It’s a proven fact that you’re far more likely to perform better in job interviews having done some good preparation. If you are genuine in wanting the job then make sure you sell yourself properly to the interviewer. Make sure your enthusiasm is obvious and show them you’ve done your homework.
One of the most important things is to demonstrate that you’ve researched the company but please, make sure your research is accurate! This sends a very clear signal that you are serious about the job and that you would like to work for the company. Be sure to convey exactly what you’ll bring to the table and those benefits should be immediate. Employers want to know what you can offer right now, not in 6 months time once you’ve ’settled in’.
Even if you don’t feel particularly confident, fake it. Confident people succeed in life, it’s just that simple. Show strength, assertiveness, confidence… you get the idea. It inspires trust that others can depend upon you.
Be likable. One of the best advertisements you can have for yourself is to appear open and approachable. Use your smile, give a warm handshake and make lots of eye contact. Refrain from using first names in the interview unless indicated it’s O.K to do so.
Try to anticipate the questions you could receive. For example you’ll almost certainly be asked for some personal details so prepare them but do it in a story form and not in a cold way which is memorized. People like that human warmth so extend it by developing personal stories.
Finally resist chatter to fill silence, it sends out signals that you are not a confident person or that you’re nervous. Make sure you leave with a definite follow up plan of when a decision will be made or when you can call to check up on progress.
Job Interview Questions And How To Answer Them
If you are going to a job interview soon, it’s a good idea to think about what kind of answer the interviewer is looking for when they ask you the common interview questions. When I interview someone for a job, there are several stock questions I use regardless of the position I’m trying to fill. I mix these in with the interview questions that are specific to the position. Here are three of my usual questions.
Tell me about yourself. I guess that’s not really a question, but I begin every interview this way. My goal is to open up the conversation. The person’s resume has gotten my interest enough to get them in for an interview, but there’s always so much more about a person that a resume won’t reveal.
My advice to you is to use this opportunity to open up to the interviewer and give them more information than they found on your resume. If you’re nervous or shy, try to focus on what you want to communicate to the interviewer and give them a good answer.
What processes have you created to be more efficient or solve problems in a previous job? I’m looking for someone that can solve their own problems. I especially like it when I get an enthusiastic response from someone for this question. Even if it’s just a spreadsheet they created to track some part of their job, it means to me that they look for ways to make their own job easier, and they don’t wait for someone else to do it for them.
My advice to you is to be prepared to tell the interviewer how you solve those little problems we all face at a job. Be specific, and it’s great if you have more than one example.
Do you have any questions? I think every interviewer will ask this question. Believe it or not, I use this as my “trick” question. It’s a tough question if you’re not prepared for it. I usually ask it at the end of the interview. I know the person’s head is spinning at this point. But the responses I get are usually disappointing. The person will either tell me that they don’t have any questions, or they ask about compensation or benefits. That’s not a good idea for this part of the process.
Look, I know and understand that they’re nervous. That’s the “trick” part of this question. If they didn’t prepare a question or two ahead of time, it shows. And it kind of ends the interview with a thud.
My advice to you is to research the company and the position you’re looking for. Try to have at least one question about each prepared beforehand, just in case you don’t think of one during the interview.
There are many more questions you will be asked during a job interview. The best advice I can give is to be honest in all of your answers. If you know you’re right for the position, you should mention that during the interview. And be sure to tell them why.
Your job search starts with a great resume. Does your resume measure up? Most of them don’t. It’s a tragedy to see someone that desperately wants a job, but there’s no chance for them to get it. They won’t get the chance because their resume works against them.