JOBS

You’ve finally figured it out. You know (with at least ballpark specificity) what you want your next job to look like, feel like, be like. This is a great start. And to make it even better, you’veupdated your resume and gotten it all ready to tailor as-needed.

Now what are you supposed to do with your LinkedIn profile?

Chances are, you’re going to want to make a few quick updates to ensure your profile showcases you as a clear and obvious match for the type of roles you’re now eyeing. Wondering when the heck you’ll squeeze that into your busy, demanding life? Fear not, you can make substantial progress in just 30 minutes.

RT @willory1: Get the manager’s resume before you interview for the job https://t.co/oU4Tunzbnf

When you open your wardrobe to select what you must wear for a job interview which when successful, secures you a desk in the creative department of an ambitious, excellence-driven, globally hungry advertising company, a pair of short pants, a T-shirt worn over a bear body, a pair of native sandals and a Rastafarian veil worn over your dreadlocks may be acceptable.



When the job at stake is that of a rap music disk jockey, an oversized, large-sleeved baseball T-shirt with several inscriptions worn over a blue pair of jeans that is almost falling from the waist and covering your pair of canvass shoes below may not be out of place.

A university graduate whose passion it is to host an hour and a half of reggae music on one of the top radio networks who walks into the interview/auditioning hall wearing a blue/black suit may possibly be misconstrued for an internal revenue officer calling to present a tax clearance certificate to the CEO of the company.

A geodetic engineer fresh from school who responded to an online vacancy announcement and was later called for an interview may become the laughing stock of everyone if he steps into the interview room clad in a designer suit and some top-of-the-range shoes. But if the same jobseeker walks in, wearing mining gears and a pair of typical rugged CAT boots, the employer may see one of their own at work in one of the many mines spread across the Central, Western and Ashanti regions.

The candidate who enters the vetting office of a new, little community bank, set up purposely to assist farmers and local artisans walking on about a foot-high shoes and a short skirt a few inches below the hips with an exotic accent is likely to go home to continue her unemployment holidays.

Job interview

When you are preparing for a job interview, the clue is to understand the psychology of the job-giver which is also largely shaped by the industry norms of the said business. Today, any male young person attending a job screening for a position in a bank, wearing a bushy hair, oversized suit and shoes that make them taller by a foot stands a good chance of being mistaken for a middle-aged secondary school master going to the local GES office to sort out their salary challenges. This is so because young people in the fiduciary and banking industry these days tend to wear slim-fits, carry lowly cropped hair cuts and wear shoes that pass for sneakers. Except where you are able to properly understand these dynamics, you will brand yourself out of the competition yet be fighting for the job you have already lost.

Being professional in what you wear for a job interview is important and being as detailed as is practically possible in the selection of your wardrobe is equally prudent for every jobseeker. When you have resolved that the dressing tradition in the industry in which you are seeking entry requires prospects to wear suits for the job interview, work on the colour preference culture too. Because, even though a suit may be highly recommended for screening for finance jobs in general, a white suit, a brown garb or a yellow jacket may turn you into a bull in a China shop.

Economic hard times

Please be modest with whatever you choose to wear after having shopped the industry for clothing tradition, especially when you are dealing with start-ups or corporations that are having difficulties balancing their books due to economic hard times. This group of businesses usually do not pay much and so are usually not at ease with designer conscious, Rolex wearing jobseekers. If the employer sights you from a reasonable distance before you take your seat in front of them, they get to evaluate the clothes you are wearing for the function and quickly put money value on them. If your Marks & Spencer suit, Breitling watch and John Lobb pair of shoes easily place you in a certain class of people not usually preferred in start-ups or companies in distress, you can be sure you will throw the opportunity to the dogs. But for companies that have a finely polished personnel branding policy and who wish to position themselves in this light, the same dress would woo the job-giver and get them to make a decision in your favour.

If you have no new clothes because you have some current financial difficulties, select from your wardrobe the ones that can pass the test of decency and good grooming even if they are not new. When ironing, make time to avoid overly starching your clothes as this may make you look awkward in them.

Polish your shoes well and keep a tissue paper/handkerchief for final dusting before you arrive in the office where the test is scheduled to take place. But if you can afford driving yourself to the venue, you do not need this duster after a good polishing at home. Black shoes are seen as more professionally correct for both sexes than shoes of any other colours. Going mongo-parking is like wearing a flying tie over your vest without a long sleeve shirt. Let your socks synchronise with the colour of your shoes. Mind every accessory on you, including your belt. Belts, shoes and socks must match. (Ladies should not wear stockings to job interviews except where the screening is in areas of performing arts.)

