Tag: relax

Invited to an In-Person Interview

Now the real excitement starts.  You are on the shortlist. Now it is time to display your best thoughts and how you can critically lay things out.

  • Make sure you have the day, time, and location correct.
  • Dress one step above the normal dress code for the company.
  • Arrive about 10-15 minutes early.  Not too early and never late.
  • Do not take coffee if offered. Bottled water would be OK if offered.

The first person you meet is generally the receptionist.  Be very nice to them.  They are your first interviewer and usually asked what they think of you. Relax, look calm and interested.

  • When in the interview room, smile, shake hands, be personable.
  • Sit upright, no lounging or rocking in the chair.
  • Avoid one-word answers to questions.  They want to hear you talk and your ideas.
  • Stick to the subject, answer the question, and do not go on and on.
  • For ‘How would you’ and ‘What if’ questions, take a moment to explain your reasoning.  Interviewers need to know how you think.
  • In answering questions, use company words and phrases you learned from their website.
  • Please make sure to get everyone’s name so you can send them thank-you notes afterward.

If lunch or meeting future coworkers are on the agenda, remember manners and be polite to everyone.  Even the janitor is a cherished company employee.  No one wants to empty their trashcan.

Relax and follow the company lead.

Take Care Of Yourself

You have friends, relatives, extended family, those who count on you and those who want you to rely on them. And yet, you only have one self, yourself. The more you use your skills, thoughts, ideas, muscles and other attributes, the more you need to take time to take care of yourself.

For each of us to take care of ourselves for the work that we do is essential. I am not talking about binge-watching the latest season of a TV series while going to seed on the couch, that would actually end up being counterproductive. Just like you plan and do for others, plan and do for yourself. If you’re around people all the time, would you like some alone time for a walk in the park or to go fishing or maybe even to a movie? If you would like to be with friends, would you enjoy going to a party, or to lunch with someone, or on a picnic?

I cannot tell you what would be best for you. We each only know what would be best for us. What I am suggesting is whether it is five minutes to read the quote of the day, 10 minutes to relax with of favorite munchie and a cup of coffee, or something else, if it helps you be more productive, you should get it in. A morning walk in the park, or a planned trip for a few days to go to a city you’ve always wanted to see, takes more time and could be much more therapeutic if needed.  You should plan, and do the things that will help you to relax and enjoy a little life.

Taking care of yourself is part of keeping yourself mentally and physically fit, so you can stay healthy and stay on top of your game.

Thanks for being with me today. I hope to be with you again soon.