Job Interview Tips #1: Nice Pens can Make the Difference

17 12 2008

Preparing for a job interview requires time, energy, and money. Put all of those together and you’ll have the best interview your resume will allow.

I’ve used numerous job interviewing techniques to outsmart in my professional career. The first one that I’ll talk about will require a bit of a cash  investment, but a wise investment nonetheless. Go out a get yourself a really nice pen and a decent looking notebook. You can get nice pens that cost up to $1,000 dollars, but you need not spend that much. You can find a decent looking pen for around $40 dollars like this one at Levenger; and a notebook shouldn’t cost any more that $10 dollars.

Bring a stylish pen like this to an interview.

Bring a stylish pen like this to an interview.

Here’s what you do with your pen and notebook. Don’t pull the pen out as soon as the job interview begins and start waving it around and taking notes. You’ll seem like you’re too eager to show be showing off your pen. The interviewer will sniff out your scheme immediately and assume you’re a bullshitter. At least I would. Also it’s better to just have a conversation with the interviewer, as it will create more comfort and confidence for you. Save the notes for the time when you really have to remember what’s being said.

When the time comes, pull that bad boy out with confidence and start writing in your notebook. This simple action makes a statement in itself. It tells the interviewer that you pay attention to detail, as you care enough to write them down. If you do it with confidence you’re sure to impress. You’ll be a confident, organized, and detail-oriented job prospect that’s even stylish in your note-taking.

Here’s an article by someone else who agrees with me on this subject. Check back for more interviewing tips.





Attention Slackers!

13 12 2008

Are you a slacker? You’ll love this

Here’s a way to get lost in the bureaucracy of your job.  Walk around with a clipboard all day. It’s so simple, and I’ve found that people don’t ask you any questions if you’re carrying one. Think about how many people you see in a day walking with clipboards. You always assume they’re working. Just walk around with one for a day and see what happens. Every couple of hours remember to ask your boss a specific question about your job, while holding the clipboard. What’s funny is that your boss will see the clipboard and think you’re organized. You’ll be surprised about how much recognition you’ll get for getting so little work done.

I used this technique on a daily basis when I used to work at a prestigious health club. I walked around all day and talked to anyone who would talk to me; just to maximize the amount of people who saw my clipboard. The technique even got me employee of the month one time. I thought it was funny.