Preparing for a Great Interview - Part 2

I am picking up with this second part of our discussion on some preparation tips before heading in for an interview, and if you are just finding this, jump back and read part one also. As mentioned previously, many of these tips can be applied to not only a position in customer service, but to interviews in general.

Last time we lookws at some things to do the night before as far as laying out the supplies and things you should carry with you to be prepared. So, you have everything ready and all supplies prepared, what else can you do to prepare? Well, take some time to refresh yourself on the company. Check their web site and make sure you are familiar with their history, their products and services, etc. Go in to the interview knowing about the company as it may help to stimulate questions and discussions showing you have not just walked off the street for an interview, but that you have done some research. Jot down some notes that may help you remember key points at a glance.

This may be somewhat common knowledge, but as a reminder, if you are already employed, under most circumstances it is best to not let your current employer know of your new job search. Even if you are confident you have the new job, it is never a good idea to openly discuss it, and definitely do not "burn bridges" at your current employer. If by some strange chance the new position falls through, you may find yourself in a precarious situation.

Before going on with other preparations for the interview, while we're on the topic of current jobs, I would like to mention something else. If you have been offered and have accepted a new position elsewhere, it is never a good idea to leave your current job in a negative way. Always set the new job starting date far enough in advance to be able to offer your current employer the standard two-week notice. This allows your employer time to make a smooth transition for your departure. Failure to give your employer such courtesy notice can be a big strike against you if that company is called for a reference at a later date.

Emotions are a tricky animal, so be sure to not let them get the best of you. Do not just up and quit, and do not make a scene or storm out of a position. No matter the reason, try to keep a cool head. You may feel you have had enough, you are fed up, and you just cannot take it anymore, and you feel the need to kick and scream to make your departure more dramatic; but this is never a good idea. Leave with dignity, not anger and disgust.

It is always a good idea to put your resignation in writing, and make it generally polite, as well as including some positive things that you learned or experienced while at the company. Always try to focus on the positive, and do not use this letter to vent against your employer. Even if you are leaving on less than good terms, this last letter should still reveal highlights of the good, and not the negative aspects of your time there. These types of letters will go in your employee file, and could be retrieved in the future if a company calls them for a reference. While you may be a distant memory at that time, the tone and respect in your letter will reveal a much better opinion of you than may have actually been the case.

Have any tips or suggestions that you'd like to share? Feel free to post in the comments below.

Jeff McCormack resides in Virginia Beach, VA. where he works as a web designer by day. In his off time he is a husband, father, and musician. Aside from being a freelance writer for this Customer Service Jobs blog, he also seeks to assist in career choices and information by contributing to other Nexxt blog sites.