The kind of haircuts we wear speak volumes about who we are. Artificial braids may not be a suitable option for female candidates especially when these braids are a little old and prone to giving off that pungent smell. Natural locks may be acceptable in some industries but frowned upon in others. These days, males who carry dread locks tend to have a certain X-factor working in their favour but this is restricted to non-formal areas and sphere of work where there is little client interaction with the dreadlocked employee. Wear the kind of hairstyle that synchronises with your peers in the industry and makes you almost get lost in their pool.

Avoid allowing your faith to get too much in the way of your clothe selection for a job interview. Muslim female jobseekers who continue to wear caftans after school and who are unwilling to let go of this fashion have to be very selective for the jobs they have to apply for if they wish to make these dress codes their official professional attire. Business owners who share these dressing principles may admire these caftans but liberal-minded employers will deny you the opportunity. Even for the so-called employer with similar values as yours, if your outfits are going to stand in the way of their business, you can count on them to fire you even before you are fully settled in the company.

Some female Muslim jobseekers select wardrobes that pass for a job interview but insist on veiling their heads. A lot of corporations do not really find that offensive as long as the said employee’s role is not a front desk one. But when attending an interview for a front desk position or a similar role which will require you from time to time to interact with clients, assess the dressing mood likely to pass before choosing your attires for the interview. — GB

1. Research

The importance of research before your interview cannot be stressed enough. The number of candidates that don’t research the company they have an interview with, or the interviewer themselves, is astonishing. By simply taking a bit of time to research what the company does, their core values as a business and any recent news about them – all of which can usually be found on their website - can really put you ahead of the game.
2. Re-visit

Even though you may have written your CV or application for this job a while back, re-reading through the tailored CV that you used, and the job description will provide you with a great starting point to prepare ahead of your interview.
Whilst your CV has got you the interview, it’s key that you are prepared to answer competency based interview questions such as: “Can you demonstrate a time where you solved a difficult situation” or “Give an example where you have effectively worked in a team”.
Questions like this are not aimed to catch you out or put you on the spot, rather to enable you to showcase your skills and a time where you have used this skill. Knowing what the employer is looking for (from the job description) and knowing examples of where you have demonstrated certain competencies (from your CV), you will be able to answer such questions clearly and confidently.
3. Dress to impress

They say that you have 7 seconds to make a first impression and within this precious time, your appearance will be one of the initial things an employer will notice. In an interview, it is always better to be too smart than too causal; you can’t go wrong with a smart black or blue suit and well-polished shoes, even if the company accepts informal dress.
You would be wise to prepare your outfit at least the day before so you are well prepared and don’t have a rush the morning of the interview, which could make you late.
4. Don’t be late!

Talking of being late…don’t be! If you arrive late, you will more than likely be flustered and will start the interview on the back foot, which could impede your delivery and confidence.
Plan your journey and if possible, do a dry run. We’d also suggest to allow extra time to get there; you don’t want to be caught out by traffic or any train delays.
If you are going to be late to your interview, call up the employer and apologise, they will appreciate you getting in touch and letting them know.
5. The all-important handshake

So you've arrived and you’re just about to meet the person who will be interviewing you. Although it may seem old-fashioned to some, for many employers a handshake can tell a lot about the person they are interviewing. Never underestimate the value of a good confident and firm handshake.
Obviously, there is a balance to be struck; steer clear of crushing bones but also avoid limp fish.
6. Body language

It’s not necessarily just what you say that people pick up on, body language is a huge part of social interaction. As you want to give the best impression possible in your interview, your body language must match your spoken communication. Poor body language such as slouching and crossing your arms can give the employer that you’re disinterested; making you memorable for all of the wrong reasons. Sitting up straight and good eye contact (although don’t stare them out) are positive signs showing you are engaged and interested.
7. Be Positive!

No interviewer wants to hear how you don’t get on with your current boss and how much you dislike your job, if that is the case; remain positive about your reasons for looking for a new job. Whether it be that you’re looking for a new company in a different industry, or you want to develop additional skills to progress in your career, try to be forward-thinking and focus on your ambition to succeed.
8. Show and Tell!

Depending on the job you are applying for, having a portfolio of your previous work can be an eye-opener to employers and shows real initiative. If you’re looking for a design job or a job in advertising, for example, taking along examples of your work can really put into context your skills and abilities that you say you have.
9. Any Questions?

An interview is a 2-way street. Whilst the employer will be asking you about your skills and experience, it is also an opportunity for you to learn more about the job and the company. At the end of an interview, be prepared to ask some questions to show your interest and your enthusiasm. If you prepare between 10-15 questions, you will find that the majority of these will be answered within the interview itself. Try to aim for 5 questions about the company plus another 5 about the job itself.
10. After the interview…

Even though you may just want to forget about the interview as soon as you've stepped out of the building, actually reflecting on the interview and questions that you felt you answered well, or perhaps not so well, can really help with your interview technique. Remember, interviewing is a skill, and to become proficient, sometimes it can take practice.
The next day, you could email the interviewers to thank them for their time, and the opportunity. If you have any burning questions that you forgot to say the previous day, now is the time to ask. However, don’t pester; recruiting is a time consuming process for a lot of companies and they may not have the time to respond straight away.
If unfortunately you’re not successful, you are more than entitled to ask for feedback to evaluate if there are areas that you need to work on.

