You can spend countless hours reading job interview success books, working with an interview coach and going over “tricks” for a successful interview, but those are not always enough. Interviews usually go completely different than you had planned and you may have even been thrown by several questions and discussions. That’s why you want interview information from actual job seekers who have been there. They have had good and bad interviews. They have seen what happens and what works and doesn’t work. You want advice from an actual job seeker and the truth about the often dreaded INTERVIEW.
- There is rarely a standard set of questions an interviewer will be asking so no matter what you have read there is no complete rehearsal for this situation.
- No matter of how simple their question may be do not answer with just a yes or no response. Use the opportunity to sell your attributes and elaborate on specific points that they need in an employee.
- Do not be late that’s obvious, but do not be too early. It wont impress them if you sit out there for an hour and it may even irritate them. Arrive around 15 minutes early to show you are reliable and timely and be able to fill out any documents they may have for you.
- Often times you may be offered coffee or water. Whether you cant stand coffee or not thirsty at all accept the offer and thank them. It engages them and it may even open a dialogue with someone who has in-site into the position they are filling.
- Take several copies of your resume with cover letter and business care attached and hand them to each interviewer right after you are introduced. They probably have the copy you submitted for the job opening in front of them, but this extra step will make a great impression.
- Look each interviewer in the eye and speak directly to each one. Do not look away or wiggle around all over the place from nervousness. Stay calm and realize this is your time. Now sometimes this is simple when interviewed by one potential employer, but often their will be a panel. Give each panel member respect and attention. If the panel consists of the CEO and some interns or assistants you must direct your attention to them all. They may have more input than you think.
- Dress appropriately. If you are not sure what is acceptable then over dress. Its better than being the only one not in a suit and looking foolish.
- Whether you are applying for a job that requires your specific education or not make a point to emphasize your accomplishment of a a degree. It can be relevant in at least some way even if it just shows you are dedicated and intelligent enough for four years of college.
- HERE is the one that always throws people and is a trap question anyway. “What are your weaknesses?” Now your first instinct is to answer with something the likes of “I’m just too hard of a worker” or “I hold myself to too high of standards”. They know that’s a generic and cliche answer so come up with an actual weakness and put a positive spin on it or explain how you over came that weakness. Employers looking to fill a position would rather hear from an actual human being with weaknesses and the ability to compensate for them than an employee who tells them what they want to hear.
- Practice the interview with an actual person. Whether its your grandmother or a random stranger it will help. Have them grill you and then few surprises will rattle you in the actual interview.
- Towards the end of an interview most employers will ask if you have any questions or other information you can provide them. Take this time to ask questions relevant to what they said as it will let them know you heard them. Also this is most likely your last impression before they make a decision on that job opening so state your case and let them know you want the job more than the others and why its you they want as well.
- Finally get each persons contact information who interview you, showed you the building, greeted you or even got you a drink of water. Call, email or write them a thank you note. This will again leave you in their memory and present you as a professional with great respect for others in your work environment.
