Interview prepping
Although we’re in the midst of modern-day technological advancement, the “back-to-basics” rule still applies when it comes to getting hired for a job. It matters not whether you are planning to apply to a million dollar company or a small, independent firm. When you come face-to-face with an interviewer it all boils down to how you present yourself, because this is the deciding factor as to whether you get hired or not.
Consider for a moment that you have distributed your resume to prospective employers and you have determined the appropriate job to apply for. What comes next? All things considered, your next step should be to schedule the job interview.
To smooth the way prior to an interview, you might try to acquaint yourself with the assistant or receptionist when you schedule your interview, either by phone or in person. Be friendly and polite, as these people might provide information which can be essential to getting that job, or even just give you a little background of the company or your prospective boss.
Show up
Finally, you show up for the interview – The basic traits of being prompt, well spoken and mannerly, as well as being neatly dressed and groomed are all factors that contribute to making a lasting impression that will help immensely in you getting hired.
In view of the foregoing, these simple steps will help you improve your interviewing skills, like readying yourself for that interview. Read on!
First, dress appropriately. Once the interviewer walks into the room, or once you walk into the room to be interviewed, your appearance will be the first thing to make an impact. Dress appropriately, check your grooming and mind your posture, because the old adage “first impression is a lasting impression” still applies.
Second, practice basic courtesy. Know where the interview will be held and be there promptly and with ample time to prepare yourself before the scheduled interview. Turn your phone off to avoid unnecessary interruptions/distractions.
Researching
Use all your resources to make sure that you have some basic facts about the company. You would not want to be caught unprepared when asked about how you heard or what you know about the company that you are applying with. Learn about your potential employer and in your mind, develop a clear picture of the company profile.
Make sure you prepared answers to a few basic questions, but do not sound scripted. This happens when you rehearse what you will be saying word for word. It is enough that you have an overview of what you will impart to the interviewer, and it is much better to be spontaneous.
Be cool. Know your value
Calmness is key – Step forward so that you are now seated and the interview is about to begin. Display confidence by maintaining eye contact, giving the interviewer a firm handshake, a friendly smile and a polite greeting. Sit only when you are asked to do so and do not forget to thank the interviewer for taking time out of his or her busy schedule to interview you.
Make sure to start on a positive note and set the proper expectations, but do not sell yourself short. In the course of your interview, answer questions briefly and accurately. The key is to be honest.
Make sure that, as a prospective employee, you impart to your future employer what you really are and what you can do for the company, not the other way around. Stay positive and do not speak negatively about your previous employer.
If you are applying for your first job, do not let your lack of experience hinder you from gaining the advantage against more experienced applicants. What you lack in experience, make up for in confidence and eagerness to learn. You should also try to put yourself in the employer’s shoes. Ask yourself, if I were on the other side of this desk, what qualities would I look for in a potential employee? Would I profit if he works for me? And can he contribute to the development of the company?
Do not be afraid to sell yourself but do not be overconfident. Just project an air of confidence, indicating that you are sure of yourself and your capabilities.
Ask questions & wrap it
Ask questions – Should you encounter a difficult interviewer, do not be intimidated. One who does not let you get a word in edgewise should be lightly reminded that you should do most of the talking since s/he is the one who needs to learn more about you.
Wrap it up – As you near the end of the interview, make sure that all bases are covered; but now is not the time to discuss, or even ask about the salary and the benefits that you will receive once employed. There is ample time for such inquiries once you do get the position and you are discussing the job offer.
Wrap things up by summarizing your strengths and pointing out your positive traits. Finally, as you end the interview, make sure to thank the interviewer again for his or her time, thus leaving a positive and perhaps, a lasting impression.
Follow up steps
Send that all-important thank you note after the interview. Thank the interviewer for the time s/he spent with you and for giving you that opportunity. Make sure you know who to contact for follow-up and post-interview results.
A lot of research has been done about the interviewing process. Here is a brief run-through:
- First, you make a schedule for the interview.
- Then, you are there in the office and you are seen by the interviewer.
- The interview itself then transpires.
- Next is the closing, then you follow-up with a thank-you-note.
- You eventually get accepted and you discuss, negotiate for, and sign-up the job offer.
- You may notice that the interviewing takes up a great deal of the getting-hired process, so you might as well polish up your interviewing skills on your way to getting that dream job.
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