Before you go on an interview process or even start your own business, you must set goals! As a corporation owner for over twenty years, this is how I went about setting goals for myself. They are as follows:

GOAL SETTING'S TOP TEN:

If you want to be successful, it is important to set goals for yourself-daily goals, weekly goals, monthly goals and yearly goals. Achieving a goal is not difficult, however setting a goal can be. Don't leave your business to chance. SET GOALS!

RULE NUMBER ONE: Make a list. What is important to you? What have your only dreamt about doing? For example, if you thought you might like to write a book, write this down. We have all heard the saying, "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail." The first step to achieving a goal is to write it down!

RULE NUMBER TWO: Put the "horse" before the "cart." First, you need to "see" an image in your mind about what your future goals are. Then decide what you will have to do on a daily basis to get there and then, see yourself there. Act as if you have already achieved your goals.

RULE NUMBER THREE: "We become what we think about" said Earl Nightengale. Begin to walk, talk, and act like the success you deserve to be.

RULE NUMBER FOUR: Write 6 things down you want to accomplish. You should be able to achieve at least 4 of these if you plan on a daily basis and look at this list.

RULE NUMBER FIVE: Make a BrainMap. Put this on your desk, next to your appointment book. Look at it daily. Cut out pictures, put in quotes, and make yourself a "map" of where you going. When we have a map, we get where we want to go.

RULE NUMBER SIX: Ask "how" and "when" questions. How will you achieve your goals? When will they be achieved?

RULE NUMBER SEVEN: One step at a time. Know your objective and once you see yourself achieving one project, you will quickly be able to go on to another.

RULE NUMBER EIGHT: Read about OPS (Other People's Successes). This can be very powerful. In the publication, INVESTORS BUSINESS DAILY, there is a LEADERS AND SUCCESS section in almost every issue. Read Oprah's Magazine. Read motivational books. Remember, "oday a Reader, Tommorrow a Leader."

RULE NUMBER NINE: Make positive friends and acquaintances. People need positive support when they are trying to achieve. If you have negativity in your life, move over to the positive side. It is powerful.

RULE NUMBER TEN: Believe in Yourself. It is so important to know that what you are wanting to do is something you deserve. You deserve to be successful. Make your goals reflect what "you" want, and not what someone else wants.

If you are experiencing the need to go out on interviews, the following pointers will help you get the job you are seeking.

1) RESEARCH THE EMPLOYER

The first part of any interview process is research. The idea is to learn as much as possible about the organization, its philosophies, goals and future plans. You are showing them that you took the time to research their company, you are showing them how you go that extra mile.

2. REREAD/REDO RESUME

Make sure you're familiar with contents. It will be the employers basis of asking questions. Know your strong points. Be able to tell them (indirectly) why they should hire you.

3) DRESS FOR SUCCESS

Always look the part of the position you want. Be meticulously groomed and bring properly organized work with you (letters of recommendation, resume copies, performance evaluations, list of questions).

4) BE ON TIME

There is no excuse for being late. There was too much traffic, a car accident, family emergency...just doesn't cut it. Find out where this is and make a trial run. Where is the parking? Be prepared to be on time. Keep a note of the person you will be talking with. Review questions you plan to ask. Bring your notebook, black pen, tissues, business card, personal data, letters of recommendation, money for gas, telephone, and parking, social security card, drivers. license identification

5) BE POLITE, SHAKE HANDS, BE POSITIVE

Always stand to shake hands, use eye-contact, and smile. It sets the tone.

6) SCHEDULE STRATEGICALLY

Try not to be the first person being interviewed. Research conducted by Robert Half and Associates indicates that the first person interviewed gets the job only 17% of the time, while the last person gets the job 55% of the time. Late in the afternoon is best.

7) SET GOALS BEFORE THE INTERVIEW

It is your responsibility to leaving the interview feeling secure that the interviewer knows as much as he/she knows about your skills, abilities, experience and achievements. If you sense that there are misconceptions, clear them up. If the interviewer does not ask you important questions, diplomatically bring them up and answer them. Don't leave the meeting without getting your own questions answered so that you have a clear idea of what you would be getting yourself into.

