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Getting Ready for Your Job Interview

Job Interview

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Once you get your foot in the door with your resume, the next major obstacle is the interview. The interviewer already knows the basics about your work experience. The point of the interview is to see how you fit with job and how you’d fit with potential co-workers. That means they’re looking for someone with a good personality who will mesh well.

The first step in preparing for the interview is to research the company. It helps to know what the company does and find a reason why you want to work there. Is there a product they’re producing that’s exciting? Are you interested in the service they’re providing? Knowing what the company does goes a long way in impressing the interviewer.

The second step in preparing is knowing how you’ll answer key questions. Find negatives in your past experience (such as not having experience with an aspect of the job) and find a way to turn it around so it’s more positive (such as saying, “Although I don’t have experience with that, I’m excited to learn. It’s something I’ve wanted to know more about, and this is a great opportunity to learn and grow.”). Practice these answers in front of a mirror. This will help you to know whether your facial expression matches what you’re saying. Also practice with someone who can give you feedback.

The third step is to pick out a professional outfit to wear to the interview. Men should wear suits and women should wear a modest business outfit that is moderate in color.

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The Language of Leaving

Interviews — you’re certain — are defined by their questions, by the answers you must provide. All impressions are crafted from words and their meanings. There are no other elements to consider. There are no others skills to master. You must merely provide phrases that appeal.

This… is not quite true. 

Interviews are instead shaped by body language — specifically how you offer your farewells: 

Give A Smile 

The conclusion of an interview shouldn’t be met with a sigh of relief. It must instead be granted a smile. You must appear confident with the answers you have given (as well as personable). Be certain to match an employer’s gaze and grin. 

Shake Hands 

It’s all too easy to reach for a manager’s hand when introductions are being made; it’s all too easy to forget, however, to do the same once a meeting is done (when you’re wanting only to escape). You must shake hands at the end of an interview. Have a strong — but not overwhelming — grip. A touch will reaffirm your abilities. 

Walk Steadily  

The desire to flee an office will be great (with you wanting to hurry back to your car, tuck yourself away from scrutiny). That desire must be tamed, however. You must walk calmly from the room, striding into the building’s main area without a trace of anxiety. This will intrigue an employer — as well as intimidate any potential candidates who are still waiting. You will appear secure. 

Earning a career isn’t easy. It demands an understanding of both words and gestures. These suggestions can help to soothe the strain, however, and allow you to impress all companies.

 

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Ten impressive questions to ask your interviewer

If you’re preparing for a job interview, you’re probably rehearsing your fantastic answers to all the questions you expect to be thrown at you. What may make more of an impression, though, is your arsenal of impressive questions designed to showcase you as the employer’s leading choice for the job.

Use these memorable questions to fit your specific situation:

1. What does this company place the most value on, and how will my work for you promote these values?

2. What do you look for in an ideal candidate?

3. How will I be able to work collaboratively here?

4. What’s an area of your team that could use some polishing?

5. Can you tell me the most important accomplishment I can make in my first 60 days?

6. What are some examples of the strongest and weakest aspects of this company’s culture?

7. Will I be someone’s mentor, or am I going to be mentored by someone?

8. By what criteria will you judge my success? How will I be able to show in six months that I have met your expectations?

9. How do you see my potential for fitting in here?

10. Do you have any concerns about my potential for success in this position?

Questions are a strong way to show that you understand the challenges the company faces, reveal how you can help the company meet them and actually ask for the position. By asking pointed questions, you can direct the interview into areas where you excel.

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Body language – the silent communicator

You’ve got an appointment for a job interview. Congratulations! Based on your resume, your prospective employer thinks you can do the job. Now you have the opportunity to convince him or her that you’re the best candidate. In other words, you have to become a salesman for yourself.

According to Forbes magazine, 7 percent of your first impression is based on spoken words, 38 percent on your tone of voice and a whopping 55 percent on your body language – how you move and position yourself.

