Should I bring a cover letter to the interview?

To answer this question, a person should understand the purpose of a cover letter. A cover letter serves as an introduction document for the resume, outlining the knowledge, skills, and abilities relevant to prospective employers. A cover letter can not only focus on the job seeker’s past, but can also bring to light future plans and aspirations. Since an interview insinuates that the employer has already received and read the resume, a cover letter isn’t necessary to bring to the interview.

How do I explain the reason for leaving a previous employer?

I’m probably 100% accurate when I say there isn’t an interviewing professional in the world that would recommend saying something negative about a previous employer. With this said, it’s important to look positively upon leaving a past employer — regardless of whether it was your decision, theirs, or both. Employers understand that not all marriages last, so employees don’t generally commit to employers for a lifetime. Leaving an employer can be explained using clauses such as “the position didn’t have room for growth” or “I felt my capabilities were being underutilized so I felt it was best that I seek employment elsewhere.” After making a statement containing one of these clauses, I would then focus on the assets you’ll be bringing to this employer.

What is your least favorite job duty?


Questions that demand a negative answer tend to corner interviewees. A least favorite job duty can cover mundane, every-day duties like filing. I recommend mentioning a job skill that will not be required (or on a limited basis) of the position you’re interviewing for. For example, an electrical engineer might say, “I tend to have problems copying because copiers love to jam up on me.” (… let out a little chuckle to show the interviewer you have a sense of humor)

Devise a statement that answers the interviewers question, yet doesn’t reflect negatively upon your abilities to perform the position.

Thank-you letter for the 2nd interview?

A thank-you letter is just that, a way of thanking the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you. A letter is important for all interviews, especially if you met with another interviewer — possibly a panel or lunch interview where several company reps were present. Use different stationery for the second letter.

How would your colleagues describe you?

It’s difficult to speculate on what colleagues would say truthfully, making it challenging to answer this question. Of course, you can answer a number of different ways as long as you answer it honestly and without negativity. Focus on your strong work ethic.

Source: interviewstrategies.com

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Exclusively for Campus/Off-campus

So what if you are not a mountaineer. Or a keen hiker. You still cannot treat your interview like a careless morning trot along a jogger's path. Your jaw-jaw at the interview table is nothing less than a cautious climb up a mountain trail--which begins around your early childhood and meanders through the years at the academia before reaching a new summit in your career. And as you retrace your steps down memory lane make sure that you post flags at important landmarks of your life and career, so that you can pop them before the interview panel scoops them out of you. You don't want to be at the receiving end, do you?

Face the panel, but don't fall of the chair in a headlong rush-and-skid attempt to tell your story. Take one step at a time. Here are a few preparation tips from the Team of Freshersworld.com that books on interviews sometimes overlook. Remember, as a fresher you do not have anything to loose but to gain.

TYPICAL QUESTIONS THAT AN INTERVIEWER WOULD ASK

1.Tell me about yourself
The most often asked question in interviews. You need to have a short statement prepared in your mind. Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed. Limit it to work/Study-related items unless instructed otherwise. Talk about things you have done well at your college and how you wanted to perform in the first job.

2. Why Should We Employ You?
For this question, your answer should list out strengths that you feel are relevant to the job. Given below are some answers which could help you with your answers. However, structure them to suit your requirements.

I have good co-ordination skills
Good analytical skills
I can persuade people to see my point of view, and get the work done
My greatest asset is my ability to motivate people
Even during emergencies, I do not loose my cool
I have good entrepreneurial skills
I have consistently met my deadlines and targets
Can say “no” to people when required to do so!
I am very co-operative with my sub-ordinates, and would like to see them grow
I am a good team player
I am very flexible, and have the ability to work hard under difficult work conditions
I have the experience and knowledge relevant to this job (Here, give appropriate details and examples)

3. Do You Have Offers From Other Companies ?


This is of course a difficult question to answer. Obviously, you must have applied to other companies if you are looking for a job or would have some offers from other companies already. Therefore, do not lie that you have not. However, you are on thin ice here! The interviewer could be checking your honesty. On the other hand, he/she may also be trying to find out how focused you are - are you applying randomly, or is there a well-planned strategy?
Whatever your answer, it should match your career goals.

4. What Salary Are You Expecting?
Try not to get into salary details early in the interview. If pressed, you could say that it all depends on the job, and would like to talk about it after a job offer. Say this in a convincing tone. In case you are asked this question in your latter interviews, give a direct answer. Do not sound apologetic while quoting the figure you have in mind.