One of the main things to remember in an interview is to be yourself; as cliché as that sounds! The employer already believes you can do the job, which is why you have got the interview in the first place! What they are trying to find out is a bit more about your skills and experience, how enthusiastic you are and how well you’d fit into the company culture.

Imagine if everyone in the world were required to only work for one company their entire lives.

We’d work with the same people, which could be nice, but that also means that we wouldn’t work with anyone new or expand our professional minds by learning new, outside perspectives.

There would be a limit on all of our careers because, let’s face it, there are only so many seats at the top of any organisation.

We’d reach the pinnacle of our performance in the role at around year 5 or 7. Maybe 15 or 20 for those who have been promoted to one of few spots available. Those internal opportunities would naturally only open as the company expands or once someone retires.

Fortunately, that’s not the case in the world we live in today. As a professional, you have the freedom to work with many different companies, explore new projects, and search for the employment opportunities that interest you. Whatever your reason is for wanting to look into a new employer, you have the freedom to do so.

As an employed professional, or what we at Calco like to call an “undercover candidate,” your job search strategy will need to differ from the traditional methods since your employer finding out could mean an early exit from your current company.

Here’s some advice to help you successfully search for a new opportunity, while retaining your confidentiality.

1. Separate your search from your workplace – completely.

Create a new email address that you conduct all employment-related correspondenceon. It is not uncommon for companies to monitor their employees’ emails. If for no other reason, do this to avoid sending an email about your change in employment to “Michael, your current boss” instead of “Michael, your recruiter.” Using your current employer as leverage in the negotiation only works if you’re employed.

Do not schedule job interviews during work hours. Even phone calls during lunch should be avoided if your colleagues are used to seeing you eat lunch onsite or in your office.

Don’t research employers or related plans on your work computer, such as a new city. As you’re working, it’s best to keep your mind on the project at hand. Some employers monitor computers and searches and could become suspicious if they begin to see this type of activity on your browser history.

Aside from removing the risk that your employer will find out that you’re considering other opportunities from your computer activity, one of the most prevalent reasons for keeping your research separate is psychological. If you would like to leave your current employer on good terms and with your professional reputation intact, then giving off the impression in your last weeks that you’re apathetic toward your work or distracted could be the one they are left with by the time you start a new role.

2. Utilise a niche recruitment agency as your gate keeper.

Employers use recruitment agencies to screen a large quantity of applications down to just the few they’re interested in speaking with, but did you know that those same gate keepers can benefit you as a candidate?

Generalist recruitment agencies that work in a variety of industries may be hiring for a relevant position on the off chance that their clients have a need, but specialist or “niche” recruitment agencies make it their business to work with clients in their niche. What this means for you as an employed professional or “passive candidate,” is that your information and job search activity is kept confidential between you, the recruiter, and the people who are directly involved in the hiring process at the employer you’d like to interview with.

Working confidentially with a recruiter that specializes in your industry is a way to discuss your options with someone who’s directly connected to the decision makers at a variety of employers. A recruitment agency is also required to keep your information private which eliminates the risk of your current employer finding out.

3. Network for information first, job leads later.

Instead of asking people in your online networks who’s hiring or scouring the internet for job postings, focus on gathering information about the market first. For some professionals, right now is the perfect time to make a move to a different company or position. For others, a change in their career path is too far of a jump from how they are feeling in their current role.

To test the waters instead of diving in with a formal interview or application, speak with a recruiter first to learn about the current opportunities out there in your market for someone with your skillset, professional history, and desired compensation range.

There are tech recruiters, healthcare recruiters, recruiters that focus on creative careers and other specialists in a variety of fields. At Calco Services, we specialise in the construction and built industry, particularly Quantity Surveying, which enables us to keep up to date and in touch with all the current and planned activity as it regards construction in the greater London area. Instead of spending the time to learn a little about a lot of different industries, our specialisation allows us to focus on being experts in the industry that we recruit in.

The same benefit can be found in working with niche recruitment agencies in other sectors. If you’re a nurse, then reaching out to a recruitment agency that works with only hospitals and health care businesses for information will be a more efficient use of your time than sending emails off to a generalist recruiter who’s unlikely to be able to help you in your search.

Job interviews are never easy.

But often it’s the case that the more you’re prepared, the better you’ll do.

In a blog post, Salesforce’s director of content marketing, Alexa Schirtzinger, offers 7 do’s and don’ts to ace your next job interview.

Try to answer these 7 questions before your next job interview, and you’ll be more prepared to snag your dream job.

