How to "survive" a job interview & Giveaway by Monster

{Recently I had been invited to join a contest hosted by Monster.com to write a blog post and promote BeKnown. Beknown app is a newly launched social networking tool join forced by Monster and Facebook to provide "YOU" an easy way for to search and apply for jobs without leaving Facebook. The app is fully integrated with FB, but enables users to separate personal from professional. You can use Beknown app to connect with individuals and build professional networking.} FB app > here & iPhone app > here

I do not to talk about my profession here, not because I am an FBI agent. My job may not sound exciting due to the fact that it does not land me in a front row seat at the New York Fashion Week. Hello - I am in HR and have been in this career for 7 years.


{Image via we heart it.com}

Job interview is an undesirable subject for many people. Personally, I have never encountered a “job interview gone wrong” situation or the “worst” interview experience that traumatize or terribly embarrass myself to the core.

Why job interview is so frightening?

First, it indicates whether you will get a job or not. Pressure much?? No matter how great your resume is, your career opportunity may say bye-bye on this judging day.

Frightening factor # 2, you will be questioned on certain topics you have no idea about and the worst part - you don’t know how to answer wisely.

Frightening factor # 3, you are talking to a complete stranger who could be your potential employer. That can be quite intimidating and nerve wracking.


I have been a job hunter and an HR person. Now I am in a position that screens and passes on qualified candidates to the prospective hiring managers, and eventually repeat this “sorry, the position has been filled” many times. Keep in mind that just like everything else in this world, we learn from our mistakes. The more interviews you go to, the more experiences you will gain - thus you feel more comfortable with situation. Here are some tips I live by:


1) Study about a company and a position: nothing is worse than going to an interview and know nothing. You don’t necessarily have to know the inside and out but at least some basic knowledge.

2) Read job description carefully and try to relate your experiences with the position.

3) Dress for success: no matter how slouchy, relaxed or frugal you are, dress PROFESSIONALLY. It is not about trying to be someone else but is about being respectful to your potential employer. Keep things simple, clean and conservative.

4) Read some random interview questions and practice

5) Don’t freak out, you are not getting a death penalty. After all, it is a job interview.

6) Do not talk bad about your former employer/co-workers. Everything that comes out of your mouth portrays your attitude.

7) Take a deep breath, smile, stay positive, be energetic, show confidence, keep good eye contact, give a firm handshake, ask questions.

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(If you need help with resume proofing, feel free to shoot me an email. I will be glad to review and make suggestion)


Now, there is something exciting for you. BeKnown and Monster are sponsoring a giveaway for one of my readers - you will receive a stylish business card holder and a Benefit Cosmetic Kit (may be a different set than what shown here). A winner will be randomly selected by a Random Generator on 1/9/12 by me. If you like my post and think it is useful, please help support by clicking a provided BeKnown link in a giveaway section.



**How to enter (you DO NOT have to be my follower)**


Mandatory: Visit BeKnown Fackbook app {here} - 1 point (no sign up or anything required - simply click to visit)

OPTIONAL for extra points


- Follow 52newdays (2 points)
- Tweet about this blog post and giveaway (2 points) & leave your Twitter link


Be sure to leave your comment to specify that you want to enter this giveaway (so I can sepetate from general comment) & GFC username so I can contact you via your blog. If you do not have a blog, just leave your email so I can notify you if you win (a winner's prize will be mailed to you directly from Monster). If you do not wish to enter but just want to support, I truly appreciate your act of kindness too :)


Disclaimer: (1) the Blog Entry is part of a blogger contest sponsored by Monster and (2) I have received prize packs as a welcome package from Monster Worldwide and been invited to enter the contest via email to participate in Monster.com’s “Present The Best You” Online. I certify that my entry is 100% original and I am the sole and exclusive owner and rights holder of the submitted Blog Entry (first image is credited to wehearttit.com). By visiting BeKnown through my link, it helps track traffic from my blog to a BeKnown app which may help increase my chance to win their grand prize.