When you think you know all there is to know about the employer then you’re halfway there. Make sure you have thoroughly researched the company and know the position you are being interviewed for so you don’t have to ask your interviewer these laborious details, which you should already know. Know as much as you can about the person you will be interviewing with. Thoroughly research the company so you know as much as possible about the establishment. You’ll then be in a better position to ask meaningful questions about the position or company; in other words show you’ve done your research. You may look to a current employee or even the Internet; just be clever and use your resources.
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The most important thing is to know exactly where the establishment is you’ll be interviewed at and don’t be late! Allow extra time for weather, traffic, parking and slow elevators. Do whatever it takes to arrive 10-15 minutes early. If necessary, drive to the company the night before and time yourself. In case of emergency or you are delayed, have the appropriate phone numbers on you. There is nothing worse to a future employer if you turn up late for the interview, we can assure you this late start will not get you that desired chef position. Don’t forget the 5 P’s Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance!
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The Interview levels the playing field, if you aren't able to interview successfully, you won't get the job. Attitude is everything! If you want to rise above others with better experience, better training, or better anything, you’ll need to work on developing a highly positive work attitude.
Your attitude determines whether you will "make the cut" or be discarded. There are plenty of competitors with the ability to do almost any given job-- especially at the entry level. The way most employers differentiate at the entry level is by candidates' attitudes toward the job. Your attitude is what interviewers will remember when the dust has settled after reviewing candidates.
Most companies already have their full share of multi-talented superstars; this is why your attitude is so important. Ask any executive chef who the most valuable member of his brigade is and he will point to the person who has the "can do" attitude, the person who can be counted on in any situation and most importantly the person who truly strives for excellence.
The way to best show your positive attitude is in the way you present yourself. It’s best to exemplify these positively motivating traits with stories and examples, you’re a chef we’re sure you have a plenty of them. Explain where, when, and how you put forth extra effort above and beyond the call of duty. Show how you made a difference by going the extra mile.
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What you say is not nearly important as how you say it…
First Impression
The first few minutes of contact are the most critical, and will set the tone for the interview. To be successful, you must project enthusiasm about the position, show confidence and competence. Your goal here is to convince the interviewer that you would be an asset without acting arrogant! Also, don’t forget to dress appropriately.
Eye Contact
If you look away while listening, it shows a lack of interest and a short attention span. If you fail to maintain eye contact while speaking, at a bare minimum it shows lack of confidence in what you are saying and at worst it may send the subtle message that you are lying. Therefore do not just assume you have good eye contact try and think about where you are looking during the interview.
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Gestures should be kept to a bare minimum during the interview. When you do use gestures, make sure they are natural and meaningful. Most importantly about your body language—don’t fidget! If you squirm around in your seat and constantly fidget with your hands or something you’re holding you will give off the impression you lack confidence. Employers often relate confidence with power potential, so keep calm.
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Finally, often overlooked, the follow-up is the finishing step in the interviewing process. It's essential that you send a Thank-You Note to the person who conducted the interview. In your letter try to summarize your conversation and re-emphasize the skills you would bring to the table. If you are interested in the position, avoid sending a generic thank you letter; instead note some of the reasons why you are the perfect candidate for the job.
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First paragraph
Thank the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you and remind him or her of the position for which you interviewed.
Second paragraph
Reiterate your sincere interest in the position and also the company. Be sure to comment on something of importance that you discussed, which will make you stand out from the other applicants. Emphasize your strengths, experiences, skills, and accomplishments and what you would bring to the position.
Third paragraph
End the letter by thanking the interviewer for his or her time and consideration. If you feel that it is appropriate, close with a suggestion for the next step (a second interview perhaps), or mention that you plan to follow up with a phone call in a few days.
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