Connect with Candidates via Text Automation

Connect with Candidates via Text Automation Recruiting top talent isn’t for the faint of heart. And with thebest candidates off the market within 10 days, there’s no doubt we’re in acandidate’s market. As a result, recruiters need to leverage new technologies to boost the candidate experience and improve communications. The following are ways that automated texting can help recruiters connect with candidates from first contact all the way to first day of employment. 1. Set a clear premise. Why are you reaching out? Clearly explain to your candidate why you are reaching out and how you’ve made the connection with them. Just as you would begin a phone screen or email with, “Hi, I’m recruiter A from XYZ company, we met at the job fair in April” a text-screen is navigated similarly. Creating relevancy for the candidate is the perfect place to start the chat. Begin with some context and follow up with a question. It’s the business-casual portion of the interview that allows recruiters to form a relationship with their candidate and build rapport. 2. Make friends with speed and consistency. Use your library of questions to navigate through the most important screening queries before sharing your chat with the hiring manager. This allows you to standardize the screening process and dive right inâ€"fast. In addition, these initial texts will also help you gauge which candidates are the most interested, which means you can immediately proceed to focus on highly engaged applicants. As you evaluate your candidate pool, you’ll save yourself time and energy as you move more of the right candidates through the recruitment process faster. 3. Keep calm. Your candidates are just thinking (or busy!). One of the most frequent questions we get from talent teams is, “How quickly should our candidates be responding? If they don’t respond right away, should I assume they aren’t interested?” We would argue that immediate response time does not equal “most-qualified candidate” or even “best answer.” People are busy! Text messaging is so handy because you can reply on your own time. Think of all the contacts, personal and professional, that you text in a given day. Would you be able to communicate with as many people if you had to schedule a phone call with each person? Likely not. One of the biggest advantages of a text interview is that candidates have time to think of a rich response to each question. The asynchronous nature of the chat greatly enhances the candidate experience. Candidates can take a deep breath and formulate a well-thought, succinct response to screening questions, and recruiters can relax knowing that thoughtful responses are much more valuable than the best off-the-cuff answer. Taking the time to compose a well-written and convincing argument for why a recruiter should hire you is not only in the interviewee’s best interest, but it makes the decision process easier for the interviewer. 4. Promote your employer branding with texting. To engage job applicants, recruiters should promote job positions like a product or solution they’re trying to sell to the workforce. Sell candidates from their very first interaction with a recruiter by showing what it’s like to work within the organization and how they might fit into the overall work environment. Consider sending these great employment branding materials to candidates during the screening process: Job descriptionsA list of fun office perks Photos of team off-sites and outings Employee spotlight videosQuick video tours of the workspace Benefits packages Maps for on-site visits Strong employment brands make a huge impact on a business by building the talent pipeline, improving the overall quality of the hire, and reducing cost per hire. 5. Use text and automation to connect with candidates before the in-person interview. Did you know approximately 1 out of 10 candidates aren’t showing up for interviews? This stat demonstrates that time between scheduling an interview with a candidate and the actual interview is a crucial engagement period. You’ve already sent off the preliminary employment branding information to get them interested in your company â€" now is your chance to hook candidates even more before they come in for the interview. Before a candidate’s interview, send a “meet the team” video introducing the leadership team or use a scheduling feature to send a Google Map pin of the interview location an hour or two before it begins. A small gesture can fully equip a nervous candidate! 6. Don’t forget to stay engaged after the in-person interview. Recruiting top talent is not only an ongoing mission and a lot of hard work, but it is tied to some extreme pressure from employers. That’s why a recruiter’s job is so important, especially when an offer is on the table. Try sending one of these texts to keep the candidate engaged: After The Interview: “Hi, awesome candidate! How did you feel about the interview? Let me know if you have any questions.” After Their Offer is Pending: “I wanted to remind you that a response to your offer is due in a couple of days. We would love to have you on the team and are excited to hear back!” Before The First Day: “Good luck on your first day tomorrow! Text me if you need any help at all or some key tips, such as where to find the café.” Periodic check-ins with candidates reinforce a positive expert candidate experience. It also magically transforms the candidate journey into an amazing employee experience as their tenure at the company matures. Like I stated earlier, retaining top talent isn’t an easy feat. But connecting with candidates via text and automation can help speed up the process and increase the quality of engagement. So, take the leap â€" text to meet candidates wherever they are. About the author: Kelly Lavin, SPHR, is a human resources executive who excels at helping companies hire and retain talent through creative and impactful practices. With nearly 20 years of experience in HR, Kelly has worked with a variety of organizations and clients, helping them recruit and hire top talent and form better work environments.

