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How to interview for the job you want:
If you have ever looked for a job before, you have participated in a job interview. As you know, the job interview is a very common and very effective method used by employers to select people for jobs. It may be the only time in the selection process when employer and applicant are face to face, making personal and professional judgments about each other.
It should come as no surprise to you that there is a technique to successful job interviewing. A job applicant who masters the fine art of interviewing has a definite competitive edge over other applicants. This information will answer some of the questions that are probably on your mind about interviewing. The intent is to provide you with tools to sharpen your interview skills, giving you a special advantage in today's job market.
The importance of the job interview:
The job interview is the best opportunity you have to gather facts about a job and to sell yourself to a potential employer. In most cases the decision on whether or not you are hired will be made based on the results of the interview. Of course, other factors, such as your resume and recommendations, play an important role. However, the element of personal contact, the interview, provides the most critical information to the employer: Will you fit in? Are you confident as well as competent? Does the employer feel at ease with you personally as well as professionally? The impression you make at the interview will remain with the employer long after the details of your resume have been forgotten and will have major influence on the employer's final hiring decision.
How to prepare for an interview:
You can increase the amount of control you have during an interview by preparing in advance. A well-prepared applicant is much more likely to impress an interviewer with his or her alertness, competence and confidence. If your answers are well thought out and direct, you will find you will be much more at ease. The more comfortable you are, the better the interview is bound to go.
What you can do specifically in preparing for an interview:
Ask your placement consultant for as many details as possible about the job for which you will be interviewing. Your consultant can tell you about the skill requirements and overall responsibilities of the job. Both of you can then look at your background and talents and determine exactly what makes you right for this job.
Know your own background and work history. The interviewer will probably ask questions about things noted on your resume or job application. Be sure you remember positions you have held and the nature of your responsibilities in all past activities. It will be to your advantage if you can relate your past experience to the new job requirements.
Develop a clear idea of your own professional goals. Many potential employers will be interested in knowing whether a position will be "just a job" for you or a commitment to personal achievement. The question is usually handled by asking you about your long range plans or professional goals. Professional goals do not necessarily include a desire to get to the top in as short a period of time as possible. Many people have as their career goal, to be productive by putting their skills to use in a pleasant atmosphere. Discuss your goals with your placement consultant. This information will help you far beyond the interview.
Know your own strengths and weaknesses. Remember, in an interview situation you are trying to sell yourself to a potential employer. Of course you will want to emphasize your strong points and capabilities whenever possible. You should be prepared, however, to answer a question about your weaknesses. You can actually make your "weaknesses" work for you in an interview by preparing a response to include both the nature of the weakness and plans you have made to overcome it. The interviewer will be very impressed at your ability to understand and deal with your own professional shortcomings.
As you can see, it is important to do your homework before going on an interview. A little bit of preparation can make all the difference when you are face to face with a potential employer.
How your manner & appearance create an impression:
Your dress, attitude, tone of voice and mannerisms all create a very strong impression. An interviewer uses the impression to make judgements about such critical features as your reliability, confidence and ability to adjust to new situations.
How you should conduct yourself in an interview:
Be polite, alert and calm. Surprisingly, many interviewers are just as uneasy as you are in this situation. You can put the interviewer at ease by indicating, through your attitude, genuine interest in the discussion. If you appear calm and courteous, the interviewer's task will be made easier - a plus for you!
Dress appropriately for the interview. Although each situation is different, requiring different attire, some general rules apply. Avoid wearing outlandish clothes. Try to estimate what other people in the office might be wearing and dress accordingly. It is most important to be neat. You may want to discuss appropriate dress with your consultant.
Expressing enthusiasm for the job components and for your role may get you the job. Enthusiasm is contagious! If you are sincere in your enthusiasm for the job characteristics, working conditions and your ability to be successful, the interviewer will be enthusiastic about you.
Always speak positively about former experiences. A common mistake made by job applicants is to use the interview to complain about a previous employer. You can find something positive in any experience and that is what you should emphasize.
Always speak positively about your abilities. The interviewer will be looking for someone with self-confidence. You can create a good impression by speaking highly of your proven capabilities and of your ability to acquire new skills.
Sit properly, avoid nervous habits and avoid smoking or chewing gum. Non-verbal communication, also known as body language is 90% of communication (verbal 10%). This is important for you to remember. Body language creates an impression about your attitude, enthusiasm and self-confidence, so be aware. Also be sure to give direct eye contact when speaking and when listening to your interviewer. By doing this you will demonstrate your self-confidence and honesty.
Clearly, your manner and appearance are extremely important components of a successful interview. Interviewers react favorably to warmth, self-confidence, positive attitudes, politeness and alertness.
What the interviewer's questions will be like:
Most interviewers will question you in one of two ways. Either they will follow a series of questions and answers to get certain information or they will ask you to talk about yourself and your skills in a less structured manner. If you have prepared yourself as suggested earlier, you should have no difficulty with either approach.
Rules in responding to interview questions:
Answer each question directly, with little hesitation and do not stray from the subject. Examples can frequently enhance your answer by pointing out experience you have had related to the interviewer's questions. Avoid taking time to discuss incidents that are not directly related to the conversation. Be as specific as possible.
The interviewer may ask you personal questions to determine your ability to perform the job. Be prepared to answer these questions so that your response is job related. Emphasize how you have successfully balanced your personal and professional life in the past and shall continue to do so in the future. Cite favorable absentee records or job recommendations in support of your claim.
More than likely you will be asked why you are looking for a new job in this area. The answer to this question will stem partly from your professional goals and partly from reasons for leaving previous jobs. Present a clear answer that shows you have given the question a lot of thought. The interviewer will be convinced that you have a genuine interest in the specific job.
You will probably be asked if you have any questions. This is your chance to interview the interviewer and should be used to its fullest advantage. Again, prepare a mental list of questions about the job duties, degree of office pressure, number of people you will be working with, etc. The interviewer will take some time to answer questions to help you make a decision. Choose your questions carefully. Avoid discussing benefits, sick days, and the like on your first meeting. Someone who seeks important information before making a decision will favorably impress the interviewer.
The proper way to end the interview:
Your final words in an interview will leave the most lasting impression in the interviewer's memory. However you choose to make your departure, remember to do so on a positive note. Here are some hints for a positive close to an interview.
Thank the interviewer for his or her time. A genuine expression of gratitude for being given a chance to interview is always appreciated.
Send a thank you note. This is a very thoughtful touch which allows you to thank the interviewer for his or her time and to reaffirm your interest in the job.
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