJC Online Master's.