Even the smartest and most qualified job seekers need to prepare for job interviews.
When you have successfully mastered cover letters, resumes, and job
applications and are receiving requests for interviews, it's time to
understand how to succeed in the job interview so that you are ever
closer to your goal of obtaining one or more job offers.
Research
Success in a job interview starts with a
solid foundation of knowledge on the job-seeker's part. You should
understand the employer, the requirements of the job, and the
background of the person (or people) interviewing you.
Information sources include the organization's Website and other published materials, search engines, research tools, and your
network of contacts.
Practice Good Nonverbal Communication
It's about demonstrating confidence: standing straight, making eye contact and connecting with a firm handshake. That first nonverbal impression can be a great beginning -- or quick ending -- to your interview.
Make Good First Impressions
A cardinal rule of interviewing: Be polite and offer warm
greetings to everyone you meet -- from parking attendant or receptionist
to the hiring manager. Employers often are curious how job
applicants treat staff members
Remember that having a positive attitude and expressing enthusiasm for
the job and employer are vital in the initial stages of the
interview; studies show that hiring managers make critical decisions
about job applicants in the first 20 minutes of the interview.
Don't Be Cocky
Attitude plays a key role in your interview success. There is a fine balance between confidence, professionalism and modesty. Even if you're putting on a performance to demonstrate your ability, overconfidence is as bad, if not worse, as being too reserved.
Attitude plays a key role in your interview success. There is a fine balance between confidence, professionalism and modesty. Even if you're putting on a performance to demonstrate your ability, overconfidence is as bad, if not worse, as being too reserved.
Listen
From the very beginning of the interview, your interviewer is giving you information, either directly or indirectly. If you are not hearing it, you are missing a major opportunity. Good communication skills include listening and letting the person know you heard what was said. Observe your interviewer, and match that style and pace.
From the very beginning of the interview, your interviewer is giving you information, either directly or indirectly. If you are not hearing it, you are missing a major opportunity. Good communication skills include listening and letting the person know you heard what was said. Observe your interviewer, and match that style and pace.
Ask Questions
When asked if they have any questions, most candidates answer, "No." Wrong answer. Part of knowing how to interview is being ready to ask questions that demonstrate an interest in what goes on in the company. Asking questions also gives you the opportunity to find out if this is the right place for you. The best questions come from listening to what you're asked during the interview and asking for additional information.
Sell Yourself Throughout
An adage in interviewing says the most qualified applicant is
not always the one who is hired -- which means the hired candidate is
often the job-seeker who does the best job in responding to interview
questions and showcasing his or her fit with the job, department, and
organization.
Some liken the job interview to a sales call. You are the salesperson --
and the product you are selling to the employer is your
ability to fill the organization's needs, solve its problems, propel its
success.
Succeeding in job interviews takes research, practice, and persistence.
The more effort you put into your interview preparation, the
more success you'll see in obtaining job offers
Happy Careers !!