What Can I Do To Improve My Job-Interviewing Skills?
Interviewing for a job can be an intimidating process, but in order to land the perfect position, you'll need to be confident and knowledgeable. Prepare yourself with these job-hunting tips and skills that will help you make the best impression during your interview.
There are many different aspects of a genuine interview that can make or break your chances of landing the job. It is important to prepare for an interview in every way possible; from preparation on what questions will be asked, being attentive to your appearance, and asking appropriate questions at the end of an interview. You must also know how to deal with common pitfalls such as dealing with salary negotiations and work hours issues.
Here are some useful tips and skills to help you get ready for your next job interview.
Preparation:
Review the job advertisement and how it applies to the skills that you possess. Make it a point to highlight those traits in your resume. Preparing for an interview means being informed about the company and their mission statement, as well as their products and services. Take a look at the company website and do some research on each person that will be interviewing you. Try to link your experience with every positive aspect of their product or service. If possible, determine who your competition is in order to make yourself stand out from them. Prepare questions in advance that will help you gather information about the position and its responsibilities.
Be Presentable:
Do not bring a "been there, done that" (B.T.D.) mentality to your interview. Dress for the interview by wearing business attire that is well groomed, clean and professional. Make sure that you are comfortable and relaxed during the interview. Do not arrive too early to your interview; it shows the interviewer that you have nothing better to do than wait to be interviewed for a job. If you arrive more than 15 – 20 minutes early, it is recommended that you make yourself comfortable in the reception area and read a book or magazine if anything.
Be Confident:
During the interview, try to maintain eye contact with your interviewer. It is ideal to stand up straight and smile when answering questions or making statements. Be positive about your past experience and try not to bring up anything negative in regard to previous bosses or co-workers. Never bad-mouth a former employer; this may work against you because if an employer likes you, they would want you around for as long as possible. If possible, do not use slang words or swear words. The worst thing you can do is appear incompetent, rude or uneducated by using inappropriate language. Never use profanity or swear words during your job interview.
Know Your Competition:
The competition will be the other applicants for the open position. It may seem like you have a shot at getting the job because of your hard work and preparation for your interview, but it does not hurt to know what kind of skills the competition has. If you are aware of other applicants' backgrounds, it will help you stand out from them during an interview. If you have the opportunity, it is recommended that you ask other candidates if they mind sharing their strengths and weaknesses. Your chances of getting hired will be higher if you are aware of the competition; this will help you tailor your interview answers to make yourself stand out as the best candidate.
Know When to Ask Questions:
The last and most important rule to remember is to ask questions at the end of an interview. Make sure that your questions are specific and that they can only be answered by the interviewer. If you ask too many questions, it may seem like you are desperate for a job or need the money. Avoid asking questions about salary and vacation time during the interview; it is better to ask those questions at the end of the interview when you have already been offered a position.
You should not bring up any concerns that can make your potential future employer feel uncomfortable, such as your opinion on a former boss or co-worker. Avoid asking personal questions because they may become offended and feel uncomfortable interviewing you anymore. Asking appropriate questions will help create a better image of yourself and make you seem more confident during the interview process.
The biggest thing to remember about being interviewed for a job is that there is no such thing as a stupid question. You are being evaluated by the other candidate and the potential employer will determine if you are worth the money. It is best to be sure about what to ask during your interview, but it is always okay to ask questions about the position when you get an offer.
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Question and Answer: How to Make the Best Impression in an Interview?
An interview is not a time for half measures, but it is still not the time to be brash or too assertive. You need to get the job, but first you need to get the employer’s attention and feel confident about yourself as an applicant for the position. Your self-esteem is important when conducting an interview. Here are some great tips to help you make the best impression in an interview.
First Impressions:
When you enter the room, whether you are a man or woman, smile and make eye contact with everyone that is interviewing you. You will find it hard to remember a person’s name if they do not acknowledge you or smile back at you. From the moment that you enter into their presence until the interview is over be sure to maintain eye contact and be polite to everyone in the room. Make sure that your handshake is firm and confident from beginning till end of your meeting with your interviewer(s). If you are not sure about the person’s name, ask them to repeat it a few times during your interview.
The Interviewer(s):
During your meeting with an interviewer, be sure that you look directly at them when making statements during the interview. It is important for you to gain their respect and submit confidence in yourself. If the interviewer seems distracted by something or does not pay attention to you during the first part of a meeting, ask if they would like anything from you and wait for an answer. Do not assume that they want coffee or a cold glass of water; be courteous enough to actually request what they might want in regard to refreshments.
Conclusion:
The conclusion of an interview is when you might be asked about other questions that you may have. Be sure to get a business card from everyone in the room, especially from the interviewer. If you do not get a business card, it is recommended that you ask for one in person or at least make sure that your CV (curriculum vitae) has contact information on it for the interviews that did not produce contact information. You may discuss references with the interviewer(s); however make sure that you are concise and organized as well as professional when discussing these things with them.