The “don’ts” of job interview body language should be obvious, but it may take some conscious effort to overcome them. Here are some “do’s” that will help you feel confident, even if you’re not:

  • Always grasp your interviewer’s hand firmly. Look him or her straight in the eye and smile when introduced.
  • Thank your interviewer for taking the time to talk with you.
  • Wait until your interviewer sits down before you take your seat.
  • If there’s no desk or table between you and your interviewer, establish a safe personal space of about two or three feet apart.
  • Aim your response to a question directly to the person asking it. On a panel interview, you can glance briefly at the other people present, but always return your focus to the questioner before you end your response.
  • Use hand gestures for emphasis. Keep your movements controlled but not stiff.
  • Many interview coaches will tell you to practice in front of a mirror. But you should also try answering mock questions into a tape recorder and playing it back. Nearly everyone is surprised at how they sound outside their own head!
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Acing the Interview

There are several ways to make yourself ready for an interview for a new position. First, take some time to study the corporation you wish to work for. Understand their products, where they operate, and get a feel for the philosophical direction of the employer. This can help you in the interview when they ask, “What is it about our company that makes you want a position with us”?

Emphasize where your core thoughts match with that of the company. Also, make sure to be on time for your interview, and present yourself in a professional manner. Your clothing should be clean and appropriate for an interview, and you should fully look the part of someone they would be foolish not to hire. This means take the time for personal grooming. This includes a neat haircut, kempt facial hair,and  fresh breath. Anything you can do to present yourself in a positive light is important.

Some of these things seem like mere common sense, but it can be surprising how many people fall short on simple elements. Lastly, present yourself as curious, humble, confident and easy to work with. So much of what employers look for is the ability and the willingness to get along with co-workers in pursuing a task. Make it obvious your goal is to contribute to the company and to get along internally.

Don’t be overly cocky and come across as smug. Just present your best self that is positive and goal-oriented. Come across as someone who will be a drama free employee who is not the sort that would get bogged down in petty office politics. I believe following my advice would help a prospective employee to present their best self- and land that job in a economic period when employers must be ever more selective about whom they hire.

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The Art of the Interview

Jobs are in low supply these days, so the interview process is more important than ever. Your resume will show your qualifications, but personality is what matters after that. Here are some tips to help you nail your job interview and be remembered.

  • Practice for the interview before it happens. This may seem cheesy, but it is important in order to make a good first impression. People may be able to point out flaws in your interview skills that can be fixed, like saying, “um…” too much or using too many hand gestures.
  • Don’t chew gum – it might offend your interviewer. Plus, it looks very unprofessional.
  • Dress the part. If you are going for an office interview, be sure to look smart. Jeans are out of the question. A white shirt and suit are your best bet. The same goes for women. If you are going for a job interview in a warehouse, however, a little less dressed up may be in order. Use your best judgment, and be well groomed no matter what you choose to wear. This means shave a few hours before and check your appearance in a mirror before showing up to the interview.
  • During the interview, be sure to make eye contact. This shows that you are serious about the job and that you have confidence in your ability to do it.
  • It is also a good idea to bring a copy of your resume in case the interviewer does not have it on hand. Some people will ask for it just to see if you are prepared. A sheet of paper with your references may also come in handy.
  • At the end of the interview, leave your business card so they can contact you easily. Business cards also show you’ve had a position of importance in the past, which means you know how to handle yourself.

With a little luck and the advice mentioned above, you’ll nail the job.

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The Job Interview: Facing the Tough Questions

You are in your job interview and the prospective employer looks at your resume and sees that you are not working. She then asks, “Why did you leave your job?” Do you have an answer ready for her? How you answer questions like this will determine how the rest of the interview will go.

As part of your preparation for your interview, sit down and write all the questions that you can think up if you were interviewing you. Consider questions you have heard in previous interviews. Ask your friends what their worst interview questions were.

The question used above will almost always be asked if you are not currently employed. Other common questions are: Why are you leaving your current job? What is the hardest thing you have had to do on the job? How do you handle obnoxious employees or co-workers? Have you ever been fired from a job?

Look at each question and honestly create a positive response. It is your job to turn your negatives (and everyone has them) into positives. Show how you made a mistake but you have made this a strength in your career, addressing the issue and making the changes needed to be successful.