SALARY EXPECTATIONS :

1. How much do you expect?
If you have done your homework, you would know how much other people in similar jobs are paid. Quote the range upfront.

2. How much do you think you are worth?
Work out how much you should be paid, given the market value of the job and your skills. If you can bring some extra skills to the table, do not hesitate to ask for more than the market value.

3. What kind of a culture are you comfortable with?
It is better to be frank about your preferences. Your interviewer will get a clear idea about your expectations.

4. Which is more important to you-salary, perks or growth opportunities?
This one will reveal the real you. So be sure what you are going to say. Above all, be true to yourself. If you think this is a negotiation move, then say clearly that you will never sell yourself short.

5. What do you know about our company?
Do not give your opinions about the company. Stick to reported facts that you have gathered from newspapers and so on. Talk about the product portfolio, size, income, and market perceptions of the company. Also it is better to refer details about each company before going for the interview from Freshersworld.com or PlacementWeek.com

6. Why should we choose you over someone else?
Talk clearly about problems that you have solved in your College/Project Team and highlight the quality required.

6. Your qualifications are excellent, but you may be overqualified for the position we have to offer?
Point out that more experience can never be a drawback. If you are multi-skilled, then highlight the fact that a company on the fast-track needs multi-skilled people. It needs people within different departments to work together. Also emphasise that the company's future growth will be an exponential function of your experience.

QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK :

Interviewers usually round off by giving you an opportunity to ask questions. Treat it like a welcome opportunity.
You could ask questions like.

• Tell me about your company.
• Now that I have outlined my career goals, do you think you can offer me the opportunities I need?
• What kind of training and learning can I expect in your company?
• Describe the work culture and the management style of your company?
• What is the long-term vision of your company?

As a fresher, current position and status can impact the way you are interviewed. Fresh Out of College

The basis on which you will be judged is your academic background, family background, and interests.
If looking for your first job, ensure that your previous experience, even if it is part-time, is noticed.
Mention projects or responsibilities you may have undertaken. This will indicate your area of aptitude.
You should be willing to put in regular hours, in line with the company's policies. The interviewer needs to know whether you can be punctual and put in full-time work.
In case you have applied for the post of management trainee, you should display an ability to adapt, and indicate all-round interests. Moreover, you should have good interpersonal skills.
You should be enthusiastic to learn, and show commitment towards the organization, as the company will be spending a lot on your training.

Bring with you :
a) Copies of your resumes
b) References and letters of recommendations.

First Impressions :
There is a common saying that minds are made up within the first 5 minutes of an interview. So keep in mind these important first impression indicators. Walk in the door as if you already work there, carry yourself as though you feel perfectly comfortable with the situation. Arrive on time or a little early. In the waiting area, politely tell the receptionist who you are meeting and in a friendly way, ask where you should sit. Take slow, deep breaths to help you remain calm and focused. When introduced to the interviewer, have a firm, but not painful, handshake. Smile. Have good posture when sitting or standing. Introduce yourself in a relaxed, confident manner. Have a well-groomed, professional appearance. Project a feeling of confidence. Bring extra copies of your resume, some thing to write on and something to write with.

source: Freshersworld.com

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If your resume has been circulating in the job market for more than a month and you haven't gotten requests for job interviews, the problem could be your resume. Here's a quick quiz to identify if your resume needs to be improved to produce results:

1. Is your resume a generic, one-size-fits-all document that focuses on your past?
2. Is your resume composed of job descriptions instead of achievement statements?
3. Have you used a resume format that highlights your weaknesses and downplays your strengths?
4. Are there any red flags (such as employment gaps, age discrimination, job hopping, or appearing overqualified) in your resume that would make an employer think twice about inviting you to an interview?

If you answered Yes to even one of these questions, read on to learn how you can remedy your resume problem.

Hit the Target
A targeted resume can get you considered by a hiring manager or search committee, while a general resume is apt to get lost in the pile of competing resumes. The key concept in writing a winning resume is to keep the focus on your job objective, which means you may need to tailor your resume each time you apply for a different job. Don't groan… revising your resume isn't that much work, and it's well worth your energy when you consider how much more effective your document will be in today's tough job market.

Triple the Value
Think of your resume as a piece of high-end real estate where every pixel counts. You can triple the value of your real estate by stating your experience as achievements instead of boring job descriptions. Here's how: In the one or two lines it would take to describe a task you performed, you can talk about an accomplishment that resulted when you performed that task. For example, contract negotiator Pearl Hancock wrote on her resume: "Successfully met strategic licensing agreements within timeframe and budget" instead of a job description such as "Oversaw completion of strategic licensing agreements."

