Everyone changes jobs occasionally. After a while, you get used to the interview process. Chances are, because there are many people applying for every job today, you are not going to be picked. There are a number of things you can do to increase your chances of getting that job:

• have a good CV / resume
• act appropriately
• dress for success

The Importance of a Good CV / Resume

Your CV or resume is your ticket into the door. There is a whole section of this web site devoted to making a good one, click here (opens in a new window).

Act Appropriately

• Don't chew gum.
• Try not to be nervous; don't let your leg vibrate, which is a sure sign of nervousness.
• Don't tell jokes.
• Don't hesitate when responding to questions.
• Don't lie or exaggerate. If you don't know the answer to a question, just say, "Sorry, I don't know."
• Be confident, even if you are not.
• Meditate before the interview and visualize success.
• If the interviewer conducts the interview in an informal setting, relax a little, but still keep a business-like approach to the proceedings.
• If the interview is in a restaurant, watch your manners: don't slurp your soup or coffee, chew food with your mouth closed (very important!), don't talk with food in your mouth. Don't drink any alcohol, even if the interviewer offers to pay.
• If the interview is with a person of a different culture, try to read up on the cultural differences BEFORE the interview. Western people, for example, generally hold less formal interviews than their Asian counterparts, and so are more tolerant, but they look upon someone chewing food with their mouth open as a sign of a low class, poorly educated person.

Dress for Success

• Dress appropriately for the position and business. A job as a beach lifeguard is not going to require that you dress in a business suit.
• Don't over-dress or under-dress.
• If the interview is being held in a cold climate, like Canada in the winter, you need to put your heavy coat and boots somewhere; this should be obvious as you enter the premises, but if not, ask the receptionist. Many places do not like boots dripping with wet snow in their offices, and make you remove them. Come prepared with light shoes or slip-on shoes you can put on your feet.

There are many more tips in this part of the web site. Click on an item in the menu at the left; the article will appear in this part of the screen.

I wish you success in your job search.

Doug Anderson

Emigrate to the UK

Emigrate to Canada

Last updated 8 Feb 2008