Create a statement for each question where you answer truthfully, but craft the response in the most favorable terms. Keep the response short. 30 seconds is all that you should be talking, which allows only 3 to 5 sentences. Longer answers tend to indicate that you are trying to cover up an issue, and may result in actually revealing more than you should.

If you have written down every question that you thought up and have answered them, then when the interviewer asks a question you were not expecting, you will have practice in how to address the questions. Remember, interviewers ask questions and the job seeker who answers the questions the best usually gets the job.

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Tips For A Successful Interview

Getting that call to set up an interview can feel astonishing. However it is important to prepare beforehand to ensure that you can leave a great first impression during your interview. By following some simple steps and doing some research its possible to approach the daunting task with confidence and grace.

Personal appearance is one of the most important factors to consider before attending an interview. Depending on the job type it might be preferable to wear a suit or dress, while other job-interviews can be successful in casual dress or normal clothing. Remember to get a haircut beforehand and shave if necessary. While it is important to look professional, overdressing can make you appear desperate for the job. Just dress to impress, but don’t overdo it.

Do some additional research on the position the company is offering as well as the company itself. Walking into an interview knowing some of the company history makes it easier to decide on what to highlight about yourself. An interview can be short making it necessary to show how well qualified you are for the position using as few words as possible. Should you feel nervous about what you will say practice talking about your qualifications with a friend or loved one. Ask them to pretend they are interviewing you and put yourself on the spot. If you can answer all of the interview questions confidently a real interview should go flawless.

Bring all the necessary paperwork and information with you to the interview. You may be asked to fill out paperwork before or after the interview. Remember to have your social security number, previous employer information and drug test results if necessary during the interview. Not having vital information can be embarrassing and show that you were not prepared for the interview.

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Preparing For A Successful Interview

A successful interview is an interview that you feel leaving good. It doesn’t always mean that you got the job but at the very least you impressed the employer and left a good impression. Having successful interviews is important since it increases your chances of getting the position and prepares you for future interviews. You also never know when the company might require new employees, which could result in a potential job opportunity later in life.

The first aspect of an interview that you should prepare for is the initial phone call. Make a list of the positions you have applied for at various companies so that you can recognize who is calling you when you receive the call. It would be embarrassing to not know what position you applied for when you get a return call. Make the phone call brief and professional. Remember to not get too excited and to save it for your interview. The person on the other end of the line likely has many other potential candidates to call and does not want to waste time discussing your credentials.

Remember to dress appropriately for the interview and have a professional appearance during the interview. This means getting a good night of sleep beforehand and putting yourself in a relaxed yet confident mood. The last thing an employer wants to see is anxiousness, stress or nervousness. Take a few deep breaths before the interview and remember that the worst thing that can happed is not getting the job.
When at the interview you must show that you have an interest in the position. Ask questions to maintain a conversational flow and try to have an in-depth conversation. If you can’t socially relate to the person during an interview how could they expect to interact with you as an employee?

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Getting Rid of Interview Anxiety

One of the worst things you can do coming into an interview is to appear anxious or nervous. Putting off hostile emotions during an interview will almost always cost you the job and will cut you off from any potential future positions at the company. Adequately preparing before an interview will prevent these negative emotions from coming forward and allow you to shine to your potential.

The best technique to ward off nervousness for an interview is practice. Practice answering typical interview questions by yourself in front of a mirror by yourself. Try to also come up with questions to ask during the interview while using this technique. Make sure to watch how you talk so you can appear casual yet confident. Remember not to drink any coffee beforehand and always have a nice meal and a good night of sleep as well.
Another technique to try is mock interviews. Set up a mock interview with a close friend or loved one where they will ask you questions related to the job you are trying to get. Make sure that they ask tough questions and to pretend like it is an actual interview. Have them comment on how you did afterwards and possibly offer advice on how to improve.

The best way to prepare for an interview is to practice interviewing. There is simply no way to get around it. Set up multiple interviews if possible,even if you know the chances of getting the job are low. By conversing during the interview you are gaining charisma that you can use in later interviews. If you are turned down for the position during the interview ask why. Maybe it was how you came across or it could have simply been your credentials. This type of advice will be invaluable when preparing for future interviews.

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