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• Dress appropriately for the job. For example, conservative for banks, real estate, physicians offices or more trendy for fashion stores, high tech businesses or casual restaurants. If you are not sure of the proper dress, go to the business prior to the interview and observe what that employees are wearing.
  
  
• A first impression is made in less than 30 seconds. Spend time grooming for the interview--make sure your hair, nails, teeth and body are clean and that your clothes are mended and pressed. Your shoes should be well heeled and shined.
  
  
• The way we hold our bodies (body language) tells others what we think about ourselves! Be aware of your posture and carriage. Look your employer in the eye and shake hands if he or she offers their hand. Remember their name.

• Take the equipment you will need--a typed resume (see handout), pen/pencil, necessary identification, recommendations, references and your social security number.
  
  
• Go to the interview alone, on time and without gum or cigarettes.
  
  
• Sit only when you are told to or when the other person sits.
  
  
• Ask intelligent questions, such as--What do you look for in someone you hire? What training should I have? What are the responsibilities of the position? What are my chances for advancement? Do you have a dress code? When will you make your decision? If you cannot use me, can you recommend where else I might interview?
  
  
• Know the answer to these questions: Why do you want this job? What are your skills and abilities? What are your goals?
  
  
• Remember to: Show genuine interest in the job, speak clearly, loudly enough, avoid slang and listen carefully! Don't cry your troubles. You are there to help solve the employer's problems not to share yours with him or her. Fill out the application neatly, legibly and accurately. If the job is not right for you, be honest and explain why as soon as you realize it. Don't waste anyone's time. If you accept another job, call to let them know you have done so. Send a thank you letter for the interview within a week.

• Choose to present yourself with self-esteem, balanced in the three p's:
  
  
  • Physical--clean, well groomed (shows respect)
  • Performance--prepared (shows reliability)
  • Personality--positive and enthusiastic (shows a good attitude)
    
    

Prior to the interview, visualize yourself doing, saying and being confident, relaxed and natural.

• Enthusiasm is powerful. Show your excitement about the possibility of working in this position. Let them know you want the job.
  
  
• Be positive about yourself--sell yourself. Assure your interviewer that you are honest, punctual, hard working and willing to do what you say you will do when you say you will do it whether you feel like it or not!I

What's the Pay off?

What can we expect in return for our efforts? If we offer our employer good grooming, a desire to work, punctuality, trust, honesty, responsibility and flexibility, we can expect to receive the benefits of all that we have given. This may come in the form of money, respect, admiration, promotions, confidence and selfesteem. We always receive in return the things we give out; like a boomerang, the things we put out always return to us. It pays to put out the our best in all that we do.

Almost all our waking life is spent at work;
we must love what we do!

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