Two-Page Resume Format

Two-Page Resume FormatOnce you have a good idea of what is expected from your two page resume, you are ready to start putting your thoughts into it. Below are some tips for making your two page resume as professional as possible.Start by writing the first paragraph of your resume in a way that it easily links back to your Resume-Writer. Use bullet points and bold formatting to highlight your experience and qualifications. It is important to go back to your Resume-Writer and update your resume so that it matches your skills.Next, use your bullet points to build up a strong point in each position. The next section will be your summary. Include only those qualifications you feel are pertinent to the job you are applying for. Follow it up with a list of references and previous positions you have held.Make sure that you have the right letterhead and address. Be sure to create a cover letter that can go directly into your resume. This part of the two page resume format may seem like a pain , but it is one of the most important parts.To make sure your resume format is professional, you should always use the Microsoft Word application. It makes things easier for everyone involved. If you use MS Word, it will allow you to include bullet points and highlight your expertise.You should also try to avoid using white space in your resume format. Some people do not use this, but it is important because it keeps the resume organized and clean, and avoids the problem of having to resend the form to get rid of too much extra information.Your name should be included at the top of the resume and at the bottom. Always begin with your full first name and have your last name is last on the form. In order to fit all of the information you want to include on your two page resume format, use bullet points and bolding.Using these tips for your two page resume format will help make your job search easy and give you more confidence when you get the job. Once you have that job, make sure to maintain your hard work and keep looking for better opportunities.

