 Quick Tips for Successful InterviewsI want you to get the job offer, every time!I want you to succeed, to experience the thrill of of saying yes to an exciting job offer that seems tailor-made just for you. When I send you to an interview you can expect a good match - with the position and with the company; in other words, you will be very well briefed on the requirements of the job and the people interviewing you. Add to that a little of your own initiative, say some online research for current headlines and news bits, and you'll be well on your way towards accepting an exciting new job offer. While the following interview tips may seem obvious to those with more experience, it never hurts any of us to go back and review the basics! Top Ten Job Interviewing Tips (for humans) 1. Smile 2. Have a firm handshake 3. Keep good eye contact 4. Take a copy of your resume and list of references 5. Listen well and give relevant answers - do not go on at length with answers 6. Find ways to tie your experience in with the job requirements and with the company's profile 7. It's natural to be nervous. Just remember to breathe deeply! 8. Smile 9. Focus on the positives in all ways. 10. Thank each interviewer for their time When you get there keep in mind too that employers are human just like the rest of us. While larger companies often have policies and guidelines for interviewers to follow, every person you meet in the interview process will have their own agenda and way of interpreting your resume, gestures, comments and professionalism. What About Start-up Companies? Start up companies are generally looking for a different set of qualities than more established or traditional companies – what are they? * Risk-taking * Self-starting * Multi-tasking * Flexibility Start-ups are a gamble for everyone, the owners and the employees. The reason being, that there is no history. Also, start-ups are generally launching into a new untapped unproven area of business. The pay-offs can be huge, but not every start-up is going to show Microsoft returns! Here are a few good questions to ask when being interviewed by start-up companies * How much financial backing is there? * How long before they have to show a return to the investors? * What are the deliverables required to demonstrate this? * What is the track record of top management in this area? * Who are the major competitors? * What is the future of the market they are entering? * Are there a stock option or profit sharing program available? Think in terms of what investments or compromises in time, benefits, title or pay that you are willing to make in order to reap what may well be very high rewards. Where to Find Start-up Companies * Venture capital firms * Investment bankers * Management consultants * Accounting Firms * Stock Brokerage Firms * Larger entrepreneurial companies that have a track record of investing in and/or launching successful spin-offs.   
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