View As: One Page Slides

1. Why are you REALLY interested in this particular position?

Schirtzinger writes, “You’re applying for this particular job, not a foot in the door.”

Instead of simply saying the company’s a great place to work, try to give specific reasons to why you think so.

Say this: “Here are the three main reasons I’m interested in this position.”

Not this: “I’ve heard that Company A is a great place to work!”

2. How are your skills applicable to this particular position?

“Often, candidates rattle off what’s on their résumé — a checklist of job titles and skills. This doesn’t answer the question of why you’re applying,” Schirtzinger writes.

Instead, you should try to add what’s not on the resume, and how your skills could help the company.

Say this: “I’m excited to be part of the team that does A and B, and I think my experience in X, Y, and Z will help us achieve even greater results.”

Not this: “I have a lot of experience in X, Y, and Z, and I think I would be a great fit for this position.”

3. Do you know enough about the company and position you’re applying for?

It’s not OK to just Google the company and pretend you’ve done your homework to learn about the position.

“Find out as much as you can not only about the company, but also about the position you’re applying for, the team you’ll be part of, and the hiring manager herself,” Schirtzinger writes.

That includes getting the hiring manager’s name right.

Say this: “I noticed you have a background in X. How does that inform your goals for the team?”

Not this: “What’s it like to work at Company Z?”

4. Have you put enough thought and effort into the position you’re applying for?

Schirtzinger says she always asks the job applicant what questions he or she has for her during the interview.

“This is always revealing: it shows how much thought and effort you’ve put into applying for the position, and subtle differences in how you ask the question can have a big impact,” she writes.

Your questions should show that you have a long-term view of the position you’re applying for, and that you’re very success-oriented too, she says.

Say this: “In six months, what would success look like for this position?”

Not this: “What are you looking for in a candidate?”

5. Can you bring new ideas to the company?

During the job interview, you’ll likely get asked on how to improve the company you’re applying for. It’s a good chance to show you’re a critical thinker and good problem-solver, Schirtzinger says.

But remember, if you’re going to criticize the company, be prepared to offer a solution as well. “Critiquing work product without offering any ideas for improvement won’t do you any favors,” she writes.

Say this: “I think there’s a big opportunity to freshen up your marketing with a summer Instagram campaign.”

Not this: “Your corporate blog feels a little stale.”

6. Are you ready to evaluate the hiring manager, team, and company?

Schirtzinger says interviews are a “two-way street,” so it’s a chance for you to also ask the hiring manager about his or her vision for the team.

“These kinds of questions will give you a good sense of the type of leader you’ll be working for, and they’ll also show the hiring manager that you’re considering the role in a broad, thoughtful way,” she writes.

Say this: “What are your top 3 goals for the team this year, and how will you measure success?”

Not this: “What’s your vision?”

7. If every aspect of your job search process were visible to your mother, would she be proud?

Finally, it’s important to “be polite, don’t lie, and other obvious things,” Schirtzinger writes. For example, if you can’t say your mother would be proud of your job search process, you need to rethink about your entire strategy.

“Don’t pad your résumé. Don’t interrupt the hiring manager when he’s speaking. Be on time. Say thank you,” she writes.

This article is published in collaboration with Business Insider. Publication does not imply endorsement of views by the World Economic Forum.

To keep up with the Agenda subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

Author: Eugene Kim is an enterprise tech reporter for Business Insider.

Before your next interview, Read: "Sell the Gap on Your Resume" by E. Stutz https://t.co/P0dwA4d3ai #Job #Interview

As college students, many of us experience several transitions when it comes to jobs and job interviews.

Your first job interview was probably for something part-time so that you had money to eat out on the weekends and get gas for your car. No big deal. After that, maybe they escalated a little bit to something like a part-time internship or other part-time job related to your actual field. Still, probably nothing too intimidating.

Then, as the door of college closes, the door of full-time job interviews opens — and many students don’t realize that this is often an entirely new situation.

However, realizing that there are a couple of nuances between these two different types of interviews can be the difference between you and the person who walks in before you snagging your dream job.

Are you unsure of how to differentiate between how you’re supposed to prepare for your first full-time job interview and how you’ve prepared for all your previous interviews? Conversely, do you need to get back up on your feet after a few full-time job interviews gone bad?

Read on for some valuable advice!

Tailor your resume to your ideal career.

You’ve probably always heard that you need to keep your resume plain and simple – black and white, Times New Roman, not too much formatting. Basically, keep it as boring as humanly possible.

This is certainly true for some jobs, such as computer science, law, or teaching.

On the other hand, fancying up your resume at least a little bit is probably a good idea if you’re looking to get into a job that’s more on the creative or artsy side. Such jobs may include journalism, photography, or graphic design.

Furthermore, it goes without saying that you should update your resume – but have you considered updating the medium of your resume?

