Skip to content

UXL Blog

“Creating Successful Leaders”

Category Archives: Interview Tips

October 23, 2011 The Most Common Interview Mistakes

By Margaret Smith, Professional Life & Career Coach

Keep these 10 interview mistakes in mind when preparing for and arriving at your next interview and walk away feeling great about your performance and confident in your candidacy.

10 Common Interview Snafus

  1. Arriving late: This may seem redundant, but it still happens quite frequently—make sure it isn’t you!
  2. Talking too much: Avoid panicking and letting yourself ramble. It’s ok to allow for silence from time to time.
  3. Wearing inappropriate dress: Dress one step above the position you’re applying for, and research the dress code vibe ahead of time.
  4. Lacking energy or enthusiasm: If you’re prone to bottom out during a certain time of day, pack a high-protein snack such as a handful of almonds to eat during a break if necessary.
  5. Not preparing for questions: Sit down before your interview and expect the types of questions you’ll be asked.
  6. No planning your explanation of your résumé: Be prepared to defend each bullet point in your résumé during your interview with stories, skills gained, and explanations.
  7. Not asking powerful questions: It’s important to ask powerful questions during an interview to relay your competency and genuine interest in the position you’re applying for. Create these questions by researching the company, studying the job description, and considering what your questions will relay about you and your personal brand.
  8. Failing to prepare a close: What’s your last sentence going to be? What do you want your interviewer(s) to remember? How can you relay this message? Is there anything that you still want/need to know?
  9. Not offering a solo sheet: This is a one-page sheet titled with your name at the top that lists the five positive words that describe you with strong, inspiring explanations. Contact Me Today to Learn More about Solo Sheets
  10. Not asking for the job: Again, it seems redundant, but most of us are so frazzled by the end of an interview, that we forget to restate our interest in the position we’re applying for at the end of the interview.

For more useful tips on the job hunt, cover letters, and your career, contact UXL today!

Tags: , , ,

October 17, 2011 5 Minutes to a Better Cover Letter

By Margaret Smith, Professional Life & Career Coach

You are probably all familiar with the daunting task of writing a cover letter, or perhaps you’re facing the task of writing one for the first time. Either way, the quick and easy pointers I’ve laid out for you below will benefit the quality of your cover letter, and better your chances at landing the job.

Remember: Cover letters are not just a repeat of your resume—viewing them as such will put you at a serious disadvantage.

Your cover letter is an opportunity to personalize your introduction, align your skills to the position being targeted, and get noticed.

The objective is to have the cover letter catch the attention of the reader and cause them to pull your resume from the pile of applicants and place it in the pile of potential interviewees.

Cover Letter Quick Tips:

  • Name, address, and date at the top of the letter
  • Cover letter addressed to a specific person if possible. If individual unknown, send letter to the title of recipient (Production Manager, Technical Director, Human Resources, etc)
  • State your interest in the position
  • Make note of special skills that qualify you for the job
  • Provide contact info and a time you can be reached
  • Thank the contact and close with “Sincerely”
  • Always ask someone else to proofread your letter and resume—don’t miss simple grammatical errors!
  • Sign your letter with either blue or black ink, NO EXCEPTIONS
  • Be concise and to the point (no cutesy statements or overbearing comments)
  • Use the same paper as your resume
  • Avoid using “I” too often or repeating the same words

Interested in learning more about creating an effective cover letter or interested in consulting a professional to ensure that you land that next job opening? Contact Me Today to learn about career coaching and UXL’s public workshops!

Tags: , , ,