{"id":46403,"date":"2019-07-16T13:12:19","date_gmt":"2019-07-16T03:12:19","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/69.30.214.42\/blog\/?p=46403"},"modified":"2023-10-19T17:41:15","modified_gmt":"2023-10-19T07:41:15","slug":"cool-off-the-hot-seat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/writers-exchange.com\/cool-off-the-hot-seat\/","title":{"rendered":"Cool Off The Hot Seat! Tips for ‘Acing’ Your Job Interview By Rebecca Rothman McCoy"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"CoolYour interviewer is staring you down from across his desk and the butterflies in your stomach are more active than Hitchcock’s Birds<\/em>. Your palms are sweating, your heart is racing, and the worst-case scenario is all you can envision in your future. You want<\/em> this job. You need<\/em> this job. You have to have it…! Has he noticed my discomfort?<\/em> you wonder as you stutter when asked what sets you apart from all the others that have been interviewed before you.<\/p>\n

No doubt about it. You’re firmly in the hot seat. But careful preparation can help you stay cool, calm, and collected. If you’ve ever wondered if there was some hidden magical secret that would help you land the job of your dreams, the bad news is, no, not really. But if you’re unsure of what to say or do during a job interview and don’t know any tricks to set you apart from your competition, then this book is for you!<\/p>\n

Written by a staffing industry professional with more than twelve years of interviewing experience, Cool Off the Hot Seat!<\/em> answers all your questions about job interviewing from obtaining the interview to the follow-up afterwards. Here are just a few topics you’ll read about:<\/p>\n

* Tips on how to research companies you’re interested in<\/p>\n

* Making a great first impression<\/p>\n

* Appropriate clothing and accessories<\/p>\n

* Answers for the toughest questions<\/p>\n

* What an interviewer is looking for<\/p>\n

* The most effective ways to do assertive follow-ups<\/p>\n

* Working with recruiters<\/p>\n

* Handling media interviews like a pro<\/p>\n

This guerrilla guide to interviewing technique has substance without fluff, theory or obscure statistics to wade through. The layout of the book is designed to get you up and running as fast as possible while covering all the important areas you’ll need to know in order to nail a successful job interview with all the poise and confidence you need and none of the butterflies!<\/p>\n

GENRE: Self-Help\/How-To\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0ISBN: 978-1-920741-76-1\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0ASIN: B00VNID8X4\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0Word Count: 18, 841<\/p>\n

\"Author<\/a><\/p>\n

\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n <\/colgroup>\n \n\n \n\n \n
Buy now from Writers Exchange, or from these Retailers:<\/caption>\n
\"Buy<\/th>Amazon<\/th>Apple Books<\/th>Google Play<\/th>Barnes and Noble<\/th>Kobo<\/th>Scribd<\/th>Smashwords<\/th><\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
[wp_eStore_add_to_cart id=311]<\/td>\"Buy<\/a><\/td>\"Apple<\/a><\/td>\"Get<\/a><\/td>\"Buy<\/a><\/td>\"Kobo<\/a><\/td>\"Scribd<\/a><\/td>\"Smashwords<\/a><\/td> <\/tr>\n <\/tbody>\n <\/table>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter One:<\/h1>\n

Why Am I Here? And What Do I Do Now?<\/h1>\n

 <\/p>\n

Knowing how to confidently be interviewed is a skill that will serve you well throughout your life.\u00a0 It applies in numerous areas, but is perhaps the best known in connection with the job interview.\u00a0 While the majority of this book assumes that you have already obtained an interview, you don’t need to have an interview lined up in order to learn more about the process.\u00a0 It is important to review a few of the steps which lead up to getting that interview in the first place, because how you obtained the interview can have an affect on the interview itself. There is a lot of information to cover here before we can get to the interviewing portion, so let’s get started, shall we?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

1) What Do I Want?<\/strong><\/p>\n

This may sound like common sense, but you’d be surprised how many people overlook it.\u00a0 Ask yourself, “Why do I want a job?”<\/p>\n