The Internet is now the way to go. A good LinkedIn profile is a must-have these days. In addition, an online portfolio is a great way to make yourself stand out to employers.

Look up possible interview questions in advance.

f you know the kinds of questionsthat full-time job interviewers in your field tend to ask, you’re already one step ahead of everyone else in the game.

According to Forbes staff member Jacquelyn Smith, some of the most popular questions that employers ask include things like, “What would you look to accomplish in the first 30, 60, or 90 days on the job?” and “Can you explain a time that you made a mistake and tell me how you dealt with it?”

That being said, be prepared to be asked some serious questions that force you to be completely honest. The best thing to do when asked such a serious and honest question is just that – be serious and honest.

How would you answer the question, “Why was there a gap in your employment between these two dates?” How about, “What are three things your former manager would like you to improve on?”

Think about it.

Dress for success.

This is a no-brainer, right?

You would think.

As you will do with your resume, you should consider the type of job and even the specific company for which you’re interviewing. What kind of environment is it?

Obviously, you shouldn’t go in wearing jeans and your lucky T-shirt that you haven’t washed in months – even if everyone who works there is dressed casually.

On the other hand, you might stick out like a sore thumb if you walk into a casual workplace wearing a full-on tuxedo. This also may show the employer that you haven’t done your research about the company and may not be interested in specifically working there (side note: the employer wants to believe that you are).

If you really have no idea how to dress, going business casual is probably your safest route. Additionally, this general – though cautionary, as already explained – quote from Oscar Wilde is worth taking into consideration: “You can never be overdressed or overeducated.”

Get into your inner confidence. 

Remember that you got this interview, which is pretty impressive in itself.

They wouldn’t want you to come in for an interview if, upon reading through your resume, they didn’t think you had a chance with their company.

One way to do this is to think of a positive personal mantra that you can tell yourself over and over if the nerves start to get to you.

If you need some help thinking of one, there are plenty of websites out there to help you out.

Inspire Me Today suggests the mantra, “I’ll release the things out of my control.” Energy used worrying about something that you can’t change is energy that could be used to make your interview the best one that the employer has seen all day.

As if job interviews weren’t stomach-churning enough, imagine sitting through one while looping around a giant Ferris wheel.

Last month, top executives from ad agency Havas Worldwide commandeered six gondolas of the Ferris wheel at Chicago tourist hotspot Navy Pier to interview job candidates for several dozen positions, giving each applicant two revolutions of the wheel — about 15 minutes — to convince them why they should be hired.

Under a cloudless sky, candidates dressed more for brunch than for a job interview clutched resumes, laptops and portfolios as they waited to be called into a gondola for one-on-ones with the company’s top brass — an opportunity as unique for its early access to the C-suite as it was for taking place 150 feet in the air.

“It’s a street fight for talent,” said CEO Paul Marobella, 44, who has been at the helm of Havas’ Chicago office for two years. At the time of the event, the 500-employee office had 40 to 50 open positions, including creative, account management, strategy, finance, human resources and executive-level positions, Marobella said.

The agency hoped the unconventional approach would surface innovative thinkers, relax the typically stressful interview environment and show off Havas’ own creative chops, Marobella said.

The event, promoted on LinkedIn and other social media channels as well as the company’s network of interested applicants, drew about 130 RSVPs but, given a two-hour window for the event, only 30 applicants received confirmed spins on the wheel while others hoped for luck on the waiting list.

Ilissa Marsden, 35, a freelance account director who wore jeans and sunglasses for her Ferris wheel interview, said she hoped to be considered for an account service position.

“It’s a beautiful day, it’s a beautiful view, I’ve never been on the Ferris wheel before, so, two birds — job interview and be on the Ferris wheel before they tear it down,” she said as she waited in line.

Juie Shah, 22, was the first to hop on a gondola with Marobella. The Northwestern University student, who is set to graduate in December with a degree in integrated marketing and communications, said Havas is her “dream company” after she worked there for a week over the summer.

After dismounting, beaming, after two spins on the wheel, Shah said she believes interviews and Ferris wheels go together well because they both generate excitement.

“I think sometimes when you’re in an interview you don’t always remember all the things you’re supposed to say — you forget parts of yourself, tidbits that really push that interview forward,” said Shah, in black leggings and a long brown sweater. “And this time I actually remembered because I was so excited throughout.”

Havas is not new to flights of fancy. In a nod to the city’s bike-to-work week, the company this summer launched a Bike While Working campaign and built a “bike-desk,” complete with a computer and lamp, that can be pedaled around town.

As the creative team brainstormed ideas for the interviewing event, they considered parking the bike-desk in a public transit railcar and doing interviews while the train rumbled along, but they weren’t sure if it would fit, said Celia Jones, group brand director.