9 Best Resume Writing Services in New Jersey

9 Best Resume Writing Services in New Jersey Living in New Jersey comes with many professional perks.For one, you are surrounded by other states in which you can find jobs: New York, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania.However, that doesn’t mean searching for your next job is going to be easy.In order to truly succeed in your career and stand out from the competition, you need a resume that shines.That's why we have come up with a list of the 9 best resume writing services in New Jersey.Don’t settle for less than the best; prepare to work with one of the industry-leading New Jersey resume writing services.Best Resume Writing Services in New JerseyIf you are in a hurry and don't want to read our detailed reviews below, here is a list of the Best New Jersey Resume Writing Services:Find My Profession (that's us!) NJ Resume Writing Solutions Panoramic Resumes A Word’s Worth RH Resumes KEMPS Consulting Creative Edge Resume Writing Service Grammar Rewords Preferred PresentationsCheck out the best resume writing services in Monmouth County.And now for the detailed reviews...1. Find My ProfessionFind My Profession is not just a top-notch resume service available in New Jersey. We are a global company headquartered in the US on a mission to master effective, ATS compatible resumes that convert into offers.A major perk of Find My Profession is that we are not a one-person shop.Collectively, our team of elite resume writers has experience in 85+ unique industries/professions. This allows us to assign you a professional writer (in the United States) based on your unique background and experience.We are also not a resume factory. We will never use “ghostwriters”. You will have your resume writer’s name, email, and phone number for direct communication.With 100+ 5-star reviews and a 60-day interview guarantee thatspeaks for itself, you can sleep easy knowing that your satisfaction is our #1 priority.Pros:Find My Profession commits to working with each client until they are completely satisfied. Don’t worry abo ut having a limited number of edits, or a set amount of time with your writer.Cons:Find My Profession is a virtual/online company. While we provide services in your city, we don’t have a physical office.Also, with a focus on more senior positions, our entry-level resume service may be a bit pricey for recent graduates.Turnaround: 3-5 business days. Can expedite to 2 business days.Cost: $395-$895Phone: (831) 888-0967Don't take our word for it, check out some of our 5-star reviews.Trustpilot2. NJ Resume Writing SolutionsNJ Resume Writing Solutions is run by Jackie Outwater, an Ivy League graduate with a Master’s degree in counseling. Jackie found that she truly enjoyed teaching people to take positive steps to improve their lives and reach their goals, and she is invested in helping you find your dream job.Pros: NJ Resume Writing Solutions has a ton of great online reviews. The organization is focused just on resume and cover letter writing. There are few organizations that are ju st focused on resume writing. Jackie will ensure that your resume is competitive in a crowded and tough job market.Cons: NJ Resume Writing Solutions has one of the longest turnaround times around. You will have to wait a good amount of time before you will receive your final resume. Also, if you do not finish the project within 20 business days from when you order, you will be billed for the extra time. On another financial note, you should be aware that all fees are non-refundable. This means if you decide to use their services, you should be committed to following through with the process. Turnaround: 14-21 days.Cost: $347-$700Phone: (973) 610-83393. Panoramic ResumesPanoramic Resumes creates resumes that land interviewsâ€"â€" it’s that simple. Marjorie Kavanagh worked in human resources and created several initiatives to help hundreds of job seekers land jobs. It was then that she discovered the joy of helping people navigate the complex world of finding a job.Pros: Panoramic R esumes does not have a limit on how many times you can request an edit for your resume. Most resume writing services have a limit on the number of edits that you can ask for, so this is definitely a pro.Cons: Panoramic Resumes has some of the higher pricing on this list, which might scare away and/or be unaffordable for entry-level professionals or job seekers who are down on their luck.Turnaround: 5-7 business daysCost: $475-$975Phone: (732) 977-44014. A Word’s WorthA Word’s Worth has been around since 1989 and has forged lifetime partnerships with clients. Nina Ebert is a Certified Professional Resume Writer / Career Coach who performs a complete assessment of your entire career â€"â€" as well as your skills and abilities â€"â€" in order to develop your resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile. Nina's workhas been in 23 nationally published books of sample resumes and cover letters, which is quite impressive.Pros: If you are seeking employment or a promotion, A Word’s Wort h has an office located in New Egypt, where you can work with Nina in person or via telephoneto develop a fantastic resume. Last but surely not least, Nina works with her clients until they are completely satisfied.Cons: A Word’s Worth does not use questionnaires, which means about an hour is required for a comprehensive interview.Turnaround: Not stated.Cost: $375-$825Phone: (609) 758-77995. RH ResumesRH Resumes is operated by Rebecca Henninger, a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with an MA in English and a background in corporate marketing. She seeks to develop a consultative partnership with her clients to assist in creating a customized resume.Pros:Rebecca Henninger states that she personally manages “the entire resume and LinkedIn profile writing process for every client,” which brings her experience and expertise to the table. The website also shows a number of sample resumes, to give potential clients an idea of what this company offers.Cons:As a single indivi dual operating this company, potential clients are generally put on a waiting list of 1-2 weeks, so if you’re hoping for an expedited resume or quicker turnaround, you might need to look elsewhere.Turnaround:10 â€" 14 days.Cost:$400-$1,000+Phone: (973) 270-17776. KEMPS ConsultingKEMPS Consulting is a one-stop-shop for anything that you need written. Kate Stephenson built KEMPS Consulting during the midst of the 2008 financial crisis when she was able to help her clients land jobs when no one else was getting hired. Kate’s strength lies in storytelling; she creates a personal narrative that sparks employer interest and will land you an interview.Pros: KEMPS Consulting has prices that are affordable for almost anyone. Additionally, she offers a 6-month payment program through PayPal with no fees attached. Kate wants to help you find not just a job, but a career that energizes you.Cons: If you were hoping to meet with your resume writer in person, be forewarned that KEMPS Consultin g does not have a physical office. However, this has pros and cons, since Kate is able to keep her prices low because she doesn’t have the expensive overhead of a physical office.Turnaround: Not stated.Cost: $125-$299Phone: (201)793-85157. Creative Edge Resume Writing ServiceCreative Edge Resume Writing Service has written over 10,000 resumes, all of which have been written by the owner, Robert Mandelberg. Rob offers a unique service called a hiring proposal, which details exactly how you believe you can benefit the company and goes into how you can help after 30, 90, and 365 days with the company. That proposal could be the difference between getting the final call back for an interview.Pros: Creative Edge Resume Writing Service doesn’t care where you are in your career; they have worked with thousands of job seekers to create resumes that provide a fighting chance in competitive job markets.Cons: Creative Edge Resume Writing Service only has a couple of online reviews. Fro m a price perspective, depending on how many resume pages you need you could spend over $1,000. So f you have a lot of experience (and are perhaps an executive), 2 pages may not be enough.Turnaround: Not stated.Cost: $385 - $700+Phone: (732) 544-12858. Grammar RewordsGrammar Rewords operates with the goal of ensuring that the reader’s attention is grabbed before they move onto the next subject. Melissa Johnson is the wordsmith behind Grammar Rewords. One really cool event that Grammar Rewords has held is called Resumes Rose, where attendees had their resumes looked over while enjoying drinks. How fun is that?Pros: Grammar Rewords exclusively has 5-star reviews on both Facebook and Google. If you simply need a facelift for your resume, you can get one for just $25.Cons: Grammar Rewords has a relatively small team that may not be able to handle a lot of resumes. For example, at the time of this article’s publication, Melissa has the company closed while she is on sabbatical. Thus , you may want a resume service that is more consistently open.Turnaround: Not stated.Cost: $125-$600Phone: (732) 939-21259. Preferred PresentationsPreferred Presentations takes an extremely organized and systematic approach to creating your unique resume. Melissa Gropper has an MBA from Fordham University, which is an impressive accomplishment compared to many other resume writing writers. She has also worked for Dow Jones and has edited a few different books, so she has the necessary skills to create a fantastic resume.Pros: Preferred Presentations has a one-price-fits-all resume that applies to every single career level. Everyone from entry-level to executives pay the exact same price. That is great if you are an executive, as you will generally have to pay twice the price at other services â€"â€" but it could be more expensive if you are looking for an entry-level resume.Cons: Preferred Presentations only has 2 online reviews on Google. Normally that is just fine, but in this ca se, one of the reviews is from her son. You may want to employ a resume writing service that has impartial reviews from customers who are not related to the owner.Turnaround: 5 business days.Cost: $385Phone: (908) 202-0322This List Serves The Following Areas In New Jersey:Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Elizabeth, Trenton, Clifton, Camden, Passaic, Union City, East Orange, Bayonne, Vineland, New Brunswick, Perth Amboy, Hoboken, Plainfield,and more.Best Executive Resume ServiceNot worried about finding a New Jerseylocal company? Want to work with the best of the best? Check out the Best Executive Resume Services.

