What are some basic job interview questions for a job?
The first types of questions to expect are the “general” inquiries. These are standard questions that almost any employer will ask to get a feel for the job seeker. The job seeker might be faced with these questions or some version of each one. Sample job interview questions asked by employers are:

• Why are you interested in working here?
• What made you decide to apply for this job?
• Tell me why you would be good at this job.
• What would you consider to be your strengths in this field?
• What would be your weaknesses?
• If I called one of your references, what do you think they would say about you?

After asking a few general questions, the interviewer will move into more job specific questions, inquiring about the job seeker’s specific skills that would apply to the position available. If the work involves problem solving type duties, one may be presented with a problem to solve for the interviewer. If the job is supervisory or management, situations may be presented involving employee disputes, and the job seeker must explain how they would handle a specific ordeal.

For example, the interviewer may ask:
“Employee A comes to you and states she is upset because employee B continually takes a two hour lunch, infringing on employee A’s own lunch hour. How would you go about dealing with this situation?”

Finally, the interviewer will inquire about the technical side of the job with questions like:

• What pay scale are you expecting from this job?
• This job may require some weekend work, are you alright with that?
• Are you open to travel, and if so, how extensive?
• If hired, when could you start work?

These are just some samples of job interview questions for which to prepare. Though one can never be certain what basic job interview questions may be asked, preparing can make the interview process go much more smoothly. The key is to think about the question and give a personal and honest answer. A generic answer will be obvious. One must not be afraid to honestly answer both the strengths and the weaknesses questions with a self confident demeanor.

1. Job Experience
2. Qualifications
3. Scope of Potential

What resume reviewers look for
Most resume reviewers appreciate a cover letter that is a synopsis of the resume and includes a salary range. Reviewers generally key in on salary range first and qualifications for the job second. In this way, salaries beyond what is offered are immediately rejected. Qualifications are second as a result of the determinations by resume reviewers of the degree of experience in the particular job skills requirement.

What is the proper way to write a resume?
Make a resume as professional as possible. Avoid photographs, resumes longer than 2 pages and those that include more than 4 previous positions. For many job seekers, a lengthy resume is an indication of age. The reverse is true for entry level skills. Be aware that a proper resume will present the best of a job seeker’s qualifications without detail. Keep the resume concise, precise and to the point. Any other questions about qualifications, skills or experience will be presented in the first line of interview questions.

Create a resume with a signature style
Make sure that all pertinent personal data is included, i.e., name and contact information. If the position applied for is one that has long-term potential, include a Job Objective. This gives a resume reviewer an idea of your perspective of the position as well as a more professional appearance. The remainder of the resume should be in correct order according to previous positions. Most resume reviewers prefer to see the last position held at the top of the order. Refine the positions included by adding only positions to the rest of the resume order that show the best aspects of skills and experience. Give the resume a more complete professional appearance by including one or two professional assocations. Since most resume reviewers assume adequate education, list the educational background following the listed positions. At the end of the resume, add references if required. In most cases, references will be listed on new hire forms.

How to write a resume and cover letter
Cover letter and resume should be totally compatible. Make certain spelling, grammar and punctuation have been proof-read before submittal. This is true of hard copy or emailed resumes. Since most job applicants have more than one job experience, it’s beneficial to retain two or more resumes. For example, a resume submitted for a job in the private sector would be incompatible with the style of resume for government positions. It’s important to know the company background before submitting a resume. This is extremely helpful in how to write a resume and cover letter as well as for the first job interview.

Example job interview follow up letter

Date
Interviewer Name
Company
Address

Dear….
Thank you for taking the time to review my job qualifications for….(here name specific position). As we discussed in my interview on ….(date of interview)…I feel the position of (here name position) offers a good opportunity to be of service to (here name company) and that my qualifications, skills and experience are compatible with the company’s requirements for this position. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
Job Applicant Name

Generally, the interviewing process for any open positions takes approximately a week or two. Interviewers will spend another week or two reviewing resumes, interview notes and narrowing the scope of job applicants to three to five. A second interview may take place. If this does occur, the job applicant will be required to forward a second job interview follow up letter which may briefly express appreciation for the second interview.

The key point is to present a wholly professional image from resume to hiring. A confident and professional job applicant has a much better chance of being hired. Avoid emailing unless this is specified. Job interview follow up letters are another step in the interview process.

Relax
With the second interview your nerves may not be as apparent as before. This is a good thing, just relax. With a new job, you must come in confident. While going for a promotion with a second interview it may be harder to impress those who already know you. Remember one thing: This is the second interview. You are there for a reason. Something about you intrigued them, in a good way, and you are back.

Close the deal
With your mind at ease now you can focus on what they are asking you and bring all that you got to the table. The questions could possibly be harder and require more detail by you. This is your chance to shine and show what you know. Make sure that on your trip back to the second interview that you brush up on the job and the functions required to perform. Knowing the job inside and out will make employers look at you like you know what you are talking about and that you came to shine.

Remember to dress in proper business attire
With any job interview, first or second, you need to look your best. Basically dress for success. A second job interview is not the time dress down. You can not come in looking like you just woke up. That great first impression will be kicked out the window and you will be booted out of the door.

As mentioned before more questions may be asked of you. Make sure your eye contact is on point. Questions answered the previous day or week may be asked again or asked to be further investigated. Do not stray from your answers. An employer is going to look for someone that is honest and sticks up for their convictions. The second interview is one step away from having your name badge created so just take a deep breath and do what you did the first time around.

What is the importance of appearance on a job interview?
First off, hygiene is especially important. Make sure to take a shower or bath before getting dressed, wash your hair, put on deodorant, and brush your teeth. A little cologne or perfume can go a long way, as well, or a dab of lotion to rub on your hands. After the basics have been taken care of, it’s time to start dressing like a professional.

Ladies business attire
For women, a skirt of modest length and a blouse are an excellent idea, or a nice pantsuit. The shirt should not be too short or show more cleavage than necessary, and should not be a super-tight fit or see-through. A t-shirt is not recommended, except for possibly underneath the blazer of the pantsuit. If it’s cooler weather, a cardigan over the blouse is a nice choice, or a sweater of nice material. Pantyhose are definitely recommended, especially when wearing a skirt, as they can smooth skin tone, or add a touch of tint to coordinate with the outfit. Heels aren’t especially a necessity, flats can be worn as well; just make sure that the heels are an appropriate height. Employers aren’t going to look kindly on towering five-inch espadrilles, unless you’re applying for a job that looks highly upon that kind of footwear.

Sharp dressed men
For men, a suit is definitely the first choice for interview wear, although clean, pressed slacks and a nice button-up shirt or collared shirt are a close second. T-shirts are definitely not a good way to go, unless you’re trying business casual and wear a nice t-shirt under a suit jacket or blazer. No matter what shirt you choose, make sure it’s free of logos other than the brand name, if visible. An undershirt should be worn with white or light-colored shirts, and make sure the slacks fit properly, belting them if need be. No sneakers! Instead choose dress shoes of a dark color, or at the very least, clean boots or work shoes.

No matter your choice of what to wear for a job interview, make sure to examine yourself from all angles to insure nothing will offend your interviewer; your clothes should also be wrinkle-free and clean. Good luck!