Interviewing? Follow These 7 Tips To Set Yourself Apart
Successful interviewing is not only about talking up your skills
and accomplishments, it's also about selling yourself.
Prospective employers are looking for a lot more in addition to
knowing that you can technically handle the job. Your attitude
and work ethic are some of the things that you can use to sell
yourself on your next interview.
Follow these 7 steps and you'll breeze through your next
interview. In fact, you may do so well that they might want to
hire you right on the spot!
1. First, find out everything you can about the company you'd
be working for. You can get this from their web page or a
company pamphlet. Learn about everything from their customers to
their mission statement. Find out their goals and tie your goals
into that. Finding out this type of information gives you great
insights on what kinds of questions to ask your interviewer and
shows them that you've done your research and already have some
background in the company's business and objectives.
2. Study the job description. Taking your own strengths, find a
way to tie something you excel at into a skill needed for this
new job. Try to talk about a previous job where you accomplished
some goal that is part of this new job description. Employers
will more seriously consider applicants who have a background
and a track record in their industry than those who do not.
3. First impressions count. And more so in interviews than
anything else! Make sure you dress appropriately, but don't
overdress or dress above the job. Make sure you get there with
plenty of time to fill out forms etc. Plan to arrive 10 to 15
minutes ahead of time. If you think traffic will be bad, give
yourself even more time but don't go in to announce yourself
until about 10 minutes before the agreed on time. Greet your
interviewer with a firm handshake and maintain eye contact
throughout the discussion process. Be enthusiastic, personable
and outgoing. Show a sincere interest in the people you meet and
the work you'd be doing. Interviewers can tell if you're
desperate!
4. Most jobs require problem solving skills and the ability to
work well under pressure. Try talking about a particular problem
you might face and how you would solve it. List other times when
you had to perform under pressure and how you handled it. Don't
be nervous during your interview - presenting a calm and
confident demeanor will really help with the interviewers
impression of you. Sit up straight and look the person in the
eye and whatever you do don't fidget, slouch, drum your fingers
or bite your nails!
5. You should always have questions to ask at the end of the
interview. Let the interview process take it's course and wait
for them to ask you if you have any questions. Some questions
you might want to ask include: Is it a new position or filling a
vacancy? What is the turnover rate in the department? Ask any
questions that will help you find out if the company will be
good to work for.
6. If, on an interview, you are asked something that makes you
feel uncomfortable, simply politely ask them why they would like
to know that. Employers are prohibited from asking questions
that are personal, including references to race, gender, marital
status, sexual preference and child care. Your interview should
focus on ow you fit into the job not personal issues.
7. One thing that people often forget is to make sure they
follow up after the interview. A short thank you note can help
keep your name at the forefront of candidates for the job.
Recount your strengths and how they match to the job and state
why you think you are the perfect fit. Close the note by letting
the interviewer know of your sincere interest in the position
and your confidence in doing it well.
So there you go, 7 simple steps that are sure to impress any
prospective employer - and maybe even yourself! Good luck!