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How to Ace the Job Interview |
Print Version (pdf) |
A survey was conducted by Accountemps for accounting, bookkeeping
and information systems fields. The survey polled 200 executives from
the nation’s largest 1,000 companies. Here are the results.
Respondents were asked:
| Other than the ability to do the
job, what is the one quality that impresses you the most about
a candidate during a job interview? |
Which one of the following times of day do youbelieve
is most productive for conducting hiring interviews |
Verbal Skills
|
38%
|
Before 9 a.m. |
14% |
| Enthusiasm |
24% |
9 a.m. - 11 a.m. |
69% |
| Appearance |
8% |
11 a.m. - 1 p.m. |
1% |
| Honesty/Integrity |
7% |
1 p.m. - 3 p.m. |
2% |
| Past experience/accomplishments |
7% |
3 p.m. - 5 p.m. |
2% |
| Poise/self-confidence |
4% |
After 5 p.m. |
2% |
| Sense of humor |
2% |
Other |
10% |
| Directness/eye contact |
2% |
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| Preparedness |
2% |
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| Positive attitude |
2% |
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| Professionalism |
2% |
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| Etiquette/manners |
2% |
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Ten Interview Bloopers |
- Poor Handshake: Limp hand gives the impression of weakness
of distinterest. Too strong is like an aggressive salesperson.
- Talking too much: Talking too long gives the impression you
can’t get to the point. Nervous talkers give the impression
the candidate is covering up something.
- . Talking negatively about current or past employers/managers:
Always try to say something positive.
- Showing up too late or early: Arrive about 10 minutes early.
- Treating the receptionist rudely: Often the receptionist is
asked her/his opinion of applicants.
- Asking about benefits, vacation time or salary: Wait until
you’ve been made the offer to discuss these issues.
- Not preparing for the interview: Always research the company
or organization prior to the interview.
- Verbal ticks: Practice in advance to reduce or eliminate the
“umms,” “like” and “you knows.”
- Not enough or too much eye contact: Avoiding eye contact makes
you seem shifty or untruthful. Too much eye contact can wear out
the interviewer.
- Failure to match communication styles: If the interviewer seems
all business, be succinct and businesslike. If the interviewer
is personable, you can be more informal.
From Quintessential Careers, July 19, 2004
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