Beware! Their effortless way of making money is probably through the stream of checks and postal orders which they attract from gullible punters who respond to their advertisements. No one is going to advise you how to make your fortune by any means other than hard work. If, by chance, you manage to stumble on the secret formula for effortless income generation, keep it to yourself. Tell no one - except the author of The Job Hunter's Handbook!
Body language
Human beings are complex, sophisticated creatures. We operate at different levels simultaneously and although some of our spoken messages are clear and easily understood, our body language works almost at a subconscious level.
Sometimes our posture, or the way we use our hands, can tell more about us than the words we speak. When spoken words are contradicted by our body language, the messages becomes disquietening. It creates a feeling of unease in the listener and it doesn't ring true. No wonder most of us learn never to take anything at face value.
In an interview, it is essential that the words you speak are supported by the messages your body sends out. Telling an interviewer that you are cool and able to handle stressful situations won't be believed if you are wringing your hands or biting your nails as you speak. You could also have problems convincing an interviewer that you are bright and alert if you lean back in your chair and put your hands behind your head. These are extreme examples, of course, but they illustrate how your body language can sometimes let you down. But if poor use of your body language can damage your chances of success, it stands to reason that careful attention to the messages your body sends out can greatly improve your ability to get your message across.
At interview sit slightly forward in the chair facing your interviewer and try to keep your back straight. Television newsreaders do this all the time. Rest your hands together in your lap. Make yourself comfortable so that you are able to hold the position for as long as you need to. Fidgeting and constantly changing your position on the chair can give an impression of nervousness. Sitting comfortably and facing your interviewers can make you appear calm and collected, even if you are not.
If you are being interviewed by several people, each one will wish to ask one or two questions. Turn slightly in your chair to face each new questioner. It confirms to each of them that you are listening carefully to what they have to say. When you give your answer, try to look at each interviewer as you speak. Eye contact with your audience reinforces your message, confirms your sincerity and engages their attention. Try to avoid staring at the ceiling or towards the distant horizon. It gives the impression that you are struggling for an answer or are not really interested. Use your hands occasionally to emphasize a particular point. A simple gesture with the hand can be more effective than constant hand movements which only distract your audience.
You can learn a great deal by simply watching other people and taking note of how you react to them. Occasionally too, you can have fun and experiment with your own body language by purposely using gestures which seem contradictory to the statements you make. Be careful, though; at this subconscious level you can provoke some extreme reactions!
Background knowledge
Every salesperson knows that you should make an effort to get to know your customer. When it comes to seeking employment, you need to get to know the organization where you are hoping to work. There is no substitute for good, solid background knowledge. Set yourself a series of questions about the organization and try to find the answers.
- How big is it?
- How many people does it employ?
- What does it do?
- Does it operate on a local, national or international basis?
- If it provides goods or services how does it compare with competitors?
- Is this organization thought to be better or worse off than other companies?
- Does it offer a cheap, reliable product or a more expensive, sophisticated version?
- Who are its customers?
- What kind of 'Public image' does it have?
- What can you discover about the organization from its brochures and publicity?
Obtaining background information may require visits to the local library. If you are unemployed travel can be an expensive item so plan your trip carefully. Libraries offer you free access to the local trades directories which may produce useful information. Sometimes you can gain extra value from your visit by browsing through trade magazines to bring yourself up to date with current topics of interest in the business.
