Copyright 2006 Prepaid Solutions
So you've managed to secure a job interview for a position that
fits you PERFECTLY. Now comes the moment of truth: Are you
REALLY ready for the interview? If you've rehearsed what you're
going to say and know the perfect answer to every potential
question, you're half way there. There's just one important
thing you've forgotten:
Yourself.
How do you sell yourself and show your potential employer how
valuable you can be to their company? You want to make them hire
you TODAY and not even THINK about other applicants. You know
you're the right person for the job, so how do you make THEM see
that? Here are seven easy steps you can take to really make
yourself shine during the interview process.
1. First, find out everything you can about the company you'd be
working for. Who are its customers? What is its mission
statement? How does the job you'd be performing relate to the
company's goals? 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. Read over the job description carefully. Analyze your own
strengths and see how you can tie the two together. If you have
previous experience, make note of those times where you helped
achieve a specific result. Employers give more serious
consideration to applicants who have a background and a track
record in their industry than those who do not.
3. First impressions count. It should go without saying that you
should arrive 15 minutesprior to the interview, dress
appropriately (if not above) the position you're applying for,
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. Show that you can solve problems and work well under
pressure, since nearly every job will require both skills. If
you can identify a particular problem in your industry or that
you may face when doing this job, give the interviewer some
ideas of how you would solve it.
Be calm, relaxed and confident. Some nervousness is expected,
but your overall mannerisms (such as fidgeting, nail-biting,
slumping in your chair) will be an instant giveaway on how well
you REALLY work under stress. Likewise, if you project
confidence and security in how you carry yourself, the
interviewer will definitely notice.
5. If your mind goes blank when asked if you have any questions
(and you should ALWAYS have a couple of questions ready),
consider asking why this position is open. What's the company's
track record and turnover rate? Are they performing well and
keeping employees on board? Remember, you're not just selling
yourself on how you'd be a great fit for this company, but
finding out how this company could also be a great fit for you.
6. If an interviewer asks a question that makes you feel
uncomfortable, smile politely and ask, "Why would you like to
know?" Remember, your employer is prohibited from asking you
personal questions, including references to your race, gender,
sexual preference, marital status and child care situations.
Your interview should be focused on how well you can perform the
job, not your home and family life.
7. After the interview, be sure to follow up with a thank-you
note. Recount your strengths in the letter and highlight your
qualifications. Touch on specific discussions or conversations
you had with the interviewer to help them remember that
polished, professional, enthusiastic candidate (you). Close the
note by letting the interviewer know of your sincere interest in
the position and your confidence in doing it well.
Recapping some of the interview tips:
* Before going to an interview, it is best to do some research
about the company one is applying to.
* It is also best to practice with a friend or family member
mock up questions that the employer will likely ask so you do
not choke during the real interview.
* When you go for an interview, it is best to always arrive 10
to 15 minutes ahead of time. This shows employers that the
person is punctual and serves as a good attribute in a potential
employee.
* When meeting an employer, you should bring an extra copy of
the resume and other documents that are needed if asked certain
questions. A good example is architects and photographers who
are professionals in the respective fields who have a portfolio
of the works done which may impress the interviewer.
* It is always best to dress appropriately. This shows the
employer sincerity on the part of the applicant applying for the
job. One must have finger-nails and hair well groomed for the
interview. The outfit worn should be professional. This would
mean that shoes must be used to match the outfit. If you
typically wear a lot of jewelry, it is advisable to remove and
tone it down for the interview.
* When you are in front of the employer, smile and greet the
interviewer with a firm (but not bone crushing) handshake which
is always a good start to get the interview moving.
* During the course of the interview, listen very well to the
questions asked. Each must be answered truthfully and
confidently to be able to sell yourself to the potential
employer.
* Afterwards, the applicant should thank the recruiter for the
time that was given to meet for the interview.
If you keep all of these suggestions in mind, you'll not only
have seriously impressed your potential employer, but you'll
come away from it feeling like a winner too! Good luck!
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