Your answer should project nothing but a desire to have a long-term career with the interviewing organization.

1. Document your accomplishments-  You should have been documenting your accomplishments all along, but if you haven’t, now is the time to sit down and write down everything you can remember.  Now is not the time to be modest.

2. Write down your areas of improvement- Think of all the different ways you have improved and write them down.  Going over your improvements will be an important part of your job review and you want to have plenty to share.

3. Finish up any important projects- If any big projects come up in your review, it will sound great to say they are completed.

4. Discuss areas of improvement- Every worker has areas that could stand to be improved and you’re know different.  Plan on openly discussing areas that need some work and what you plan to do about it.  Your boss will appreciate your candor.

5.  Avoid getting defensive/remain calm- You already have documentation that proves you do your job so don’t worry about that.  Try to view your job review as chance to remind your boss of your value and indispensability to the organization.

2.  Whatever you think your going to earn, reduce it by 30%.

3.  When you make a big mistake it looks bad.  There is no making it up later in the semester.

4.  Where you went to school will help get your foot in the door, but after that it won’t mean much.

5.  There is a time and place for your thoughts on improving the company.  Your first week isn’t it.

6.  Don’t even think of ever involving your parents in the workplace in any way, shape, or form.

7.  It possibly may take a really long time to find the “right” job.

8.  Don’t count on you job to make you happy.

Your answer should convey the sense that you create a healthy team atmosphere where members’ contributions are valued and encouraged; avoid coming across as autocratic.

Throwing a language section on your resume is great but there are many jobs and industries in need of bilingual workers that you can target.  Bilingual workers often earn more than their English only counterparts for the same position.  Given the state of the economy it’s worth looking into every opportunity that will maximize your income.

Here are some industries to target where bilingual workers are in high demand:

1.  Education- Bilingual teachers and guidance counselors are in strong demand and they almost always earn more than English only teachers in the K-12 system.

2.  Health care- People of all backgrounds need medical care.

3.  Hospitality-  Assist visitors from around the globe in their preferred tongue.

4.  Social Services-  Complicated family issues go over a lot smoother if you can work with parents and children in their native language.

1.  Be likable- Not easy for everyone, but basically be friendly, relaxed, and helpful with your co-workers and others.  Take in interest in getting to know those around you.  I mean everyone, not just those who can do something for you.

2.  Go above and beyond- Don’t just work hard, go beyond that.  Do what’s expected and then some.  Find ways to do things better, cheaper, and faster.  Volunteer for new assignments or projects that others may avoid.

3.  Don’t shy away from accepting credit- Don’t think for a second that tooting your own horn now and then is arrogant because it’s not.  Often times, It’s something you have to do to get the recognition you need to get promoted.

4.  Share your thoughts/ideas- Assert yourself in company discussions and meetings.  Prepare for such events and be ready to contribute something valuable to the discussion.

1.  Criminal History- Juvenile records are sealed but anything in the public record is available.  Some    states only provide information for a recent time period so look into your state’s law if concerned.

2. Education Check-  A problem area for many people.  In recent years everyone from executives, teachers, and politicians have been caught exaggerating their educational qualifications.  Be honest about your education.  If you are feeling like you may not have enough education focus on the valuable experience you have or consider taking night classes to earn a degree or refresh your skills.

3.  Job History Verification-  This is the big one that scares most people.  Potential employers will verify your work history.  A quick call to HR will reveal if you actually worked when and where you said you did.  Most former employers will do no more than confirm your job title and dates of employment.  To reveal more would put them in a position to be sued, though I have heard of some past employers saying less than desirable things about former employees.  If you’re concerned about this, have a friend call your previous employer and have them to some poking around to see what your past employer may say.

4. Credit Report- Some employers are looking for financial stability in their employees.  Any bankruptcies more than seven years old will not be reported.  Check your credit report for any errors.

5.  Civil Claims and Judgments- Ever sued or been sued before?  This may come up.

6. Driving Records- This will definitely be looked into if you’re applying for a job with significant drive time.

7. Reference Check- If you are asked to provide references on a job application, chances are the employer will call the numbers provided.  Questions tend to be work related.

1.  Rumors & Gossip-  They’re everywhere in the workplace and it can be unavoidable sometimes.  Distance yourself from rumors and gossip the second they rear their ugly head.  I’m going to state the obvious here.  Don’t start rumors!  Even if it’s not a rumor but something that’s true just keep it to yourself.  Even if you just tell your office buddy, he or she will tell at least one other person and so on.  If you get caught spreading rumors, kiss your career at your current job goodbye.  You’ve lost all credibility in the eyes of those around you.

But actually starting rumors isn’t the only thing to avoid.  You must avoid having your name attached to a rumor in any way.  Here is a scenario:  one of your co-workers decides to let you in all little office gossip and while leaning over to tell you someone else picks up on the conversation and decides to tell the source that you and Jim where bad mouthing him even though you were just listening.  Or maybe the gossip spreads with both your name and the messengers name attached to the rumor now flying through the office.

Sounds bad right? Yep….so just don’t spread gossip in anyway and this includes listening to gossip from others.

2.  Office Romance- Not everyone will agree with this one but if you have the urge to ask one your co-workers out on a date just don’t do it.  Contrary to what you see on TV, office romances rarely lead to anything other than hurt feelings, distractions in the office, rumors, and eventually someone quitting sooner than they would have liked.

Do you think your boss wants to hear that Dan is bitter and unproductive because you refused date number 3? Having a productive and happy work life is difficult enough without adding acrimony and bitterness that comes along with failed romances and jilted men or women.  There are plenty of places to meet guys and gals without having to look across the cubicle.

3.  Wearing the wrong clothes- I don’t believe that clothes make the man but for many, how you dress speaks volumes about your competence level, intellect, and who you are.

The problem many men have is they simply wear old or outdated clothes in the workplace which makes others think consciously or subconsciously that they don’t have it together.  Clothes aren’t cheap but try to slowly put together a decent work wardrobe one outfit at a time.  Don’t under dress either.  The level of professionalism in your clothing should be similar to others in your workplace.

Women seem to have a different issue.  When they dress inappropriately it’s usually because they are dressing too promiscuously or flamboyant.  Wearing skirts that are too short, revealing cleavage, and plastering too much makeup on will send the wrong message to everyone around you including those who have the power to promote you.  If you dress like that because you enjoy the attention, do some self evaluation and decide if you want attention or the best career possible.