Get Yourself Ready to Impress During a Phone Interview

Tips on what you should be doing to prepare yourself for a phone interview.

Keywords:

Resumes, cover letter, interview, job

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Preparing for an interview over the phone is primarily a mental exercise, and something that is easy to prepare for. It is the second impression that you will make on a hiring decision maker – the first impression was obviously made for you by your resume and cover letter, and must have been positive, or you would not have this interview appointment. That being the case, it is worth while to prepare for it and be ready to put your best foot forward.

Step one in getting yourself mentally prepared is to rehearse. Practice in front of the mirror, or with a friend or your spouse listening to you, asking questions and playing the part of the interviewer. Make a list of questions you expect the interviewer to ask and have good answers prepared, but have them on the top of your head in general and not memorized. Memorized answers can sound canned and not real, and will not help you. You need to appear genuine and real.

Step two is preparing and practicing two or three ideas that you want to get across to the interviewer as to why you are the right person for this job. If you are having trouble thinking of ideas, read your resume again. Look for the key points, qualifications or accomplishments you have written, and be ready to discuss them.

Step three is to think of what you can do for the company. The hiring manager really doesn’t care why you would like the job; he cares about how you can help his company if you are hired.

Step four is on the morning of the interview get dressed. Wear the same clothes when you are on the phone that you would wear if you were in front of the interviewer in person. Dress for success and your attitude will reflect it. Dress in your pajamas or an old sweat shirt and your attitude may reflect that as well.

Step five is to smile. Smiles are contagious, even if they can’t be seen. Good salesmen know this and practice smiling on the phone. There is something in your voice and attitude that is conveyed when you smile, and the person on the other end of the phone can sense it. There is truth in the old saying, “Smile and the world smiles with you.” It is basic human nature.

Step six is to speak clearly and enunciate. Use a good quality phone, a land line not a cordless. If at all possible do not use a cellular phone for the interview. Crackling noises are distractions and bad cell sites, leading to dropped calls, are a negative. You only want positives during your phone interview.

Step seven is the interview itself. Relax, be yourself and do your best. When it is over remember to thank the interviewer for his or her time, and offer to provide any other information they might need to make a decision. Be professional and you may well be rewarded with a job.

Corporate Gifts - imprint to impress!

How to buy corporate gifts

Keywords:

luggage,discount luggage,travel accessories,corporate gifts,luggage sets

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Most of us have received something imprinted with a corporate logo. Corporate gifts can consist of anything that can be imprinted, embossed, screened or embroidered with a corporate logo. In some cases, flowers, liquor, or food items can also be considered. Items can range from inexpensive key rings or pocketknives, to Italian leather briefcases and Movado clocks. It can be something of little value or very expensive merchandise. It always has some sort of logo or message imprinted on it or on the packaging.

A gift of obvious value will always leave a good impression. Brand name merchandise is well received because people recognize it's worth. They know the merchandise by the reputation of the product. Clever items will also leave a lasting impression. No one can resist an item that makes them laugh or smile. Something useful, especially if it pertains to their occupation or profession is always welcome. Fine merchandise that is well made is another way to make a long lasting impression.

Obviously, an item imprinted with a corporate logo is a great way to introduce a new product. It can be tied in with national advertising. Logos can be printed in any shape or color, and this serves to reinforce the product name. The product can be in the shape or color of the new item you are introducing, and can contain advertising copy. The merchandise can be sent to potential clients, or given away with the purchase of another product. It's also a great way to say "thank you" at a launch party or dinner. Not only can the gift be imprinted with advertising information, but also the packaging. The gift box can be screened with information, and the gift bag can also be printed with a logo or product information. When this is done tastefully, it leaves a lasting impression and is very well received.

Imprinted corporate gifts are a good way to reward employees or clients. Besides the logo imprinted on the gift, the occasion can be engraved. Many companies give out 5, 10, 15, and 20-year gifts to employees. It's a wonderful way to acknowledge that the person is appreciated. It also calls attention to the entire staff that the employee has been rewarded.

Corporate gifts are a great way to celebrate the holidays or say "Happy New Year" to clients and potential clients or customers. Everyone likes to know that they are appreciated. A gift that will remain in their possession is a constant reminder and will keep your name, your product name, and your sentiments in front of them.

Many items can be individually personalized as well as printed with a logo or a corporate expression. Often, the item is printed with a motivational message that the company has been using in their advertising. However, most people cannot resist their own initials or name. It shows a lot of thought and effort went in to a gift when it's monogrammed with the recipient’s own imprint. People cannot help but be impressed when it is made especially for them. Initials or name does not take away from the advertising message you are giving. It just shows that you took the extra time and effort to make the product especially for them. A gift packaged beautifully is irresistible and elegant wrapping is sure to please.