A job description says only what you did. An achievement statement says 1) what you did; 2) that you're good at performing that task; and 3) that you're proud of the skills you used and enjoy using them. That's triple the value for the same experience.

To figure out what achievements are appropriate for your resume, ask yourself the following questions:

• How does my potential employer define success for the job I'm applying for? How do I measure up?
  Example: Juanita Garcia knows that as a real estate appraiser, her success will be determined partially by how well she understands state real estate law. To assure the employer that she excels at this, she wrote this achievement statement: "Developed a five-page guide on state appraising regulations, which became a standard reference at Carlson Real Estate."
• What project am I proud of that demonstrates I have the skills for my job objective?
  Example: When Louis Pulski was looking for a research position, he found a job posting that required candidates to be "Skilled at providing accurate and prompt reference service through print and online services." To address this requirement, Louis wrote the following achievement statement: "Performed timely, in-depth searches for print and online information at the request of faculty, students, and the general public."
• What is my prospective employer's bottom line (for example: money, attendance, retention, clean data), and when have I shown that I know how to address that bottom line?
  Example: Salesman Paul Crome knows that his prospective employer's bottom line is money. Therefore, he created strong achievement statements such as "Generated over $1 million in new business annually."
• What technical or management skills do I have that indicate the level at which I perform?
  Example: Knowing that the employer wants a candidate with basic computer skills, Sheila Fromer exceeded the requirement by writing: "Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Outlook; Netscape and Internet Explorer; SPSS for Windows, basic HTML coding." Is there any doubt that Sheila's a whiz on the computer?
• What problem did I solve, how did I solve it, and what were the results?Example: On his resume, lawyer Chris Pathens referred to a problem he solved: "Drafted legal notices necessary to merge operations without jeopardizing company's multimillion-dollar distribution."

Format Does Matter
Chronological? Functional? What difference does it make which format you use for your resume? It's all about timing. With the right format, you can grab an employer's interest during his or her initial eight-second scan of your resume.

An employer gives only about eight seconds to a resume in the initial scan. During those few seconds he or she wants to see 1) who the job seeker is; 2) what the job seeker wants; and 3) why the job seeker should get an interview. If the employer can't grasp that information in a quick scan, he or she is apt to set the resume aside or, even worse, discard it.

The right resume format (either chronological or functional) organizes your information so that it passes an employer's eight-second test. So which format should you use? It depends on what type of career transition you're making. Here are guidelines for when to use each format.

Chronological Format
The most traditional format is the chronological resume. This format highlights your dates, places of employment, and job titles, presenting them as headings under which your accomplishments are written.

The chronological format can be most effective when:

• You wish to remain in the same field or industry.
• Your work history shows lateral or vertical career growth or an increase in job responsibility, making your job objective the next obvious step in your career path.
• Your current or most recent position is one you are proud of and enjoy.
• There are no gaps in your employment history.

The Functional Resume
The functional resume presents your work experience under skill headings, which gives you the freedom to prioritize your achievements by their relevance and impact rather than by chronology. The dates, names of employers, and job titles in your work history are listed concisely in a separate section, usually at the bottom of your resume.

The functional format can be most effective when:

• You are changing to a new career.
• You are preparing to re-enter the job market.
• You need to focus on experience or skills from an earlier time in your work history.
• Your unpaid or volunteer work is more relevant to your objective and should therefore be highlighted.
• Your most recently held position is not impressive.
• Your job titles do not accurately describe the level of responsibility you held.

Red Flags
Most employers don't like to take hiring risks, especially in today's litigious society where employment laws are loosely interpreted. Any one of the following red flags on a resume spells "risk" for an employer and could cause him or her to toss a resume:

• Gaps in employment
• Dates that trigger age discrimination
• Job hopping
• Appearing overqualified

The solutions to these problems vary, depending on the situation. Here are some suggestions for resolving your red flag.

Gaps in Employment
All employment gaps must be filled so as not to make the prospective employer wonder if you had or have a serious problem such as substance abuse, incarceration, chronic illness, or just plain laziness. In the Work History section of your resume, explain any employment gaps by inserting a "job title" (full-time parent, volunteer, student, independent study, travel abroad) that is relevant to your job objective, or at least says something positive about your character. For example, aspiring receptionist Sophia Ricardo was unemployed for 15 years while she raised a family. In her Work History section, she listed the relevant volunteer positions she held during that time.