Get Started With Facebook Ads With Rachel Miller (PODCAST) - Classy Career Girl

Get Started With Facebook Ads With Rachel Miller (PODCAST) I am so scared to lose all my money with Facebook ads! This is something I hear a lot. If youve ever wanted to know how to know how to grow a popular Facebook page and not lose money with advertising, you are definitely going to want to listen to this episode. Rachel has a TON of energy and this was a TON of fun! Rachel is the creator multiple Facebook fan pages that have over 1 million fans and are profitable. You are going to love her! Subscribe  on  your favorite platform below: iTunes Google Play Music Stitcher Radio TuneIn iHeartRadio Sound Cloud Rachel Miller is the creator of multiple Facebook fan pages like Quirky Momma and Crazy Cat lady as well as dozens of other audiences.  These pages are profitable, over 1 million fans and a real source of income. She teaches Moolah: From Page views to Paycheck: How to Grow an Engaged Audience. I got to meet Rachel in July at an event and you know Rachel is amazing when everyone else was watching a baseball game and Rachel looks at you and says do you want to just go mastermind in the stairway instead of watch the baseball game? She had even brought her sticky notes and all her notes and was ready to dive in. I was like YES let’s do it and to this day I don’t even know who won that game but don’t tell anyone that. ?? Rachel shows us how to reach people without wasting money and tips for beginner FB ads. Some questions I ask: How targeted do you have to get in order to reach the right people? And is there any way to track Amazon sales from FB ads? I have been frustrated with the demographics. This past time, I was very specific in my demographics. I have a head lice removal business and it is very local and I tried to cater to just families, moms, teachers, etc. Most of the people interacting with the post were still not those likely to be my clientele. Some were from out of the country and many were bald men. I feel like it is not getting to the right people no matter how I try and direct it. The timing for new businesses ads before you launch products to drive traffic/interest and create brand awareness? Or wait until after you have physical products available? How to target to certain audiences/your ideal client. Should the ads be short and to the point? Longer? Serious or incorporate some humor. How frequently should one advertise? In This Episode, You Will Learn: How to use Facebook ads How to not waste money How to use Facebook ads at the beginning just starting your own page. Episode Resources: VIRAL Headlines Cheat Sheet: www.classycareergirl.com/viralheadlines FREE Facebook Strategies FB group: www.classycareergirl.com/moolahgroup You may also like these episodes: How to Increase Your Facebook Engagement How to Manage and Grow a Facebook Group Thank you so much for listening to this episode!!! I am thrilled you are here and I would love to know what you thought of this episode. Please leave me a comment below. And if you enjoyed this episode, please share it on social media. You can also leave a 5-star review on iTunes so we can help more women find career fulfillment TOGETHER!

