How+to+construct+a+positive+image

= __ How to Present a Positive Image in a Job Interview __ =

== If you've ever lost out on a great job to someone who was less qualified, you know how frustrating it can be. Many dream jobs are won and lost based on the power of a positive first impression. Making a great first impression is all about dressing for the part, positive body language and researching the job and the industry beforehand. An interview is a stressful event for anyone. Be sure to relax and let your personality shine through. ==
 * === 1 === || === Dress professionally. Get up early if you have to, but make sure the interviewer sees you looking your best. Keep in mind that the interviewer is looking to see what kind of impression you'll make on his business partners and other employees. ===

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 * === 2 === || === Do your research. Know as much as possible about the company so you can speak with confidence and clarity when the interviewer asks the tough questions. === ||
 * === 3 === || === Be courteous and considerate to the receptionist or assistant. Remember many interviewers consult with their assistants afterwards to see if a candidate will be a good fit for the office. === ||
 * === 4 === || === Stand and give the interviewer a firm handshake. Be sure to state his or her name when you first meet. === ||
 * === 5 === || === Make a positive impression with your body language. Sit up straight, make eye contact and avoid excessive movement during the interview. === ||
 * === 6 === || === Mirror the interviewer's body language. Keep in mind this leaves a positive, almost soothing impression on the interviewer as long as you don't overdo it. === ||
 * === 7 === || === Present a positive image by smiling throughout the interview. Look for opportunities to add humorous anecdotes or personal stories to lighten the mood. === ||
 * === 8 === || === Take initiative during the interview. Present solutions to common problems faced by the industry, or specific problems the company is dealing with. === ||
 * === 9 === || === Earn extra image points by asking questions at the end of the interview. Use your research to show you're thinking ahead and problem solving before you even have the job. === ||

= __ Good Call: How to Make a Positive Impression During a Phone Interview __ = === Don’t get dropped. It’s best to use a landline when answering a call from a prospective employer for a phone interview. You don’t want to have to worry about having the call drop or a static-y connection. Also, be sure to disable your phone’s call-waiting function before the interview begins. === === Eliminate distractions. Conduct the call from a quiet and private setting. You won’t impress hiring managers if they can hear background noise like the sound of kids playing, dogs barking, horns honking or a keyboard clicking. === === Have reference materials nearby. Prepare a bulleted list of speaking points and questions you’d like to cover. In addition to a pen and notepad, you’ll also want your resume, the job description and any company research you’ve collected to be within arm’s reach. === === Keep the conversation flowing. Speak clearly and verbalize your thoughts beyond quick utterances of “uh-huh” and “OK.” After the hiring manager outlines some of the duties of the position, you might say something like, “Yes, those aspects of the job really interest me.” And always make sure the interviewer has completed his or her thought or question before responding. === === Be all smiles. While it may sound odd or unnecessary to concern yourself with facial expressions and body language that nobody will see, smile and maintain good posture as you answer questions. This mental trick will help you project a more enthusiastic, confident and positive image – even over the phone. === === Follow up. Promptly send the interviewer a thank-you card or e-mail, just as you would after a face-to-face meeting. Use the note to reiterate your strong interest in the job and re-emphasize a few of the skills and qualifications that make you the perfect person for the payroll position. ===