By: Dr. Mike Searcy,

Somerset Community College

Workforce Kentucky recently reported that the Commonwealth’s seasonally adjusted preliminary unemployment rate dropped to 8.7 percent in February 2012 from 8.8 percent in January 2012. According to the Office of Employment and Training (OET), an agency of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet, this marks the eighth consecutive month the rate has declined. This means that as more local businesses and organizations continue to build or re-build their workforce, it will become even more important for job-seekers to be fully prepared to put their best foot forward during the interview process for potential employment.

As a professor of communication at Somerset Community College, I find it to be more important than ever to prepare our students, as well as other community members, for these interviews so that both the company and the potential employee find the best fit for stable, challenging work.

When an interview opportunity arises, most people become nervous about making a positive impression. While a few nerves are common and expected, it is also important to remember that an interview is a two-way process. Employers and potential employees are interviewing one another. Remember that if hired, you will spend a large part of your time at or with an organization or business. For that reason, it is important to interview wisely.

You are selling yourself and your skills during an interview and potential employees need to be prepared from the very start. To put forward your best, it is important to evaluate the job description first. What are the major job skills? What are the duties the job entails? Do I have the skills necessary to fulfill these needs?

Next, a well-prepared application should include a resume and a cover letter. Resumes should identify who you are, your career objective, your education and experience, references (if requested), special skills and interests, activities and honors and awards you may have received.

In today’s world where social media plays a key role in many of our lives, it is also imperative to examine your profile and publically accessible information from the viewpoint of a potential employer. Ask yourself if there is anything you need to change and then change it if necessary.

Next, potential employees should always do research. Find out everything you can about the your future potential employer. Make contacts with others at the company or organization, check their record with the Better Business Bureau and harness the power of the internet to find out everything you can before going face-to-face for an interview.

Dr. Mike Searcy is an instructor of communication at Somerset Community College. He is also the founding consultant for Communication Resource Consulting, Inc. Dr. Searcy has presented information on various communication topics around the nation and globe. He can be reached at (606) 451-6796 or at mike.searcy@kctcs.edu.

Dr. Mike’s

Top Ten Interview Tips:

· Be on time

· Turn your cell phone off

· Hygiene is important

· How you dress is important to the impression you relay:

· Avoid excessive jewelry

· Avoid excessive perfume

· Avoid flamboyant clothes

· It is better to be overdressed than too casual

· Be aware of your body language

· Be aware of your verbal language

· Avoid being negative

· Keep your remarks positive

· Avoid negative remarks about previous job experiences or responsibilities

· Don’t make jokes

· Don’t flirt with the interviewer

· Pace your question responses (take pauses if needed)