Recipe for a Successful Interview

First a special thanks to a MN in Arkansas for the letter and enclosure.  Your words and faith in me are cherished.

My interview was scheduled for Noon today but there was much to prepare a good first impression. 

• Beginning last night I made sure my outfit is clean, pressed (if necessary) and well coordinated.  I had to make some alterations due to my weight loss.  
• Always wear the most professional outfit you own.  You will be told the dress code WHEN you are hired.  It may mean a trip to a thrift shop that has a professional area.
• MapQuest the address of your interview and review it, especially the estimated travel time.  Even if you think you know where you are going.  Print it out and place it in a clean file folder with an extra copy of your resume, any research of your prospective employer, some light reading and all other documents they may request.  
• Early to bed was next on the agenda.  Yawns or bags under the eyes are an interview fashion no-no.
• Wash hair, bathe, brushing teeth go without saying but fine tuning the timing is important.  I do the hair first with enough time that if it tries to be a bad hair day I still have time to try again. 
• A spritz of fragrance is a nice touch.  Be sure it is a clean refreshing scent and not too much.  It is best not to experiment with a new scent.  My budget has dictated I use an inexpensive body mist and only for special events… this counted as a special event.
• I believe makeup should be minimal and again do not try something for the first time.
• Check your map and leave your home at least double the travel time MapQuest estimates prior to the interview.  My map said 25 minutes so I left home 1 hour before.  The goal is to be able to arrive in the parking lot 30 minutes ahead of the interview.  If there is a detour, accident or you get lost you won’t be late.
• Now is when you sit in your car, say a prayer, read your magazine (no stressful material like bills or bank statements) until 15 minutes before the interview.
• Now walk calmly into the office for your interview.  Have your folder but leave the magazine in the car.  This will make your arrival time 10-15 minutes early which is really “on time” when it comes to interviews.  This is also when I pop a tic~tac in my mouth.

I felt good when I left the interview but had to wait for the verdict.  So I went back to J’s house to continue to work on her quilt top.  After a couple hours there I got a call telling me I got the temporary assignment.  I start Monday and if they really like me, I may be offered the job permanently.

Thank you for all the prayers.


Today's Tally:
Friday, February 18, 2011                       
Location:  interview & J’s house
Temp:  N/A
Newspapers sold:   0
Viable job postings:   1
Filled or baiting job posted:   2
Resumes/Job Applications sent:   Interview & Worked on a Commissioned Quilt

Tools for Confidence…

Remember, your job search IS your job.  These are 5 tricks I use to keep my confidence. 

1. Set the alarm, bathe & dress as though you are going to work. DO NOT allow yourself to sleep in because when (not if) you land a job working for someone else you don’t have a problem adjusting to a new sleep schedule.
2. Access your computer for e-mail, job sites, and businesslike needs FIRST.  Facebook, Twitter, and computer games must wait.
3. Keep an eye on your bank accounts online DAILY.  I had an instance of fraudulent access to my debit card last June.  I caught it, contested it and was only inconvenienced about 4 business days while I got a new card.  It nearly wiped out my whole account.
4. Delete all e-mails trying to sell you something UNOPENED unless it’s the weekly grocery flyers.  DO NOT TEMPT YOURSELF. 
5. Use the grocery flyers to economize on your food purchases before you do your shopping.  Don’t buy anything without a coupon unless it is milk, meat, or produce that don’t usually have coupons.  And most important make a list of only the necessary and stick to it.

Don’t look at me as perfect.  These are tricks I try to use daily.  There are times I fall away from these.  There are times I get depressed about the harder times in theses hard times.  Ultimately I will then allow myself a “Pati Pity Party” to last no more than 24 hours.  This is a tip I picked up from Linda Richman’s 2001 book “I’d Rather Laugh: How to be Happy Even When Life Has Other Plans for You” (now out of print but look for it at your library or as a download).

The prayers and networking are working.  Thanks.


Today's Tally:
Thursday, February 17, 2011                       
Location:  J’s house
Temp:  N/A
Newspapers sold:   0
Viable job postings:   0 (1 in Canton & 1 in Cleveland)
Filled or baiting job posted:   3
Resumes/Job Applications sent:   Worked on a Commissioned Quilt