DURING THE INTERVIEW- WHAT AND HOW

What do you want to communicate and how do you plan your plan?

1) USE RELAXED CONCENTRATION

Enter into a state of relaxed conversation. Be able to clear your head and concentrate on the present moment of this interview. You will want to act spontaneous but be prepared. Rely on the research you have done before this interview to put you at ease. Listen Carefully. It's okay to ask politely for clarification. Always pause before answering to consider all facts that may help you in your response. Be positive. Communicate attitudes - You are willing to work. You expect to make a contribution. You are flexible. You are committed to continuous learning.

2). KNOW THE QUESTION BEHIND THE QUESTION

Every question comes to "Why should we hire you?" Be sure you are prepared to answer this. If there is, for example, a question about meeting deadlines, consider whether the interviewer is trying to learn about your personal life. He/she may really be wanting to know if your family life will interfere with your employment.

3) WATCH FOR NONVERBAL CUES

Watch for facial expressions, body movements and actions during the interview process. Walk and sit confidently. Lean toward the interviewer to show interest and enthusiasm. Make and keep eye contact. Speak clearly and with personality.

4) FINISH STRONG

Demonstrate interest by asking when the position will be filled. Summarize why you are qualified. This is a time to say what you left out during the interview, tell them if you want this job and ask what the next step might be in the hiring process. Will there be additional interviews? When will be hiring decision be made? When can you call back for the decision?

5) FOLLOW-UP

Evaluate the interview. Record your follow-up plans. Write the date and time for your next contact with the employer and follow-through. Write a thank you note within 24 hours and send one to each person you interviewed with. To write a thank you note or letter, just find some things you discussed and expand upon them. You will stand out above others.

JOB QUESTIONS THEY MAY ASK YOU............

Tell me about yourself. Why do you believe you could handle this position? Since you are overqualified for this position, what do you hope to gain from it? What are you reading lately? Or What types of publications do you read? What are your financial goals? What is the minimum salary you will accept? What is your salary history? If you could have your choice of jobs, what would yours be? Why do you want to go into this field? What are your short and long range goals and how do you expect to achieve them? What does success mean to you? How do you measure it? What motivates you? Do you plan to further your education? To what extent? Have you done anything to improve yourself in the past year? What is your greatest achievement? Disappointment? Why are you leaving your present business? Do you prefer working as part of a team or on your own?Why do you want to work here? What do you feel you can contribute? Is there something you expect to experience in this job you are not presently experiencing? Do you see a future here? Are you considering other positions? What is your leadership style? (If you know this, it will impress them). How do you feel about relocating? How do you work under pressure? Deadlines?

QUESTIONS YOU CAN ASK THEM......................

What is the size, sales volume, earnings? Does the company plan to expand? What are significant trends in this industry? How does the organization rank within their field? What salary range does this job fall in? (Only later in the interview process) What is the public image of the company? What would you like me to accomplish in my job position? What qualifications are you looking for in the person who fills this job? What types of projects will I be responsible for? How much travel is involved? Is there a reason this position is not being filled from within? What has been the greatest challenge of this department/company?

ALL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS ARE REALLY THE SAME QUESTION:

WHY ARE YOU THE BEST PERSON FOR THE JOB?.

Dr. Joyce M. Knudsen, AICI, CIM is a charter member of AICI since l987. Known for her excellent programs. She can be reached at www.imagemaker1.com or www.testingforexcellence.com.

Dr. Joyce Knudsen is known for two specialties: (1) International Home Study Certification Program for Image Consultants, Worldwide. (2) As a Certified Behavioral and Values Analyst she provides assessments on personal lifestyle development, DiSC Classic, DiSC General Characteristics, Time Mastery, Indra, Team Dimensions and so much more. Dr. Knudsen is the author of six books on the subject of self-image, a distinguished IMMIE Recipient, honored with the Award of Excellence for Education and was the very first Master Status Member (highest level of achievement) of The Association of Image Consultants, International.

Experience powerful new skills in dressing for success, business etiquette and social skills. You can read more about Dr. Knudsen on her web site at http://www.imagemaker1.com; you can test yourself to excellence on http://www.testingforexcellence.com and read her EXPERT profile on http://www.expertclick.com