Are you unhappy with your current employment situation?\u00a0 Are you a homemaker returning to the work force?\u00a0 A student looking for additional income while in school?\u00a0 Do you just want to have something to do to occupy your time?\u00a0 Do you want to contribute to the family finances?<\/p>\n

Ask yourself what your purpose for job hunting really is.\u00a0 This information is crucial to determining the right job for you, and will aid you during your interview.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

2) Is It Me?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Now that you know exactly why you are seeking employment, consider your strengths and weaknesses.\u00a0 What do you think would enable you to meet your objective, as set forth in the first step, and at the same time simply make you happy?\u00a0 If you are an artist, you probably won’t be happy doing assembly-line work, no matter how much it pays.\u00a0 If you are mechanically-inclined, it’s unlikely that editing or writing will give you job satisfaction.\u00a0 Match up your talents and interests with potential jobs.\u00a0 See if there are any which will leave you satisfied AND meet your goals.\u00a0 If you’re stuck, try imagining yourself actually doing that work, in that sort of working environment.\u00a0 Many times your gut will tell you whether or not that job is acceptable, long before your brain does.<\/p>\n

Don’t get bogged down in titles and terminology.\u00a0 In many cases, especially for newspaper want ads or short job postings, you may need to contact the employer for a description of duties and responsibilities.\u00a0 Pay attention to these carefully, as they will tell you what you will actually be doing if hired.\u00a0 A title of “Customer Service Liaison” may sound impressive, but if the job duties are primarily taking orders and serving customers, you may find yourself working in fast food…albeit with a nifty-sounding title.\u00a0 In effect, you want to be concerned with what the job does, not the title.\u00a0 You may find that your interests and ideal duties have a completely different job title from one company to another, even entirely different industries.\u00a0 Be open to a myriad of possibilities!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

3) About That Resume…<\/strong><\/p>\n

A common misconception I have encountered more times than I can count is that a resume (C.V.) has to include your life story.\u00a0 It most assuredly does NOT.\u00a0 Here are a few facts about resumes:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

    \n
  • A resume should be tailored to the specific job you are seeking.\u00a0 Generic resumes may cover a lot of ground, but they don’t tell the interviewer why you feel THIS job is right for you and your talents\/experience.<\/li>\n
  • Resumes do not have to include your entire work history, nor even your entire recent work history.\u00a0 You should list the jobs you have held which directly pertain to the job for which you are applying.\u00a0 You may also list jobs which have indirect relevance to your ideal job.\u00a0 For those who are uneasy about this, the solution is simple: Use the heading “Relevant Work History” and include a small section afterwards that includes your other employment.\u00a0 Always include months and years of your employment, not just years.<\/li>\n
  • There are many different styles of resumes which are commonly used.\u00a0 The two most common are chronological and functional.\u00a0 Chronological resumes are best for people who have remained in a single career field and have progressively moved upwards in position and responsibility.\u00a0 The majority of people would do best with functional resumes or a mix of functional and chronological, either of which can be modified according to qualifications or skills.\u00a0 Functional resumes focus on the applicant’s abilities and skills, rather than work history.\u00a0 They’re also great for the job hopper, people returning to the work force after an extended absence, or for military families who are uprooted frequently.\u00a0 KNOW WHICH STYLE SUITS BOTH YOUR NEEDS AND THE TARGETED JOB BEST.<\/li>\n
  • A resume is supposed to get your foot in the door.\u00a0 Its primary objective is to obtain an interview.\u00a0 It may then be placed in your employee file (if you are hired), but the main purpose is to get that all-important interview.\u00a0 It is not forbidden to tease the reader somewhat, and in fact, this often helps your resume stand out in a reader’s memory.\u00a0 Include enough material to show that you are indeed a qualified candidate, but be brief enough that the reader feels the need to call you for an interview just to add detail to some of your resume material.\u00a0 Be professional, but keep in mind that you are trying to “seduce” the reader into calling you in for a personal meeting (interview).\u00a0 I sometimes think of the resume as a professional personals ad.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