Dates that Trigger Age Discrimination
Here's a great way to understand how the dates on your resume create an impression of your age. It's called the EPT formula (Experience Plus Twenty): Subtract the earliest work history date on your resume from today's date (years only, not months). Add that number of years to 20 (used as a ballpark figure for how old you probably were when you started working) to get a total of "x," meaning that you are at least x years old. For example, a resume written in 2004 with a work history that starts in 1990 tells the reader that the job seeker is at least 34 years old (14 years of experience + 20 = 34).

A well-crafted resume uses dates to lead the employer to deduce that you are within the ideal age range for the position you are seeking, regardless of your actual age. For example, Lillian Smith is older than the "ideal" candidate the employer is hoping to hire for an administrative assistant position. Knowing that, she did not put dates next to her degrees under Education and she went back only 15 years in her Work History, indicating that she is at least 35 years old, an age she believes the employer will deem appropriate.

Job Hopping
On average, workers change jobs once every two to three years. In many industries, employers find this rate of job change acceptable. Less than two years between jobs raises the question, "If I hire this person, how quickly will he leave me for his next opportunity?"

If you have short terms of employment in your history, here are some ways to put a prospective employer's mind at ease. One or more of these suggestions might work for you:

• Use a functional format. This format takes the spotlight off your Work History section by placing it at the bottom of the resume, thereby shining the light on the skill headings in the body of the resume.
• Present similar short-term jobs under one job title, such as:
  Information Analyst assignments: XYZ Inc., ABC Corp., and JFK Co., 2002-2004

This technique works in both the chronological and functional formats.

• If you're a new grad, include wording such as "concurrent with education" in the heading of your Employment section. This technique may be used in either a chronological or functional format.
• If you worked as a temp, state the employment agency as your employer, or call yourself a contractor and create a list of selected companies where you worked. For example:
  Information Analyst, ABC Temp Agency, 2001-2003
  or Information Analyst Contractor, 2001-2003
  Selected clients: DEF Corp., HIJ Inc., and KLM Co.

Overqualified
If you're worried that something on your resume might make you look overqualified for your job objective, consider placing that information in an inconspicuous place on your resume, or leave it off completely. For instance, if you're applying for an entry-level job as a pastry chef, you might not put your Ph.D. in Chemistry on your resume for fear that the employer would assume you want too much salary or would become bored in an entry-level position.

The Wrap-Up
Now that you've targeted your resume for your job objective, filled it with achievement statements, and resolved any red flags that might have caused a hiring manager to toss your resume, you're ready to give your document the ultimate test: sending it to an employer. If you're snail-mailing your hardcopy resume, take the following steps:

1. Put your resume and cover letter in a 9x11 envelope. Sending it flat in a large envelope will allow it to arrive without creases that sometimes crack the print.
2. Don't staple your documents-you can paper-clip them together if you wish. Unstapled sheets are easy for the recipient to slip into a copy machine.
3. Neatly hand-address the envelope or create a sticky label for the envelope.

Drop your packet in the mailbox, go home, and put your feet up-you've done a great job and deserve a rest! Your next step is to plan what you'll wear to your job interview.

Source:

• susanireland.com


• job-hunt.org

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The job application letter's sole purpose is to get the recipient to read your CV. It should be clear, concise and straight to the point. Here you are simply telling the employer that you are worth having a look at.

The application letter should be brief, no more than one page in length. It should be easy to read and flow through. It should include only the absolute necessary information. Like most other things, there is a formula that works extremely well for preparing job application letters. Following we discuss each paragraph and give you some guidelines.

Addressing job application letters:
The style you choose is not important, there are many different styles of job applications and professional letters, this comes down to personal preference. However somewhere on the top, whether it is on the right or left hand sides, there should be your address and the date. Following this, on the left hand side you should address it. Ensure you include the name of the person, their title, company name, address and any position reference number. This is probably obvious, but ensure that you spell their name correctly, nothing worse than receiving a letter incorrectly addressed or misspelled. It gives a poor first impression.

The Introductory Paragraph:
The first paragraph should simply state why you are writing to them. If it is an advertised position, mention the position title and where it was advertised. If you are "cold calling" a company then you should specify that you are applying for any current or future employment opportunities.

An easy way to start this paragraph is with the following statement: " Please find enclosed my CV, which I am forwarding to you as an application for the position of......."

The main body of job application letters:
The main body of the letter should be two to three paragraphs at the most. Here is where you tell them what you have to offer and why they should read your CV. This is a good time to read the job advertisement again. In one paragraph (two at the most) you need to summarise your experience and skills, at the same time, you need to respond to the position requirements as per the advertisement.