“The Ferris wheel was the most outlandish idea,” Jones said.

But it was also appropriate, because “as advertisers we want to be sure we are constantly pushing ourselves,” and they want employees who do the same, said Laura Maness, chief growth officer.

“We feel like we are competing with the Ubers and Googles for talent,” Mannes said as she awaited her first Ferris wheel interview of the day, with an Uber marketing employee.

Some who didn’t land a ride milled around in hopes of snagging the ear of a Havas executive.

Harley Griffiths, 23, who wore jeans and a seersucker blazer, had been laid off as an assistant account executive at ad agency Leo Burnett and was hoping to network and get his resume in someone’s hands. He got about two minutes with group account director Lisa Evia before she was pulled away for a gondola ride with another candidate.

“I look forward to following up,” he said.

Floyd McCraney, 32, was on the waiting list. He hoped for a chance to ride the wheel even though, he said, “I am outrageously afraid of heights.”

“Once I’m in the moment the fear goes away,” said McCraney, a production director at CBS Radio who wants a career change to do more copy writing and art directing. “And as far as any potential recruitment I think it shows courage.”

Acrophobes may feel at a disadvantage if the thought of dangling high above in a metal box sets the pulse racing. But Marobella said candidates could show ingenuity with a counteroffer to meet at sea level.

“If someone sent me an email and said I can’t interview on the Ferris wheel but I’ll interview on the carousel, I would have taken them up on it,” Marobella said.

As anyone who has been in a job search for a while knows, being invited to a job interview is not something easily achieved. Becoming one of the few "job candidates" rather than being part of the usually gigantic crowd of "job applicants" is a major victory.

Unfortunately, too many job candidates blow their interview opportunities, wasting all that time and effort. Don't be one of those candidates.

Don't Do These: 9 Worst Job Interview Mistakes

What you do during a job interview is viewed as a "sample" of your work.

Everything you do is being judged because they don't know you (unless you are one of the lucky referred candidates).

They are trying to figure out:

Is your work product high quality as demonstrated by the job interview?
Would you be someone good to work with?
Would you fit in?

Show them you would be a great hire by avoiding these mistakes:

Mistake #1: Appearing uninterested.

This drives employers crazy. Most employers have more applicants than they need or want. If you aren't clearly interested in them, they certainly aren't interested in hiring you.

Instead: Demonstrate your interest in the company and the job. Show up on time, appropriately dressed. Turn off your cell phone. Ask intelligent questions that indicate you have done some research, but do NOT ask a question that could be answered in 30 seconds with a Google search or a quick peek at their website's homepage.

Mistake #2: Being unprepared.

Obvious lack of preparation is an opportunity crusher. And, lack of preparation usually becomes obvious quickly.

Instead: Be prepared! Preparation will help you demonstrate your interest in them and the job. You will also perform better in the interview when you are prepared.

Successful preparation has several elements:

Analyze the job description and your match with it.

Write out their requirements and how you meet those requirements. Then, determine your accomplishments that align with those requirements, and write them down to help you remember them.

Know your answers to the standard job interview questions.

In particular, be ready for the "What do you know about us" and "Why do you want to work here" questions, related specifically to this employer and job opportunity.

Research the employer.

Yes, check out the website, as thoroughly as you can. What do they do? Do they state a "mission"? How are they organized? Where are they located? Are they part of a larger organization? If they have subsidiaries, what do their subsidiaries do?

Note the names of their products and/or services and get familiar with what each does (unless they have tens or more).

Who are the officers named on the website? Where are they located? Do you share any common background with any of them (hometown, school, service, volunteer work, etc.)

Research the interviewers.

Hopefully you know the names of the interviewers, so check out their LinkedIn Profiles. Do you have anything in common with any of them (as above, hometown, school, etc.). Do you notice anything else about them, from the same college degrees or the same military service to similar smiling (or not) faces?

Know (and implement) the logistics for getting to the interview on time.

If possible, do a test run at the approximate time you are supposed to be there, and plan your departure and arrival for the interview accordingly, getting comfortable with the drive or ride, tolls or fees, parking options, etc.

Being late for an interview is DEADLY. If you arrive too early, find an unobtrusive place to hang out until you can officially arrive.

Read The Winning Difference: Pre-Interview Preparation for more tips.

Mistake #3: Being angry.

Angry people are NOT people employers want to hire. Angry people are not fun to work with. They may frighten co-workers and/or customers or clients. They may also abuse both people and equipment (computers, cars, etc.). Not good contributors to a happy workplace or a prosperous business, even if they don't "go postal."

No matter how terrible your current (or a former) employer was, do not trash them! In fact, don't trash anyone. Find something positive to say about that employer, or say nothing at all except to describe your accomplishments there (those accomplishments that are relevant to the job you are interviewing for).

