VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(MARKET WIRE)--Oct 7, 2008 -- Job Magnet - Okay let's discuss some interview tips for landing one of the cool jobs available in B.C. Remember how nervous you were when you went on your first date? Remember how clammy your hands felt on the wheel of your mom's Ford Taurus station wagon (which was mint by the way) that you borrowed after getting your license the day before? Remember the rush of nerves you felt when you first saw your date?

If you remember all of that then you are in luck. You see, if you and your 16-year-old heart made it through your first date, then your first job interview will be as easy as cherry pie in the summer time. But allow us to offer just a few tips to ease your mind.

Interview etiquette breaks down into three easy categories: what to wear, what to do and what to say.

Let's start with what to wear.

Whether you are looking to score a part-timer at the local pizza joint or a gig at the chicest store in town, what you wear is important. First impressions are like your very own SNL skit -- that 'L' stands for 'Live', as in you won't be allowed another take. On that note, here are Job Magnet's top fashion do's and don'ts:

- Don't wear jeans especially if they are faded or ripped.

- Do wear pants or a skirt (the type Granny would approve of...unless your Granny's name is Lynne Spears) and make sure that they fit. No pants that puddle around your ankles and no ultra-mini skirts.

- Guys: Don't wear a ratty t-shirt with "Foo Fighting" or "Rage Against the Washing Machine" written on it, or anything of a similar ilk.

- Do wear a shirt with a collar. Do tuck it in.

- Girls: Don't wear anything with sparkles, makeup included.

- Do wear tidy shoes. No sky-high heels. No ratty runners.

Part 2: What do you do?

There are three things to master for the interview. The first is your smile. You probably already have that one mastered so you just need to remember to use it. Smile when you arrive. Smile when you meet the interviewer. Smile when you thank them at the end (hint, hint - remember to thank them). Smile when you leave. Now, don't get us wrong. We don't want you to look like Kenneth "The Page" from 30 Rock. We just want to make sure that you don't do the opposite and Marilyn Manson yourself out of a job. People like 'friendly'.

Now: handshake 101. Remember these words: "No. Limp. Jello." That means no southern-belle finger-tip handshakes. Firm and strong says, "confidence", but keep in mind we don't recommend the quintuple-pump death grip either.

Lastly, make eye contact throughout the interview. We know that you may prefer to glance at the floor, the decor on the walls, or the extra copy of your resume that you brought with you (hint, hint) -- anything to ease your tension a bit. And we also know the person conducting the interview may very well have something in their teeth, dog hair on their shirt or an unusual sense of fashion. But it's game time. Keep your eye on the ball...the eyeballs. Unwavering poker stares are a definite 'no'. Nice easy eye contact throughout is a 'yes'.

Chapter 3: Talk. That's the reason you are there.

They are going to ask you about you. Score number one: You know ALL about you.

They are going to ask you where you've worked before. Tell them. Give them a story about what you enjoyed about it and in what ways you feel you excelled.

Haven't had a job before? Be up front about it. Then, talk to them about your volunteer work. Fill them in about the sports teams you're on. Chat about how you sat on student council last year or how you wrote, edited and published your school's yearbook.

Take some time before the interview (hint, hint) to think of examples of school, team or volunteer activities to cite so you are not stuck saying, "Ummmm. Uh, I dunno. I haven't technically had a job."

And remember (insert large flashing sign in the air here) the interview process isn't just about you.

Make sure you ask a bit about the company and the job. Google the company pre-interview and jot down some questions like, "I loved your website. I noticed that you have three other locations. Are there plans for more?" or "What qualities are most important to you for this position?"

Not only will the pre-interview prep make you seem on top of your organizational game but it will also show them that you are interested in more than just a pay cheque (aka interview bonus points sliding your way).

So...dress the part, smile, shake hands, make eye contact, answer some questions, ask some questions. See, we told you, getting one of the jobs available in B.C. is easy as cherry pie.

Check out our site for ongoing job advice. After all everyone needs a little sage and seasoned advice from time to time. That's why we have grandparents and now Job Magnet.

About Job Magnet

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     Contacts:
     Job Magnet
     Divesh Sisodraker
     (778) 338-5900
     Email: dsisodraker@thejobmagnet.com
     Website: http://www.thejobmagnet.com