Getting a Job

It's happened to all of us at one point or another, and it's the same old story every time. What should I say? What are they thinking? Should I go for it? Could this be "the one?" Shoot, do they notice my gas? These questions race through your mind a mile a minute as you try to read the person's face. As the intensity rises, beads of sweat roll down your cheeks, you're throat chokes up, your hands get clammy, and your heart palpitates. No, you're not on a first date, you are on a job interview!

Statistics say that the average person will have about 8 jobs during his or her lifetime, and so this means that you will have to go through the dreadful job interview experience many times. Therefore, it is a smart idea to be prepared when embarking on a job interview, and there are many "do's" and "don'ts" you should be aware of:

• Research the company and the position you are applying for, and know specifically what the task you will be performing entails so you can answer specific questions if they come up.
  
• Bring several copies of your resume, that way if you are interviewed by more than one person, each person can have a copy.
  
• Dress well. First appearance makes the biggest impression.
  
• If the interviewer asks you if you have questions, never just say "no", have some simple questions prepared that relate directly to the specific task you will be performing.
  
• Be prepared for killer questions like, "what is your greatest achievment?", "describe your ideal boss", and "where do you see yourself in 5 years?"
  
• BE ON TIME! If you are late for an interview, your chances of getting the job are very low.
  
• Don't walk in on your boss in the bathroom before the interview. (unbelievably, I actually did that when interviewing for my first job)
  
• Be confident, but not to the point that you sound like you are showing off.
  
• Never mention money on the initial interview, unless the interviewer brings it up. Instead, try to focus on the specifics of the job.

There are many other things you should beware of, and there are good sites online to help you find out the specifics of having a successful job interview. After talking to eZabel's own rock supastar about an interview he had yesterday, it was determined that it's easy to fall into the trap of flopping a job interview (Mike, you can elaborate if you wish), but fear not, here are a few good resources to help you out:

• Some "don'ts" for a job interview.
  
• Conducting a successful job interview
  
• Don't be caught off guard by predictable job interview questions!
  
• Some actual experiences from unsuccessful (to say the very least) job interviews.