How to Make a Resume With No Work Experience

How to Make a Resume With No Work ExperienceMaking a resume that gets you interviews are important, but many people struggle to get through it as it is, without cutting corners or making some obvious mistakes. However, even people with experience may find their resumes lacking.One reason is because you have to be careful about how you present yourself in order to get a certain way through the hiring process. This is especially true for people who do not have much work experience. However, even those with years of experience may not be presenting themselves in the best possible way.Even if you have experience, you will find it hard to make your resume stand out from others that are being used for a job interview. Even if you have had several jobs and filled out job applications that contain a perfect resume, there is still something that stands out about your resume. This could be your skills, your experience, or a combination of the two.The good news is that you can still have it loo k great without putting in any of your skills. By only taking advantage of certain areas of your skills you can still have a resume that is designed to impress the hiring manager. Here are some suggestions on how to make a resume that is effective without showing off all of your skills.The first step is to use bullet points in your resume. You don't have to worry about using numbers when writing your resume; however, you should use the best way possible to highlight the points you want to cover in your job application. A great way to do this is to put them in a list format and use the first one as your title. By using the first one as your title you will highlight the points that are in the job application.As for the rest of the resume, you will want to put each bullet point in a real part of your resume. This will help to show that you took the time to put the information down properly. If you skip any points, the hiring manager may take this as if you skipped something else that w as important. It is up to you to make sure you use all of the facts presented in your resume.Using other skills in your resume is also a great way to make sure you do not oversell yourself. Instead of including a list of your work experience, you can instead show how you use these skills to get a job done. If you had to get your hands dirty to fix a problem before you were able to get it fixed, you should show this to the hiring manager when your resume is read.Once you get a chance to put your resume to the test, you will quickly see how simple it is to make a resume that does not focus on how many years of experience you have. However, by using these suggestions, you can make sure you do not only make a resume that impresses the hiring manager, but that impresses the hiring manager the best way possible.

