Preparation is Key


Interviewing for a new job, or a promotion, can be a stressful situation. However, Preparation is the KEY! When preparing for that all important interview, take time to reflect upon your career experiences; and look for at least five good examples of your accomplishments and challenges--we will call them "bragging points".

Make a list of these "bragging points", and then write a short summary about each situation. Become very familiar with these situations and their details, because they will help you identify certain skill sets (i.e. creativity, leadership, motivation, negotiation, etc.) used in these situations.

The purpose of this exercise is to first help you remember your accomplishments. For example, when your interviewer asks you to tell them something about one of your most recent successes--you will be prepared! Secondly, when your interviewer asks you to discuss a situation where you used leadership--there you go! If you will closely examine each of your "bragging points" you will see that each contains several skill sets.

This type of preparation will take you through just about any type of interview. Regardless of the interview type (i.e. behavioral screening, group, etc.) you will be prepared with quick professional responses, and you will be able to readily identify and present your accomplishments.

Good luck with the interview and remember . . . . PREPARATION IS THE KEY!

Penny Estes

pennyestes@aol.com

Penny Estes is Director of Sales and Marketing for a general contracting company in Memphis, Tennessee. Her primary responsibilities are to create new sales and marketing opportunities. She earned her Bachelor's degree from Eastern College, St. David's, Pennsylvania. Currently, she is in the process of completing her MBA. Her professional background comprises of extensive experience in executive management, sales and marketing.

Penny has several professional affiliations: AgriCenter Board of Directors, Apartment Association of Greater Memphis Board of Directors, Tip Masters Board of Directors, and active member of Toast Masters International.

On a personal note, Penny and her husband, Tony, were married in Alaska. She has one teenage daughter, Amber, who is aspiring to be an anesthesiologist. Her hobbies include chess, exercise and family activities.


MORE RESOURCES:

Wanted: Optician, Educational Advocate, Bank Branch Manager
Patch.com
Please do your own research about any potential employer you apply to. About this column: A look at what companies are hiring in St. Charles County. Know of an opening? Let us know. Related Topics: Careers, Employment, Help Wanted, and Jobs.



Post-Bulletin

Heard on the Street: Preston's back in the support game
Post-Bulletin
Look for him to soon re-launch the series of weekly meetings featuring local business leaders (and even an occasional journalist — I'll be talking in mid-February) speaking about careers, employment and the Rochester scene. While he is still working ...



Gain the Job Interview Advantage with Top Tips from Body Language Expert Gil ...
MarketWatch (press release)
"Having worked in the careers/employment industry for more than 30 years, I know that many job seekers inadvertently sabotage their own searches because they don't understand the messages that their body language communicates," said Wendy Enelow, ...

and more »


Jamaica Gleaner

Red Stripe widens view on Premier League
Jamaica Gleaner
"It can only augur well for the development of careers, employment, business development, community unity and nation building. I want to endorse and big up Red Stripe. This is a bold move on behalf of Red Stripe, and Monday night I will certainly be at ...

and more »

Google News

home | site map
© 2006