BANKRUPTCY UPDATES

• Prized Dance Studio in Lower Manhattan Files for Bankruptcy Help (June 17, 2013)
• Famed Tech Investor Halsey Minor Files for Personal Bankruptcy (June 03, 2013)
• Leader of Arizona School District Files for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy (June 05, 2013)
• Study Says Cancer Patients More Likely File Bankruptcy (June 06, 2013)
• Investment Bank Ledgemont Capital Files for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy (June 05, 2013)

Tips for a Successful Interview

At TotalBankruptcy.com, we want you to succeed. We've talked to the experts who say that a successful interview can be achieved by following the 4 Ps: preparation, punctuality, presentation and positivity.

Preparation

A little homework can go a long way in an interview. The interviewer doesn't want to just know about you, they want to know why you'll be great for this job in this company. The more you know about those two things, the better you can convince him or her why you're the right candidate.

Research the company. Why challenges are they currently facing? How will your role help them achieve their business goals? By considering your contributions to the company, the interviewer may be more likely to picture you in the position.

Prepare your answers. While every interview is different, interviewers tend to ask many typical questions about your past employment, your responsibilities and your contributions. Pick three key points that make you an ideal candidate for this position, and use them to answer these questions. Even if unexpected questions come up, tie them back into your three points. Repeat these three points throughout the interview to make sure the interviewer remembers them.

This preparation will also help you to answer one of the trickiest questions that interviewers ask: "Do you have any questions for me?" By showing your knowledge about the company and the position, you can ask insightful questions and show your interest.

Punctuality

Most career counselors recommend showing up at least 20 minutes early for a job interview. This will show your enthusiasm and respect for the prospective job. It will also give you a chance to calm your nerves and go over what you want to say in your interview.

Presentation

First impressions take just a few seconds to make, but they can last a lifetime. Even if you feel you aced an interview, you may not get an offer if the interviewer was put off by his or her first impression of you. So make certain that your appearance is at its best for your interview.

When it comes to choosing the right outfit, you want to dress for the part. Some companies expect no less than a business suit every day. Others may endorse more casual attire, and may actually be put off by a business suit. This is where your research comes in handy. Hopefully, you know a little about the corporate culture before you begin planning your interview day outfit.

Whether it's from visiting the company's web site, reading articles or interviews about employees, or visiting the workplace before your interview, try to get a sense about what is expected work attire. If nothing else, try to be as dressed up as the interviewer.

Positivity

A good attitude is one key to being confident and likable. Greet your interviewer with a smile and a firm handshake, and be sure to make pleasant small talk to get to know the person. If you can bond over common interests, the interviewer may like you as a person first, and as a job candidate second.

More importantly, speak positively of past employment. Speaking negatively of your former workplace will reflect poorly upon you. Instead, say "I enjoyed this aspect of my previous job, but this could have made it even better."

Tips of a Successful Phone Interview/Screening Interview

Some companies may wish to do a pre-interview phone screening before scheduling an in-person interview. Typically, these will last around 10 or 15 minutes, and will be used to verify your interests in the position and qualifications. However, the interviewer may also be assessing your attitude and behavior to determine how you will fit in the company.

If you have a phone interview, first make sure you are free from distractions, and that you have a reliable connection. Speak loudly and clearly to convey confidence. Answer questions thoughtfully. You may want to have a pen and paper nearby to take notes in order to ask follow-questions, or to prepare yourself for your next interview.

Most importantly, be confident and be yourself. Be honest about why you are interested in the job and what you plan to bring to the position.