Analyse your career and summarise it in a few sentences, highlight what you specialise in, or how many years in the industry you might have, or even the level that you have reached. This paragraph should direct the reader to your CV and should sell you on some unique points that you might have.

A good way to start this paragraph is with a statement like this: "You will see from my enclosed CV...." then go ahead and tell them something about your career which will immediately get their interest.

The next part of the body of the letter should be a brief description of your personal skills. Again read the advertisement and respond to their needs. If they are asking for someone with good co-ordination skills, then ensure you mention something to that effect. If it is communication or perhaps leadership skills they value, then tell them that you have these. Use adjectives like "demonstrated ability", "well developed", "strong".

Job Application Letters Closing Paragraph:
The closing paragraph should ask for some action from the recipient. This is where you ask for an interview. It should also state where and how they can reach you, and it should thank the recipient for giving you the opportunity to apply. You can include things like "should you require further information....." .

Finish the letter by adding a closing remark, either "yours sincerely", "yours faithfully' or whatever you feel comfortable with and obeying general letter writing etiquette. Leave a few spaces for your signature and then place your full name.

Before you mail the application letter, read it over again, making sure that it is perfect. Special attention should be placed to ensure the letter:

• It is not too long.
• There are no grammar or spelling errors.
• That you have answered the job requirements.
• The application letter flows and is easy to read.

You might have to type and edit the letter many times before you are happy with it, but just remember that the job application letter is just as important as the CV itself. The letter should invite the recipient to read the resume, in turn the resume should raise enough interest for them to want to interview you. The Interview is where you will demonstrate your skills and abilities.

source: engineers-international.com

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Cover Letter Strategies
Use six strategies recommended by a career expert to improve the effectiveness of your resume cover letters.
Cover Letter Strategies

by Kevin Donlin

In a nutshell, your cover letter should say, "I'm the right person for the job. I have unique skills and experience that will help your company right away. I hope you're as excited about this as I am." The accompanying resume should then prove your case.

Put another way, the cover letter is the advertisement for your resume.

To get your resume read, and to get that job interview, your cover letter must do the following six things.

1. Focus on the needs of employers and how you would solve their problems. Employers have problems. That's why they're hiring! Your cover letter should say (although not in so many words): "I'm the answer to your problems."
2. Display knowledge of the company. With the glut of information available on the Internet and most public libraries, you should be able to drop one or two facts/names into your cover letter to show you've done your homework on the company and its products, needs, challenges, etc. If you offer well-researched suggestions that will work right away for a company, they WILL call you.
3. Briefly state your best qualifications AND achievements. Don't spend a lot of time rehashing your resume. But do include enough tidbits to generate interest in the mind of the reader.
4. Show your enthusiasm about the job. Avoid sounding like 90% of applicants, who say (not in so many words): "Give me a job where I can advance and make more money." Instead, convey this: "I'm excited about the possibility of bringing my skills to work for you."
5. State that you will follow up to schedule an interview. If you politely inform the reader that you'll be calling within a few days to answer any questions and schedule an in-person interview, you set yourself apart from the crowd with your determination and confidence.
6. Keep your letter short and focused. Most letters ramble on in excruciating detail for one or even two full pages. Show respect for the limited time your reader has and limit yourself to four, five or six paragraphs at most.

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10 Basic principles of writing cover letter:

1. Take the time to research each employer's organization and personalize each letter. Indicating that you know something about the company shows that you are careful and interested in the employer. This approach is much more effective than sending out hundreds of identical form letters.
2. Highlight one or two of your most significant accomplishments or abilities to show you are an above average candidate. Selecting only one or two special attributes helps your chances of being remembered. Be brief; demonstrate that you understand the value of the reader's time.
3. Use a polite, formal style that strikes a balance between confidence in yourself and respect for the employer. Be clear, objective, and persuasive rather than simply describing your background.
4. Be positive in tone, content, and expectations. Do not add details about yourself, your past experience, or your preparation that may call attention to your weaknesses or raise questions about your confidence or ability to do the job.



