Ace a Job Interview
You could be hearing from the company soon. Now's the time for a last minute prep!
How do you ace a job interview?
What does a typical interview look like?
What are illegal interview questions?
Do you want to dress formally or casually for an interview?
##I am an introvert, how can I help myself prepare for interviews and still make sure they know who I am?##
Many introverts never learn to market themselves outside of their inner circles, which can mean they're not considered when it comes time to fill new positions at their company. To avoid this problem, try renting a booth at your local career fair and dressing up in your best clothes. Make sure you have a few cards on hand to hand out and a brief, no more than two-minute, speech about why you'd be great for the open position. You can also offer to speak one-on-one with recruiters who are interested in learning more about your background.
Another option is to ask a friend or family member to accompany you to interviews as a way of helping you introduce yourself and put you at ease. Keep in mind that your friend or family member doesn't need to stay for the entire interview; just long enough for them to help your nerves and ensure that the interviewer gets a good feel of who you are.
If you feel like you want to speak for an extended period, take a coaching course that teaches you how to properly answer common job interview questions. Try a formal tutoring session or speak with a trusted friend or family member who also has a good grasp of the material.
##What should I wear?##
If you're going to apply dressed formally, make sure your clothes are truly appropriate. In some cases, companies will require you to wear a suit, or even an entire three piece ensemble (tuxedos and all). Be sure it's something that is in line with the culture of the company as well. If you're not ready for a full formal ensemble, avoid wearing ripped jeans and t-shirts.
If you feel too formal in dress, avoid going to the other extreme and dressing too casually. It's better to dress slightly more formally than more casually. Make sure your clothes aren't worn out and have some degree of professionalism to them.
##What are some illegal interview questions?##
Illegal interview questions include:
"Have you ever been arrested?" – This is illegal because it's an infringement on your right to privacy as well as job potential.
"What is your race?" – There are several possible answers to this question, including "I consider myself human." This can also be a very touchy subject.
"Are you in debt?" – This is illegal because it could easily lead an employer to make a negative assumption about you. These types of questions are highly discriminatory and illegal.
"Do you have any physical, mental or psychological problems that would hinder your performance at the job?" – This is similar to the above question and is completely illegal because it opens up the door for employers to discriminate against individuals with certain disabilities.
"Have you ever taken any medications?" – Some people have a legitimate medical condition that requires them to take medication. However, there are many who simply choose to do so because they don't like the side effects of it. If you have any kind of condition that requires you to take medication, make sure you disclose it to your potential employer before the interview.
"Where do you see yourself in five years?" – This question is not only inappropriate but also can set a tone for an interview that doesn't allow for much flexibility. Your goals at this job may change over time and if the interviewer feels pressured into giving answers that are not realistic or cannot be changed, your whole experience will suffer.
"What is your biggest weakness?" – This is a tough one as it can lead to a few different avenues, as well. However, the response is pretty much always the same: I'm not perfect. If you don't want to divulge that information to your potential employer, you could try answering "I'm not perfect."
"How old are you?" – This question opens up a whole host of other questions and can often make people uncomfortable in the interview process because they think it's judgmental or they feel like they're going to be judged on their age. Don't give them the chance to do so.
"Do you have any allergies?" – Sometimes companies ask this because they need to know about certain allergies that could cause an issue for them in the workplace. However, some people may be on medication that is related to one of their allergic reactions and are not comfortable sharing that information with a potential employer.
"What is your race?" – This question is illegal because it's possible someone could feel discriminated against due to their skin color or ethnic background.
##What should I do if I want more money at work?##
If you're having trouble saving money, it's probably because you're spending too much of it. Make sure you're tracking all of your spending and look into ways to cut back on unnecessary purchases while still enjoying things that you enjoy. Look into coupons and discounts, or shop around for the best deal on something.
You can also ask for a raise in the same way you ask for more money at work. If you do this, make sure you're asking in person instead of over email or phone as it will probably come off as desperate and unprofessional. Also remember that be careful about what information you share about yourself when discussing salary increases. There are plenty of employers who would be willing to give a raise but won't touch it if they know the person is already making more than they could ever expect to make in their career.
You can also ask for a position change. Often times there are positions within an organization that are more desirable than others. If you're interested in moving up the ranks, you may want to find out what it would take to do so. Some employers are willing to allow people to transfer into different roles if they make a good case for it, and others will simply let you go and hire someone more experienced in the position you're looking for.
If you're simply unhappy with your current working conditions, another option is to consider changing jobs or taking on a side gig. This is also a very common option and often comes down to personal preference. Just be sure that you're not changing jobs because you feel like you're not making enough money, or doing so for reasons that are outside of your control. Sometimes a gig can be just what you need to supplement your income, but if it ends up being something that's taking too much of your time, then the extra money will end up going to waste.
##How do I sell myself?##
When applying for a job, many employers will want to know why they should out their business with you in the first place.
Conclusion
Thank you again for downloading this book!
I hope this book was able to help you to learn how to sell yourself and improve your chances of landing your dream job.
The next step is to take action! Make sure that you're following through with your plan and setting yourself up for success in the future.
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Ace a Job Interview