9 SMART Tips for a Successful Telephone Interview Part 2 During the Call - Hire Imaging

9 SMART Tips for a Successful Telephone Interview Part 2 During the Call - Hire Imaging photo by Steven Depolo You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” ~ Author Unknown The telephone interview is a crucial first step to getting on the short list. In Part 1, we covered 5 Tips to prepare. Now, are you ready when that phone rings? Comparable to a sales professional who “qualifies” a prospect to determine whether he or she is a good fit for the product (and worth spending more time with), in a phone interview the employer is qualifying you and determining whether you are a good fit for the position being offered (therefore deciding whether to spend more time with you in a face-to-face interview). Here are some tips to maximize success during the phone interview. 1. Manage expectations. Here’s what they want to know: You meet basic qualifications for the job Your answers are consistent with information on your résumé or application You understand the position and have asked appropriate questions You have expressed not only interestâ€"but enthusiasmâ€"for the position 2. Gather your dashboard data. You should have your resume/stories and the job description/posting handy, as well as the caller’s name, title, company and all related contact information for follow-up. Go ahead and ask for any contact information you still need. It shows you’re on the ball and focused on details. 3. Listen as though you can’t see. You will not have the benefit of visual clues (body language; eye contact). Try closing your eyes to block out any distractions. It will help you tune in and really listen to the caller. Another trick is to silently repeat a few sentences that the interviewer says (don’t do this for more than a minute or two). This silent-echo technique will help you focus on what’s being said. Remove background noises before the callâ€"kids, phones, music and outside noises. 4. Tune in to how you sound. Because you don’t have the advantage of face-to-face visual clues like smiling, eye contact or nodding your head to show you are listening, use an occasional “I see” or “I understand” or “Go on” to indicate that you’re listening carefully. If you need a moment to think of an answer, that’s okay. But instead of having dead air, say something like, “That’s an interesting question.” Pay attention to how you come across. Try recording your voice on the call to hear what others hear. Listen for pitch, volume and attitude. Try smiling when you talk to add enthusiasm and friendliness to your voice. Monitor your pace. Think about shortening the length of your responses a bit for phone interviews. If you tend to be a talker, pull back so that you don’t dominate the conversation. Having a stopwatch or 2-minute hourglass in front of you might help. 5. Be prepared for their questions; and with your own. Anticipate some of the frequently asked questions in phone interviews: 1.       What are the top duties you perform in your current/most recent position? 2.       What types of decisions do you frequently make in your current/most recent position? How do you go about making them? 3.       How many years of experience do you have with _______ (the type of product/service you’ll be providing if hired for this job)? 4.       How would you describe your ideal work environment? 5.       Why are you leaving your current employer? Or Why did you leave your last employer? 6.       What do you know about (or expect from) this position? 7.       What do you know about our company? 8.       How does this position fit into your long-term career plans? OR Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years? 9.       Why are you the best candidate for this position? 10.   When would you be available? 11.   Is the salary range for the position within your acceptable range? 12.   What questions do you have? You probably won’t have time to ask many questions in a phone interview, as the interviewer is often more interested in confirming facts than establishing a relationship. However, there are a few key questions that will help you understanding the position: 1.       How would you describe the ideal candidate for this position? 2.       What are the top-priority projects or initiatives for this position in the next 30 days? 60 days? 90 days? 3.       How does this position fit into the company’s long-term plans? Note that there are NO questions about salary or benefits. At this stage, you want to focus on how you can contribute value to the organization. Listen carefully to the interviewer’s description of the company and the position. Continue to think in terms of “it’s about them; not me”. 6. Use your SMART Stories. Have your SMART Stories internalized and on hand. Interviewers will be impressed with concise and specific responses to questions. Make sure you cover the “R” in SMART â€" providing results will definitely set you apart from your competition. It answers the metrics of the “So what?” and “Make me care!” thoughts in each interviewer’s mind. 7. Anticipate surprise. You may be asked unexpected questions, or even be asked to participate in a role-play. If you need a moment to think on your feet, fill in the gap by repeating some of the interviewer’s instructions. For example, “Sure; let me review the scenario so that I’m clear on what you’re describing.” And then repeat a few of the steps. 8. Take notes. Note-taking helps you remember the specifics of your conversation and helps you come across as a great listener. Bonus: When you get to the subsequent face-to-face interview, bringing up important points from your prior notes continues to create a great impression that you’re motivated, in control and engaged. 9. Grab an opportunity to move to the next phase. When the interviewer asks a particularly important question, respond with a request for a face-to-face meeting. “That’s an important question, and one that I could answer more fully in person.” And if appropriate, “I have some interesting information that addresses that matter. Is it possible to set up a meeting on Wednesday or Thursday?” If this type of opportunity does not present itself, make sure and close with a thank-you. Interviewers are typically busy people with a full plate. Thank the interviewer for taking time from a hectic schedule to speak with you. And ask with confidence what next steps will be, say that you are excited about moving forward. And of course, don’t forget to send both an email and hand-written thank-you note. Any telephone conversation with a networking contact, recruiter or employer should be considered an interview. Remember the mantra, “It’s about them, not me.” Translation: think from the employer’s perspective and filter every situation with the question, “What does the employer need from me as a candidate and how can I meet their needs?” This focus on what the employer needs is the secret to being less self-conscious and more relaxed through the phone interviewâ€"and overall screening process. It’s a conversation and collaborationâ€"not an interrogation! Here’s to you getting on the short list!

