Since just getting an interview can often seem like a job in itself, you can go ahead and give yourself a big pat on the back if you’ve landed one…

However, now the hard work really starts…

Now it’s time to actually land the job!

The interview itself is the most difficult part of securing job. Not only do job interviews consist of many difficult questions, but you will most likely be faced with some fierce competition. Therefore, you should thoroughly prepare yourself each and every job interview.

Unfortunately, job interviews vary from one person to the other and from one industry to the next. However, all job interviews do have some similar characteristics and you can follow some basic rules that will help you face your next job interview with confidence.

Here are three things everyone interviewing for a job should do…

1. Communication – Whether it is verbal phone calls or written emails, poorly stated or disorganized communication shows a lack of professionalism. Also, during an interview, don’t be shy or soft spoken. Your speaking style will influence the interviewer’s opinion of you. Also, maintain eye contact with the interviewer and carefully listen to everything they say.

Answer the interview questions confidently without the use of slang or street language. In fact, make sure to use the jargon of the profession.

2. Body language – The fact is you are being judged from the second you walk into an interview. That’s right, before you even say a word the interview committee is already judging you just based upon your body language.

Do NOT underestimate how important body language is during an interview.

There is no doubt that your physical appearance plays an important role in getting you a job. If you are dress too casually you won’t be taken seriously for the job. Dress in a nice suit or other formal clothes that make you look organized, sharp, and controlled. When undecided about what to wear always weigh on the side of caution and dress more formal than less.

Hand shakes also play a big part of body language. A soft handshake doesn’t make an impression while a firm handshake indicates you have drive and confidence.

Also, while seated, you should always sit with your back straight, keep a smile on your face, be attentive, and maintain eye contact with all interviewers.

3. Ask Questions – Having sat on countless interview committees I am always shocked at how many candidates do not ask us, the interviewers, any questions. Asking questions gives the impression that not just any job will do, but that you are looking for the right job…the right fit for you. As much as possible try to make the interview seem more like a two-way conversation rather than a one-way interview.

Again, while job interviews will vary from person to person and from one industry to the next, by following these basic guidelines you will be much more confident and that will shine through during your interview.

By: Adam Waxler

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How much emphasis do admissions committees put on grades when evaluating applicants? The truth is that grades and GPAs are good long-term indicators of an individual’s performance as a student. Grades do not necessarily reflect intelligence; however, they do show a student’s ability to produce good work — or not-so-good work — over an extended period of time.

Typically, admissions committees focus on grade trends. The best indicator of this is the grade point average, or GPA, which is a numerical way of measuring how a student performed over the course of a year or even throughout high school. As such, a few poor marks here and there won’t affect that overall trend.

However, if students are concerned about any unusual marks in a given semester or with respect to a particular class or subject, they should outline the circumstances in the application (most applications include a section specifically for such explanations). Students should be candid as to why these marks fell outside of the trend and assure the admissions committee that similar problems won’t affect their performance in the future.

On a more positive note, if students used poor grades to show how they overcame a challenge and then show how their grades improved, such grades may actually be used to their advantage.

Finally, while admissions committees do focus on overall grade trends, they tend to put more weight on grades earned in the latter half of high school. Committees know that many students struggle at first to adapt to the rigors of high school. They also know that junior- and senior-level courses are more comparable to college-level courses. So students who struggled during their freshman and sophomore years shouldn’t fret.

Remember the committee is looking for trends, and even more important than the overall trend is where the trend is heading at its conclusion — hopefully up.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kari Whitaker is a technical as well as creative writer. In addition to articles on education and careers, she also enjoys writing short stories, essays, and poetry.

Going back to school can be intimidating, especially if you’ve been away for awhile or, most especially, if you never went. Don’t worry — a little anxiety is perfectly normal. You might be concerned about being in a new environment or about the intellectual challenges school will bring. Maybe you worry about having enough time. Whatever your concerns, there is one thing you should not worry about — namely, the application process. This essay discusses three parts of the application process and explains why applications should not interfere with your academic goals.

SAT and ACT Scores

For many high school students, one of the most intimidating aspects of applying for college admission is taking the SAT or ACT. For millions of these college-hopefuls, these exams determine their fate — where they get in and what, if any, financial aid they will receive. The question is: if high school students get worked-up over these exams after being in an academic environment for most of their lives, then how should you — an adult student — feel about the prospect of taking these tests after being away from school for years? The answer: you should not be concerned in the least.

The fact is that many adult education or continuing education programs do not require tests like the SAT or ACT for admissions. Administrators realize that test results for adult students will likely prove inaccurate and are not necessarily good predictors of academic success. Granted, some programs may still require the SAT or ACT. If so, it may be a good idea to enroll in a prep course that caters to adult students. Just remember that these tests are not as important for adults as they are for high-school-age applicants, and test scores will ultimately be weighed against other factors, such as relevant work experience and other intangibles, which most adult students have in spades.

Essays

Unlike test scores, essays will probably be required with every college application. The good news is that essays provide adult students with an edge. The reason is that adult students have a great deal of real-world experience, which is great fodder for essays. Essays are designed to tell the admissions committee who the applicant is, what they are capable of, and how their unique life experience will contribute to their success as a student. And because adult students have a broader range of experience to draw from, essays are far more advantageous for them than for high-school-age applicants. Just let your work speak for itself.

Transcripts

Although essays will inform the admissions committee that you possess certain intangibles, such as experience or desire, the committee will also want to see numbers. As such, part of the application might include a high school transcript or GED scores. Committees realize that just because an applicant earned a poor grade in a class fifteen years ago, it doesn’t mean they’re doomed to the same fate now. What they are looking for is a broad academic picture. Thus, adult students in reasonably good standing shouldn’t have any problems, even with a few questionable marks here and there. Students whose transcripts are lacking are not doomed either, but they may need to show evidence of academic progress in other areas, such as work or perhaps in a non-credit continuing education course. Remember that if grades and transcripts don’t tell the real story, you simply need to find another way to demonstrate your academic potential.

Back in high school, academics were the focus of your life. So even though applying to college may have been frustrating and time-consuming, it was at least familiar. Applying as an adult, however, forces you to engage in the sort of work you may not have done in a long time. But the truth is, the application process will probably be easier now than it was when you were a teenager. The important thing is to play to your strengths and provide an honest assessment of your academic potential. Let the admissions committee take care of the rest.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kari Whitaker is a technical as well as creative writer. In addition to articles on education and careers, she also enjoys writing short stories, essays, and poetry.