5. Use active voice and powerful action verbs in your writing to hold the reader's interest and convey a sense of energy.
6. Group similar items together in a paragraph; then organize paragraphs so that they relate to each other logically. Avoid writing that lumps together unrelated information without a strong topic sentence to tie the information together. Remember it is your responsibility to organize the information for the reader.
7. Always back up general statements with specific facts or examples. Documentation creates credibility and reduces uncertainty and abstraction for the reader.
8. Avoid jargon and cliches. It is tempting to use ready made phrases such as "self-starter," "proven leadership skills," "excellent interpersonal skills," etc., but using today's buzz words can suggest parroted formulas rather than original thought.
9. Check the spelling and grammar in all correspondence. If you are not confident of your ability to detect grammatical, punctuation, or English usage errors or if you need help in organizing your letters, bring your correspondence to a professional for assistance.
10. Never misrepresent yourself by overstating your experience or skills. Even if you do not have every qualification sought by the employer, stick to the facts and tell the truth by emphasizing your strengths.

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Gain helpful tips on how to edit your resume to clearly state your career goals and job objectives.

The Future is Now
by Kevin Donlin

Are you a slave to your past?
You may be ... if your resume focuses only on the duties you've held, instead of the results you can produce.
Doing so will limit your career progress.
Let's fix that.

Let's write a resume that makes employers pick up the phone, call you for an interview and ask: "Can you do that for me, too?"
Here's how, using "before" and "after" examples from actual resumes.


1) Start with the right opening statement.

Focus on what you can DO for an employer, not on what you want from that employer.
This "before" example misses badly:

OBJECTIVE

My objective is to find a job that is challenging, and a job that will utilize my four year degree.
Wrong. Employers don't really care if you're challenged or if you picked the right major in college.
Here's how I rewrote that opening:

OBJECTIVE

Seeking inside sales/support position where sales, client service and technical skills will add value.
See the difference? Make it bold and obvious what you want to do in your next job.


2) Most important information goes first.

As a rule, the more relevant the information is to the job you want, the closer it should be to the top of your resume.
Example: if you're a recent college grad with an MIS degree, who wants a job in computer programming, your resume could follow this order:

OBJECTIVE
COMPUTER SKILLS
EDUCATION
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

If you're a retail manager with 10 years of experience and a degree not related to retail, you could follow this order on your resume:

OBJECTIVE
MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
EDUCATION
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Shoot your big guns first. Never assume busy employers will read every word of your resume.


3) Make your value obvious to employers.

Here's where almost everybody could use a little help. To stand out from the hundreds of resumes most employers see every week, you MUST turn duties and responsibilities into specific results on your resume.
It's a major shift in thinking that will pay huge dividends in your job search.
Done right, employers reading your resume will think: "This person can do just what I'm looking for!"

This "before" example comes from a client who wanted a job in sales. Here's how he described his latest position, in customer service:

"This job gave me a good look at the financial aspect of customer service. I learned how to deal with volatile customers, and mastered the art of defusing a hot customer."

But what does this have to do with sales? Nothing, really.

Since all sales managers want sales reps who are competitive and beat goals, I rewrote that description with his desired sales job in mind, like this:

"Regularly exceeded goals by providing service during 80% of available time, ranking in top 10% of employees for efficient handling of inquiries."

(He left his bank teller job and got a great position in sales last month, by the way.)

You can do this, too.

By focusing on what you can do, putting the elements in relevant order, and proving your value with specific achievements, your next resume could be your ticket to a new and better job.

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The interview gives you a chance to tell us a little about yourself and to find whether IBM offers you the career opportunities and training that you're looking for. These interview tips and common questions may help you.


Preparation for the interview is imperative:

Find out as much information as you can about IBM and the business units you might be interested in.
Prepare questions that you would like to ask the interviewer about career opportunities in IBM.
Role play an interview session with a friend.
Understand your own strengths and weaknesses and what you might be able to bring to IBM.
Run through commonly asked questions. Prepare for subjective questions that only you can answer eg. What are your career aspirations?
Prepare a suitable outfit for the day which presents you well.
Find out where the interview will be held, the time, place, the interviewer's name and their position in the organisation. Ensure you are punctual.


At the interview:

Appear confident even if you are not feeling it.
Don't worry if you need a moment to think through your answer. Most interviewers will understand if you need a little time to collect your thoughts.
Interviewers are looking to evaluate certain qualities, so try to give specific answers with examples if possible.
Be honest in your answers. The Interviewer is trying to place you in a role that will develop your potential.
Common questions include:

Over the next 3-5 years, what sort of role do you see yourself in?
What are your most significant achievements to date?
Where do you see your strengths on the technical and personal fronts?
How could you add value to IBM if you got this job?
Why would you want to join IBM?
Could you relate an incident when you were had a difference of opinion with a colleague and tell me how you resolved it?

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