Even when you have gone for more interviews than you can count, job interviews never seem to get any easier. With each job interview...
Even when you have gone for more
interviews than you can count, job interviews never seem to get any
easier. With each job interview, you are meeting new people and selling
yourself and your skills.
Staying upbeat and enthusiastic through it all
can be a challenge, especially when you are being interviewed for a job
you would love to get hired for.
However, there are ways to make a job
interview feel much less stressful. Just a little preparation time can
go a long way. Remember, though, that a job interview is not an exam –
you don’t need to study for hours on end.
Rather, you just need to do due
diligence in researching the company. You need to understand exactly
what they are looking for in a new recruit, and ensure that you are able
to discuss your experience and what makes you a great fit for the job.
It is a good idea to focus on your
communication skills in particular, so you can speak clearly and
concisely about the assets you can offer the employer.
Ultimately, the key to effective
interviewing is to project confidence, stay positive, and be able to
share examples of your workplace skills and your qualifications for the
job.
With some advance preparation, you will
be able to nail the interview and showcase the experience that makes you
an ideal employee for the company.
Here are some job interview tips:
- Practise and prepare
Review the typical job interview
questions employers ask and practise your answers. Strong answers are
those that are specific but concise, drawing on concrete examples that
highlight your skills and back up your resume. Your answers should also
emphasise the skills that are most important to the employer and
relevant to the position.
Be sure to review the job listing, make a list of the requirements, and match them to your experience.
It is equally important to listen
carefully during your interview in order to ensure your responses give
the interviewer the information they are looking for.
Also, prepare a list of questions you
will ask the interviewer, in case they want to know if you have any
questions for them. In such situations, having questions for the
interviewer makes you not to appear apathetic, which is a major turn-off
for interviewers.
- Develop a connection with the interviewer
In addition to indicating what you know
about the company, you should also try to develop a connection with your
interviewer. Find out the interviewer’s name, and use it during the job
interview.
Building rapport and making a personal
connection with your interviewer can up your chances of getting hired –
people tend to hire candidates they like.
- Research the company, and show what you know
Do your homework and research the
employer and the industry, so you are ready for the interview question,
“What do you know about this company?”
If this question is not asked, you should try to demonstrate what you know about the company on your own.
- Get ready ahead of time
Don’t wait until the last minute to pick out an interview outfit, print extra copies of your resume, or find a notepad and pen.
Have one good interview outfit ready, so
you can go for interviews on short notice without having to worry about
what to wear. When you have an interview lined up, get everything ready
the night before.
- Be on time for the interview
On time means at least 10 minutes early.
Give yourself a few extra minutes to visit the restroom, check your
outfit, and calm your nerves.
- Try to stay calm
During the job interview, try to relax
and stay as calm as possible. Remember that your body language says as
much about you as your answers to the questions. Try to exude
confidence. As you answer questions, maintain eye contact with the
interviewer.
- Follow-up after the interview
Always follow up with a thank-you note
reiterating your interest in the position. You can also include any
details you may have forgotten to mention during your interview.
Source: thebalancecareers.com
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