YOU'VE GOT THE
CALL!! and..they want to see you for an
interview. : Don't freak out!
A great interview is essential to successfully attaining your job of choice. The employer has to be sure you're a right fit for the job, the work atmosphere and the current team.
Check out these tips to work on before even putting out your hand for that tell-tale shake!
Do Your Homework
You wouldn't go into a test without studying up, so why would you do the same with an interview? Most companies have websites describing their mission statement and current initiatives. Read up on everything and anything about the company. Start to get familiar with the image they are trying to promote. Another golden ticket lies within the job description or offer in which you first sent your resume in for. These descriptions can give great insight into the type of person or experience they're looking for.
Here's your Homework Checklist...
A great interview is essential to successfully attaining your job of choice. The employer has to be sure you're a right fit for the job, the work atmosphere and the current team.
Check out these tips to work on before even putting out your hand for that tell-tale shake!
Do Your Homework
You wouldn't go into a test without studying up, so why would you do the same with an interview? Most companies have websites describing their mission statement and current initiatives. Read up on everything and anything about the company. Start to get familiar with the image they are trying to promote. Another golden ticket lies within the job description or offer in which you first sent your resume in for. These descriptions can give great insight into the type of person or experience they're looking for.
Here's your Homework Checklist...
- Read up on the Company or Organization
- Review the job description
- Try to get a sense of their business, how they work
- Look for things you have extra questions on, write it down, we'll get to this in a bit!
Get in Touch
Okay, not literally in touch yet, but give them a shout to let them know you're interested in the interview. This gives you the opportunity to ask for extra details on your specific job, or just let them know how eager you are to meet with them. Either way, you are opening the doors of communication, which is always a good thing to get started early.
Dress for
SuccessIt doesn't matter if you're interviewing for an entry level job or a high up position, what you wear to the interview can say a lot about you. Most of the time you should try to dress it up, to give off the vibe that you are professional, clean-cut and ready for the interview and future opportunities with their company. Depending on the job you're going for, what you pick to wear may change. A small rule of thumb to think about is that you should be slightly dressier or at the same level of wardrobe choice as your interviewer. Whatever you choose to wear, I would suggest letting your personality shine through a little; whether it be through accessories, colour etc. These little things will not only make you stand out in the crowd, but will boost confidence in yourself.
Go Over Questions
Here's a few questions to think about before the interview...
- What do you know about ____________ company?
- What past experiences do you have that can help you in this new job?
- Why do you want this job?
- What major problems or challenges have come across in your past work experience?
- Tell us about yourself
Start Thinking
Now that you've got some questions in mind, brainstorm or write down your experiences that can connect to these questions. The last thing you want to do is get in there and not know what to say, or worse, lie about them. You want to show them your expertise and experience to SHOW them that you know how to do well at this job.
Prep it
UpWhether you sing in the shower, chat on the phone or spend time with friends, these are all perfect opportunities to brush up on what you're going to be saying when you get to the interview. Why not rehearse your intro and answers to questions with the bottle of shampoo as your microphone. You could have an impromptu interview celebrity style right in your shower! If you like to chat with friends, turn a conversation into a quick phone interview and have your buddy quip off some questions to you. It will get you thinking about the best answers to provide. Next time you hang out with a friend, why not ask them to ask you a few questions to get you in the interview mode? I'm sure they all want you to do well and most would be happy to help out.
Be Prepared
Here's a list of things you don't want to forget...
- an extra copy or two of your resume
- a clipboard or something to hold some note paper in
- note paper
- two working pens
- reference letters (optional)
- examples of past work, portfolio of accomplishments (optional)
The Big Entrance
First things first. Being on time for an interview means being there AT LEAST 15 minutes beforehand. This not only allows you to get a sense of where you'll be having the interview, but also allows you to calm your nerves and prepare mentally. Plus, it gives the impression to the employer that you are punctual and prepared.
You want to have the best impression as you can before even talking to your potential employer in person. You've got your best clothes on, polished shoes, brushed your hair and teeth. But wait, we're forgetting something here. A SMILE. Nothing says you're interested more than actually being pleasant! Being pleasant also means being polite. NEVER walk into an interview chewing gum, or talking on your cellphone. Your actions should reflect a polite demeanor at all times, before, during and after the interview.
Now you're ready. 15 minutes early, prepared, relaxed and ready to start up that important conversation!
Post Comments