     <\/p>\n

    In general, you should have a resume tailored to the target job.\u00a0 If you have to create or modify your resume for every single job you want, so be it.\u00a0 It’s worth the time and effort.\u00a0 Know which style of resume works best for you.\u00a0 Use action words as often as possible, and tempt the reader with qualifications and hints at other experience that will benefit the company at which you are applying.<\/p>\n

    ***<\/p>\n

    If you need assistance in creating a resume, there are a lot of books out there and other resource materials that can assist you in creating a knock-out resume.\u00a0 You may also wish to check out your word processor program; many have resume templates.\u00a0 Also, there are resume-preparation services which can be used.\u00a0 A word of caution on this, however: Only you know your own experience and skills.\u00a0 The best resume preparers will sit down with you for a one-on-one and ask you many questions about yourself.\u00a0 It’s a lengthy interview in and of itself, but the end result is a personalized resume.\u00a0 The downside is that you may or may not feel comfortable modifying the resume yourself when a slightly different job opening comes along.\u00a0 Your best bet is to learn how to do your own resume, but how you choose to develop your resume is completely your choice.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    4) Where and How Do I Send My Resume?<\/strong><\/p>\n

    In this day and age, you can submit resumes via email, fax, mail, or in person.\u00a0 Pay attention to the application directions provided by the company.\u00a0 For example, if they ask for email submissions only, do so.\u00a0 Don’t send it via fax.\u00a0 Respect the company’s wishes, and show from the start that you pay attention to detail and can follow instructions.<\/p>\n

    Always include a cover letter with your resume.\u00a0 I won’t go into cover letters here, as there are again many valuable resources which delve into this topic in more detail.\u00a0 Suffice it to say though, a cover letter serves as your personal introduction and is often the first impression a prospective employer will have of you.\u00a0 Take your time to do a good, thorough job with your cover letter!<\/p>\n

    I will mention that in your cover letter, which should be no longer than a single page, you should state that you will be following up your submission with a phone call.\u00a0 Specify the day you will be calling, and be sure to do so.\u00a0 This will help the hiring staff to learn your name before you even walk in the door for your interview.<\/p>\n

    ***<\/p>\n

    At this point, you should have a very clear idea of what you want to do, what you CAN do, and what will be most likely to keep you happy in the workplace.\u00a0 Remember these things.\u00a0 Write them down if you must.\u00a0 You will need to use these things in your interview, even if nobody comes right out and asks you about them.<\/p>\n

    You should also have a good idea of what a resume is and is not intended to do.\u00a0 Remember to use action words and brag about yourself!\u00a0 If you don’t, who will?\u00a0 How else will a potential employer know what you have done before and may do for the company?\u00a0 Be sure to modify your resume according to the position you desire, and always follow the directions you are provided regarding means and method of submitting your resume.\u00a0 Take the time to find out the name (and spell it correctly!) of the Human Resources director or whomever will be conducting the interview.\u00a0 This shows you have done your homework and are not just mass-applying for work.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Your interviewer is staring you down from across his desk and the butterflies in your stomach are more active than Hitchcock’s Birds. Your palms are sweating, your heart is racing, and the worst-case scenario is all you can envision in your future. You want this job. You need this job. You have to have it…! Has he noticed my discomfort? you wonder as you stutter when asked what sets you apart from all the others that have been interviewed before…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":215570,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[364,207],"tags":[81,56,52,452,454,453,417],"class_list":["post-46403","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nonfiction","category-self-help-how-to","tag-kindle","tag-amazon","tag-ebook","tag-job","tag-reference","tag-resume","tag-writersexchangeepublishing"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/writers-exchange.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/cool-off-the-hot-seat-3d-cover-updated-2023.png?fit=897%2C1249&ssl=1","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p1tQiy-c4r","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/writers-exchange.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/46403","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/writers-exchange.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/writers-exchange.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/writers-exchange.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/writers-exchange.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=46403"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/writers-exchange.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/46403\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":215575,"href":"https:\/\/writers-exchange.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/46403\/revisions\/215575"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/writers-exchange.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/215570"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/writers-exchange.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=46403"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/writers-exchange.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=46403"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/writers-exchange.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=46403"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}