Instead: If you are angry over a job loss, long job search, horrible commute to the interview, fight with your kids or spouse, or anything else, dump the anger before the interview, at least temporarily.

Stop, before you enter the employer's premises, take a few deep breaths, put a smile on your face, and do your best to switch gears mentally so you are not "in a bad place" in your mind. If you must, put together a list of not-negative things you can say about your current or former employer/job. Maybe the best thing you can say was that it was a good commute, but find something, hopefully more than one thing, you can safely share.

Dr. Amy Cuddy's "power poses" done in private for a couple of minutes before you leave for the interview or after you have arrived (private corner of the parking garage or a stall in the restroom), but before the interview. They lift the darkest moods and increase confidence -- both can improve your interview performance

Mistake #4: Sharing TMI (too much information).

Sometimes, people have a whole-truth-and-nothing-but-the-truth mindset in a job interview, so they "spill their guts" in answer to every question. Not smart or useful!

I'm not recommending telling any lies, but I am recommending that you avoid boring the interviewer and blowing an opportunity by sharing too much information. If they want more details, they'll ask.

Instead: Answer their question, and wait for a follow up. If there is no follow up question, ask a question of your own. Don't feel obligated to fill "dead air" time in the interview by sharing your current employer's worst secret or something else inappropriate.

Mistake #5: Displaying negative body language.

If you never smile, have a limp handshake, and don't make eye contact with the people you meet at the employer's location, and especially with the interviewer, you'll come across as too shy or too strange or not interested.

Instead: Show your interest and enthusiasm. If you are naturally very shy or an introvert, express your enthusiasm as Wendy Gelberg, author of The Successful Introvert, suggests.

If you're a veteran, put yourself at "Attention!" (but skip the "Yes, ma'am" and "Yes, sir").

Smile, say hello, look them in the eye, and shake hands as though you really are happy to meet that person, and soon you will be.

Mistake #6. Not having good questions or asking the wrong questions at the wrong time.

To an employer, no questions = no interest. Number one, above, indicates how deadly that is to your success with the opportunity.

As bad as having no questions is asking the wrong questions. During the first interview, asking questions only about raises, promotions, vacation, and benefits are not usually well-received. Those questions apparently indicate that you are just interested in specific personal benefits rather than the job.

Instead: Ask the questions that occurred to you as you were doing your pre-interview research, as you talked with the people during the interview, or as you observed people in the location.

Ask for details about the job -- what an average day is like, if the job is new or being filled because the previous employee was promoted, etc.

Read 35 Questions to Ask in a Job Interview (and 20 Questions NOT to Ask) for more ideas.

Mistake #7: Flirting or other inappropriate behavior.

Unless you are interviewing for a job as a comedian or host/hostess in a social club, don't try to be entertaining or amusing. And, don't flirt with anyone, including the receptionist and the security guard.

Instead: If making them laugh isn't a requirement of the job, take the interview seriously. Save flirting for your second day of work.

Don't chew gum or bring food or drink into the interview. Mind your manners, like your Mother taught you, and be polite to everyone you meet there. The interview is an "audition" for the job. Show them your best!

Mistake #8: Failing to follow up.

Often, job seekers leave at the end of the interview(s) with a sigh of relief that the interview is over, and they can get on with their lives. They leave, and wait to receive a job offer.

Instead: Remember this is a demonstration of the quality of your work as an employee.To stand out in the crowd of job candidates, which usually number four or five, immediately send your thank you notes to each person who interviewed you. Also send a thank you to the external recruiter, if one was involved, or the employee or networking contact who referred you for the opportunity, if you were referred.

To send an effective thank you, read Sending Your Thank You After the Job Interview including the Sample Job Interview Thank You to the External Recruiter who may have referred you. Also see the Sample Thank You Note to Recover From a Bad Job Interview.

Mistake #9: Forgetting the interview is a two-way street.

Don't go to the interview thinking that you are the only one trying to "make a sale." You need to ask questions to help you discover if the job, the people you would be working with, and the employer are what you want. You also need to decide if you would be happy working there for at least one year.

Instead: Have your own list of questions ready (not the ones in #6 above). Pay attention to other employees at the location (smiling or not, busy or not, etc.), how the premises are laid out, if the location is good or bad for you (commute, parking, personal safety, etc.), and anything else that catches your eye.

Getting back into the job market after years, or even decades, is daunting. If the last time you updated your résumé was on a typewriter, there are a few things you really need to know to be ready to sell yourself in today's market.

Kerry Hannon — jobs expert at AARP and the author of Great Jobs for Everyone 50+: Finding Work That Keeps You Happy and Healthy ... And Pays the Bills —shares her top do's and dont's.

When you’re interviewing for a job and you’re over 50, you’re excruciatingly aware that ageism is alive and well in many workplaces. There’s the elusive awareness that the hiring manager is seeing your expiration date, rather than your potential. Here are some tips to help you fight back.

