In my spare time, I created this short video (pictures, clips, & stuff like that) to explain what I do. Dania Dbaibo Darwish ROCKS to the sound of QUEEN :)
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Dania Dbaibo Darwish (Triple Ds) in ACTION. All about what I do...
In my spare time, I created this short video (pictures, clips, & stuff like that) to explain what I do. Dania Dbaibo Darwish ROCKS to the sound of QUEEN :)
Labels:
Coaching,
counseling,
hypnotherapy,
training
Friday, April 5, 2013
Getting Ready For A job Interview
Getting ready for a job interview can be one of those
anxiety provoking situations that we are prone to face at any point in our
professional lives. Whether newly graduating, or shifting to a new job, you
could make use of some tips to get a favorable impression when you’re at it.
You’ll find, below, few requirements that serve every stage of the process.
Allow me to start by posing a simple question: What do you
think the first thing the interviewer sees? No, not your face. No, not your
attire. They see your CV (i.e. Curriculum Vitae). It’s the first thing that
gets their attention. Even if you had little experience, your CV tells a lot
about you. Do some good researches on CV design, writing, format, etc… before
you complete your own. It can evolve to give a very good impression about your
creativity, organization, your social make up and interests. Do include the
latter because these enhance your image and potentials. You might need to
tailor your CV for the specific job you’re applying for to include more, or
less depending on the job requirements.
So you got your CV all ready, sent it, and it was impressive
enough to get you that preliminary interview. How do you further prepare?
Home preparations: It may be necessary to
revise any pertinent material relevant to the position you’re applying for.
Prepare a file of more copies of your CV, application, portfolio, references,
and other documents you may need to take a long with you. Learn about the
target organization (i.e. their strategy and vision). As you get to know the
organization you’re applying for, prepare some smart questions about it and rehearse
the answers for common questions about you. Get clear about the location of the
interview and how long it would take you to arrive there. Finally, prepare your
attire for the interview a day before and get a good night sleep. As prepare, visualize
the best scenario of the interview when you’ll be sitting there with confidence
replying to all the questions posed in the most composed way. Anxiety is
provoked, usually, by imagining the worst case scenario.
On interview premises: In order to arrive there in a
good energized state, it helps if you sing an upbeat promising song along your
way. Arrive 10 minutes early and take
some time to freshen up (e.g. check yourself in the mirror). It is important to
start giving a good impression by greeting the staff when you arrive (they too
will be studying your moves). If you’re not sure about the pronunciation of
your interviewer’s name, double check it with the secretary. Put your phone on
silent. As you wait for your turn, avoid listening to your Ipod, playing mobile
games, or talking on the phone. Observe, instead, what’s going on around you.
You may have more material to talk about during the interview. Visualize,
again, you’re being your best during the interview and how relaxed you will be while
speaking.
The first encounter with your interviewer: so you go
inside the office and naturally it’s time to greet. Maintain good eye contact
as you offer a firm handshake topped with a smile. In a forceful high energy
voice, introduce yourself and address your interviewer by their name preceded
by their proper title (i.e. Mr., Dr., Ms., ….). Careful in calling a Ms. Mrs..
The interview process: As you sit down getting even
readier for the process, scan the office around you. You need to identify
something you like about it (to compliment); and other cues that point to
common grounds you might have with your interviewer. These can be addressed as
you effectively communicate to reflect what a great addition you could be for the
position you’re applying for. Don’t hesitate to clarify any question you did
not understand; and offer examples of your skills when you’re replying to
questions while relating your answers to the organization. Check the review of
guidelines for “Effective Communication: Guidelines and Tips” here. These focus
in details on several essentials; mainly:
- - Proper use of your voice
and body language to convey confidence and a relaxed attitude.
- - Establish rapport by
matching your interviewer’s voice, body language, and words used. This is when
you’d want to use the commonalities you found between both of you to get them
to like you better.
- - Maintain eye contact as you
speak. It serves establishing a connection and reflects confidence. Don’t let
your eyes wander everywhere, stare at your shoes, or get fixated on a wall
frame.
- - Be a good listener during
the interview to properly answer their questions (never interrupt them
speaking).
- - Empathize with your
interviewer in wanting the best fit to the position; hence, you can offer being
a good fit.
- - Address your interviewer
frequently by name (and title). This will seem like flattery to them.
- - Ask good questions to get
them to talk about what they need (this will help you sell yourself better).
- - Use positive words to
convey any idea you’re addressing.
Wrapping up the interview:
Ask if there is anything you can still do to facilitate their decision. Seal
the deal by making sure you understand the next step in the hiring process
(i.e. when and from who to expect an answer).
Some additional “Do”s: Make
sure you had a shower and brushed your teeth for the interview. Go alone to the
interview (i.e. no friend or parent). Sit still in your seat (no fidgeting or
slouching). Be honest; be yourself. Treat the interview seriously and have a
positive attitude. Implicitly convey you’re determined to get the job. Show what
you can do to the company and not vice versa. Stay relaxed and hide any
frustration you may have because of the process. Finally, be friendly. You’d
want to give the impression that you’re a pleasant person to work with.
Some “Don’t”s: Don’t chew
gum, or smell of smoke. Don’t wear strong cologne either. Don’t make excuses for
earlier life or professional choices you made. Act responsible. Don’t criticize
previous employer/professors. Don’t treat the interviewer casually as a friend
(and this does not conflict with being friendly). Don’t give the impression
that you’re only interested in the company’s geographic location. Don’t inquire
about the salary or benefits until it’s brought up by interviewer. Don’t try to
overly impress (talk about your achievements in context and match these to what
they’re looking for). Don’t act desperate for employment (or ready to take
anything for that matter). Finally, don’t offer negative information about
yourself by bringing up personal, health, or family issues (these are for your
doctor, therapist, or life coach).
Post interview action steps:
Take notes of critical details you need to remember. Re-evaluate your
performance when you’re done. This was yet another experience to learn from in
order to improve. Evaluate your interviewer and the organization. Were you
treated with respect? If not, you can always file a complaint to a director. Write
a thank you note/email (within 24h) re-iterating your interest in the position.
Follow up with a phone call or email if you have been waiting too long for a
reply.
Lastly, unless you’re fired up
with enthusiasm to give a good professional impression, you won’t be hired with
enthusiasm for the profession. Go ROCK’em!!!
All the best…..
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