Interviewing Tips

Many of us struggle with interviews even though we are very qualified for the job we are interviewing for. When you are invited for an interview that means the company you are interviewing with believes you are a possible match for the position. The interview is to determine several things, first if you are qualified for the position, second if you are a good fit for the company and third, if they are a good if for you. Many employers may do several interviews before making a decision. Initially a telephone interview is done to determine if you meet the basic qualifications of the position. A second interview is then done to narrow down the field of applicants and many times a third interview is done to make a final decision.

Tips:

  1. Be prepared – If you are prepared you will feel more confident. In addition to knowing about the position you are applying for, also know as much about the company that can.
  2. Be on time – Plan to arrive at least 15-30 minutes ahead of time. You never know what can happen on the way there.
  3. Write down all the possible questions that you may be asked and practice them.
  4. First impression is everything –  Smile, a good smile always pleases people. Dress is of the utmost importance; you should be in professional attire and be looking formal. Do not forget a firm handshake and eye contact shows your confidence.
  5. Do not talk too much – Communication is a two way street, so give them a chance. Also, do not interrupt the interviewer when they are talking.
  6. Be enthusiastic and positive – always be enthusiastic and do not say bad points about a previous employer. Focus on positive achievements and views.
  7. Answer briefly – the best interviews have a give and take atmosphere. When it comes to talking during an interview, sometimes less is more. A general rule is you should speak one third of the time and no more than half of the time. When it is your turn to speak, do not hesitate to talk about yourself.
  8. Take a spare photo and resume with you – it may happen that the interviewer wants you photo and resume. Your interviewer won’t be expecting it so you will impress them. It also helps them remember you after the interview.
  9. Look them in the eyes – eye contact is showing confidence. Eye contact is one of the most important aspects of non verbal communication and can make a significant difference in how you present yourself. If you look the other way when speaking to someone, you are viewed as lacking confidence or interest. So always answer your question with eye contact to the interviewer.
  10. Talk about specific achievements – interviewers like to know how you felt about a particular success. Some will ask for examples of things that you have done that you are proud of; how you solved problems; how you learned from them and improved from difficult situations.
  11. Think about the interview as a First Date – instead of an inquisition, think of it as a first date where both of you are trying to figure out if there is a match.
  12. Bring up weaknesses – in an interview bring up any weaknesses before you are asked one. For example, I really need to learn more about the technology that is used by you company.
  13. Virtual Thanks – you can send follow-up letters through email if this is the way you have been communicating all along.
  14. Explain why you left – carefully describe the reason for departure and do not go into details unless specifically asked. Provide references to support your reasons for leaving and job performance. Stay with the facts of what happened, what you did, how you felt and what you learned. Then describe how you would handle things differently in the future.
  15. Ask questions – great questions to ask early in the interview: “What are you hoping to find in the person you hire?” and “What would be my first priorities on the job?” The earlier you ask these questions, the sooner you can start tailoring your answers. At the end of the interview, ask, “Based on what we’ve talked about today, I feel good about the position. Do you have any concerns about my ability to do the job?” Often this will give you a chance to counter any objections.
  16. Prove what you can do – always put a positive spin on your answers to difficult questions. If you lack a particular skill or do not know a certain computer program, be sure to emphasize how quickly you learn.
  17. Sell yourself – interviewing is about selling yourself. The product you are selling is you. Tell them what you can do for them. Emphasize what you can bring to the company, department and position. Convince them that your product is better.
  18. Do not forget to listen – listening is one of the most underused interview skills. Most of us are so nervous about answering questions correctly that we forget to listen.
  19. Ask questions – There is always an opportunity to ask them questions at the end of the interview, remember the interview is a two way process, you need to be sure you want to join them. Write your questions down prior to the interview and take them with you.
  20. Be honest – be honest with every question. No need to lie about your background and/or skills. Job interviews are about matching needs, if there is not a good match, then there is no chance of the job.
  21. Get to work –  If you are unemployed, then your job right now is to find a job. Think of it as going to work.