6 Ways to Calm Job Interview Nerves - Wolfgang Career Executive Coaching

6 Ways to Calm Job Interview Nerves - Wolfgang Career Executive Coaching Guest blog with great ideas for how to be confident in a job interview and calm those interview nerves! Coach Wolfgang After sending countless CVs, you finally got a call â€" the company of your dreams finds that you may be the next person to join their team. However, now comes the hardest part: the notorious interview! Most people claim that this is the most nerve-wracking part of the whole process, from searching for a job to working. The reason for that is that they don’t prepare themselves enough for what is to come. All you need is to believe in yourself and appear confident, because if you don’t look like you think, this is the job for you, how could they? The following tips can help you to master the art of being confident, shaking off those interview nerves and finally sealing the deal. Have a Strong Handshake The first thing you’ll do when you come in is to shake the hands of the interviewers. This is the first impression they’ll have of you and it needs to be a good one. A limp handshake can instantly reveal all your insecurities. Try to be the first to extend your hand for a firm handshake, it will show you have initiative. While you shake the interviewers’ hand, smile and look them in the eyes. Smiling is not just a way to make you look more friendly, it will also help you to feel more relaxed. Make Eye Contact There is nothing that says “I have confidence” more, than not being afraid to make eye contact. Eye contact can represent so many things, and it can show that you are present, a patient listener, and most importantly, that you have confidence. Put yourself in the employer’s shoes; would you hire a person who is even scared to look somebody directly in the eyes? Interview nerves go away when you look them in the eye! Inform Yourself Say Bye to Interview Nerves Prior to standing before the interviewer and trying to convince them that you are the right person for that job, you should collect enough information so that nothing can surprise you. It can help you feel calmer and shake those interview nerves when the time of the interview actually comes. The insecurity usually comes from the fact that you are scared that they will ask questions to which you won’t have an answer, but if you check your facts, there is nothing to feel scared about. The most important information you need before you head to the interview are: The story behind the company â€" You will work there and you need to know everything that you can find about them. If you show that you are truly passionate about the work they do it will certainly provide you with some extra points. What do you have to offer? â€" The question almost everybody asks is why are you the right person for this job? Prepare an answer that truly represents your strengths and what you can contribute to the company. A good interview preparation can take you a long way. Speak with Conviction It is not only about what you say, but how you say that is what will help your potential employers to form an opinion about you. You need the right combination of strong voice and a friendly tone. Also, don’t rush it. If you speak too fast it will only make them lose their focus and it is an instant sign of stage fright. Speak slowly and clearly so that everyone can understand you. Don’t forget to look them in the eyes while doing so. If it helps, you can always practice the talk at home. Be aware of your body language Body language is the easiest tool you can use to showcase your confidence. That is why you should sit upright and try to lean slightly forward. Nodding when appropriate is also a good way to show that you are paying attention and it gives them a sense of the agreement on your side. Try to look relaxed and at ease. Be the One Who Asks Questions Step forward and ask the interviewers some meaningful questions. This doesn’t mean that you should be arrogant and interrupt them, you just need to show that you have more to offer than just to listen and nod your head. Some of the questions you can use in order to show interest and preparedness are: What would be my main priority in this role? What avenues are available within the company after this position? How will my training look like? What tasks will define success in this position? What will the typical day look like? Is there something I should do differently than the previous people who have held this job? How does your company view creativity and individuality? Some final thoughts Feeling nervous about the interview is the most natural thing. Simple tricks such as these can seem trivial, but they are of great importance in order for you to represent yourself as a competent person for the job. The interview is the determining moment for every career and that is why it should be your time to shine and show your employers how well you perform under pressure. Authors bio Daniela McVicker is a freelance writer and editor for Top Writers Review. She graduated from Durham University and has an MA in Psychological Science. Her fields of expertise are creative writing, fiction writing, and academic research. By Wolfgang Career Coaching|2019-01-31T02:58:53+00:00October 15th, 2018|Job Interview|0 Comments