Generally, the lust for money starts at an early age.  Maybe you started mowing lawns as a teenager or babysitting.  Remember the sense of accomplishment, security and exhilaration that came with that first check?  The feeling that you can provide for yourself is a phenomenal one. 

After some time, however, the thrill goes away, and before long, working becomes a duty.  One has to take care of themselves and their own needs.  The troublesome fact is that there are obstacles in obtaining employment.  One of the most daunting tasks in job preparation is the interview.  Receiving job interview tips begins in high school, but the learning process never ends.  Employers, companies and standards are forever evolving. 

A good job candidate has to stay knowledgeable on the latest information.  In the current climate, having a good set of job interview tips is essential.  Beyond job interview tips, an employment seeker needs a number of tools.  In an effort to help arm the masses of future job seekers with some useful knowledge, here are some job interview tips obtained from an expert: Brent Peterson who envisioned, created and developed Interview Angel. 

Peterson’s Top Tip Advice:

Don’t be a job seeker! Be a problem solver! 

Peterson said that people go to the job boards, send out their resume and hope they get called.  They play the numbers game.  If I send out enough resumes, someone will hire me.  A better idea, according to Brent, is to research companies, find areas you can aid with and go offer your help. 

Peterson has a story about a young man, Tommy, who lost his job when Circuit City went under. 

Tommy contacted Brent, and was armed with a lot of knowledge about Brent’s work with Interview Angel.  Tommy said, “Let me buy you a cup of coffee, and I’ll tell you how I can help you.” How bold!  Now, Tommy is working on several of Peterson’s marketing projects and is developing a reputation on the web for his marketing wisdom.  Peterson conveyed that confidence is one of the biggest hurdles.  Most people have the ideas, but the confidence is not there to put thought into action. 

Create an opportunity for yourself!  Establish relationships outside of your computer.  Peterson said using online social media tools like Twitter and Facebook are a great means to make offline connections.  But get out there— meet the owners, interviewers and hiring managers.  Build a network! 

Peterson shared the scenario that perhaps you go for an internship, but it has been filled.  His job tip: write a proposal for a new internship.  What employer is not at least going to listen about how they can get free help?  In doing so, you create contacts and gain experience. 

You have a “depth of knowledge.” The eternal catch-22 is employers don’t want to hire anyone without experience, but how do you get experience when no one will hire you?  Brent said that volunteering and internships are experiences as worthy as professional knowledge.  It is important for any college student that volunteers with an organization or church to have a “depth of experience if not the wealth of experience.” Being involved in this way shows that you can set goals and see them through.  A volunteer is responsible and accomplished in the work they do, and Peterson says one just has to relate these facts of what you did in a way that shows you can help the company.  “It’s the way you tell your stories,” he says that matters, not the actual story. 

Go head over heels!  Go above and beyond, always.  One of the best job interview tips is to be prepared.  Brent said that he would research the company he wanted to work for, get it down on paper, and then practice in front of his daughters, dog and mirror.  Preparation is essential.  A perfect job candidate who has all of the right experience but who fails the interview will not be successful.  However, someone who knows how to showcase their experience in the best way, knows the company and its needs, and is prepared for the interview is going to get the job. 

Interviews are not a one-sided conversation!  Make sure you are the right fit for the company, but also that the company is the right fit for you.  Ask questions during the interview.  It is essential to make sure the position, the company and candidate are all a good fit. 

Interview Angel

Interview Angel is an essential toolbox for giving successful interviews, gaining employment and changing career perspectives.  It is a great way to separate yourself from the pack of people job hunting.  Peterson is a job expert, motivational speaker and a highly successful businessman. 

In June 2008, while in the sand on a South Carolina Beach, inspiration struck.  Surrounded by the beauty of sand and surf, Peterson began thinking.  He wanted to help his family and friends land jobs they wanted and deserved.  Peterson’s experience was in business consulting and a large part of his professional career has been spent going on job interviews.  On the other side, as a hiring manager, he knows what to look for in job candidates.

Through Interview Angel, he developed the idea of the padfolio.  He said that people treat interviews as if they were a closed book exam: no notes allowed.  In reality, this is just a thought that became common practice. Having a padfolio, having knowledge necessary down on paper that can be referred to before and throughout the interview helps maintain focus, according to Peterson. 

This is an essential idea behind a great interview and Interview Angel.  Peterson also felt that something was needed between the thousands of dollars one can spend at a consulting firm and a $20 book that has no real depth. When one reads that Peterson created Interview Angel in order to help people, their dark sides can easily laugh in a cynical manner. After all, who couldn’t envision a cold businessman plotting in a dark study somewhere…

However, after speaking to Peterson for some time, it is apparent that his motivation is to aid and help.  Peterson gives seminars for free, some of his product for free, and most importantly, job interview tips for free. 

Gather advice, knowledge and job interview tips when and wherever possible. Peterson says he listens to people’s stories, and he tells them as well.  Never underestimate yourself.  Now get out there and get the job! 

If you still feel that you need more interview help, go to The Job Interview Secret for premium job interview advice.