Résumé and Interview Do's:

Polish your LinkedIn profile. Depending on your profession, having a paper résumé and a LinkedIn profile may be non-negotiable these days. It shows that you aren’t a Luddite and are comfortable with technology. This helps since many employers worry that an older worker is not hip to tech.Read other LinkedIn.com resumes for tips. Include a photo that makes you appear energetic — potential employers are concerned that you won't have enough stamina to do the job.

Make your résumé relevant. People are going to read your résumé in 20 seconds, so make sure that it is no more than two pages and tells a story. Don't simply say you were a project manager. Tell potential employers that you delivered a project two months ahead of schedule. Match the experience and skills you name in your résumé with the precise skills employers say they’re seeking in their job posting.

Bring your “A” game to the interview.You may believe you’re more qualified than the person who is interviewing you, so you cop an attitude, maybe without even realizing it. You might try to tell them why their job description is faulty in some way, or unrealistic. When you interview with someone younger than you, and this is quite possible, be careful not to come off as condescending.  Position yourself as an expert and act as if you’re a highly paid consultant there to solve their problem, but stay away from sounding professorial and a know-it-all. Be forthright and clear about why you’re motivated by what the organization does and the challenges of the position you’re interviewing for, plus why you think you would be a good fit with their culture. When you interview with someone younger than you, and this is quite possible, be careful not to come off as condescending.

Pay attention to your appearance.Interviewers do judge a book by its cover.  Update your wardrobe and specs, if need be. Get physically fit. It will help you exude a vibrant, can-do spirit and enthusiasm of a younger worker and helps fight that fear that employers have that you don’t have the energy to keep up with the pace the job requires.

Prepare to answer the “overqualified” question. When it comes to job hunting, the reality for many older workers is that they may make less money than they did in the past. A younger, less experienced worker may not balk at a salary that could be a to you seems offensive and a serious cut from what you earned in your last position. If you’re OK making less, say so. For example, if you no longer want to be in a prominent management position, let the interviewer know that you want to get back to basics and focus on work that you enjoy and honing your own skills. Employers worry that you’ll grow bored or ultimately be resentful if you accept a job that pays less and doesn’t have the status of a previous job. Explain why and how the firm would profit by hiring you.

And think beyond salary to other benefits that you value and may be able to negotiate for: tuition reimbursement, flexible work arrangements, parking allowance, transportation passes, or extra vacation days.

Practice mock interviews.You’re anxious and too proud to admit it, but it shows when you sit down for the interview. Since it has been so long since you’ve interviewed for a job this is to be expected. Calm down.  Practice interviews with a friend (someone younger even). Videotape it, so you can see how to fine-tune your performance. Always remember to be yourself, sincere, straightforward. Keep it conversational. Focus on the company’s needs, not yours.

Résumé and Interview Don’ts:

Don’t load your résumé with too much info. What employers want to see is your most recent 10 to 15 years of experience. Think advertisement, not obituary. No one wants, or needs, to read every one of your employment entries over a four- to five-decade career.

Package your earlier experiences into one paragraph at the end of your résumé’s "experience" section and omit dates. And only use the work history that’s relevant to the job you are applying for now.

Don't ignore the gaps. Fill in holes in your employment history. It’s best to have a good experience to sub for it, say, during a period between jobs — you traveled, volunteered added a degree or pursued other education. If you were out of the workforce for care-giving duties, you can market that, too. You were skill-building. No doubt you were a “project manager,” supervising a team of other care-givers — from nurses to doctors and physical therapists. You were a “researcher” tracking down the best doctors and medical care. You may have been a “financial manager” in charge of bill-paying and insurance claims.

Don’t make rapid, off-the-top-of-your-head answers. This isn’t Jeopardy. There’s no race to push the buzzer. Keep focused on your interviewers and the reality that you’re sitting in that chair to sell solutions to their problems or challenges, not what you want to say next about yourself. At the core of a job interview, it’s about them, not about you. Listen closely to what they’re saying. You might come off as flip without meaning to do so. Don’t talk so much that you go on for 10 minutes answering one question. Crisp and to-the-point answers allow interviewers to get to all their questions and gather as much knowledge about you as they can.

Kerry Hannon's newsest book, "Getting the Job You Want After 50 For Dummies," will be out Sept. 28.

In contrast to the dominant mindset that you’ll only achieve passion for your work through finding the right fit with a line of work – what the researchers call “fit theory”, aka ‘following one’s passion’ – the researchers say you can learn to love your job and find meaning in it progressively (aka “develop theory”).

We probably hear and think a lot more about fit theory than develop theory because we’ve internalised it. It’s a more romantic and idealistic notion – and one that’s espoused by some of the greats of the business world.

“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work,” said Steve Jobs in his famous Stanford commencement speech. “And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it.”