Your job search has paid off and you have been invited in for an interview. Here are four tips to help you prepare for the interview and make it a success.
Do your homework – One of the top complaints recruiters and hiring managers have about job seekers is in their lack of preparation for the interview. Do you research, visit the company’s web page, make yourself familiar with the products or services that they provide. Read the latest press releases, pick out an interesting, recent fact about the company that you can share with the interviewer. Give the interviewer a sense that you have a real interest in the company.
Dress appropriately – Be sure to know what will be the proper attire for the interview. Don’t be afraid to ask the recruiter what you should wear. Every company has its own style and dress code and dressing appropriately for the occasion will go a long way to helping you and the interviewer feel more comfortable during the interview. A word of caution however, do not dress too casually, no jeans with holes, flip-flops etc. it will definitely put you at a disadvantage from the start. Error on the side of dressing more formal for an interview if you are not sure.
Be prepared to answer common questions – There are a host of common questions you should be prepared to answer and It is OK to rehearse your responses. Have a friend ask you a few interview questions and answer them as honestly and openly as you can. If you don’t know the answer to a question, say so, it will show if you are trying to avoid giving an answer or making up one. Many employer use a behavioral interviewing style, be prepared to give real examples of the work you have done, who you have worked with and how you solved a problem or addressed a specific business challenge details are important here. be specific.
Prepare your own set of questions – Now your interview is coming to close and the interviewer asks you if you have any questions. The fastest way to kill a good interview is to say, “No, I do not”. This response also shows a lack of preparation. Have 3-5 questions for the interviewer. Ask questions about the position, your potential coworkers, upcoming projects, the company and its future plans. The company website and press releases are good sources of information that you could draw good questions from for your part of the interview. Again, it will show the interviewer that you have done your homework and you have a real interest in the company.
Interviewing for a new position can be somewhat stressful but you can reduce the amount of stress you may experience by being prepared. Remember the 4 P’s. Prior Planning beats Poor Performance. Good luck!
Do you have job search or an interview question? Ask me, your Job Search Examiner. Submit your questions to me and I will publish your question and my response. Submit your questions using my online “Ask the Career Coach Form“.
Link to original post:
