How To: Preparing For Your Interview
Research the Company
Employers want to hire the best fit for a position. The best way to indicate you are that person is to show that you have already invested time into the company. A simple Google search can tell a lot about a business. You do not need to know every detail, just the basics; what does the business do, who are its target customers, how many offices, etc. Most of this information can be obtained by the company website. A little bit of effort before the interview can go a long way to getting hired! Prepare for common interview questions The whole point of the interview process is to allow the hiring manager to see if you are qualified for the job they are hiring for. In order for them to get to know you, they will ask you questions about yourself. These questions can vary depending on the interviewer or the industry you are in. To make sure you have the best chance at landing the job, do an internet search on common interview questions. This will give you an idea of what to expect. Don’t copy the answers, this will make the interview feel fake and will not go smoothly. Instead, rework the answers to fit your skills and personality. |
Come to the interview with questions of your own
After the interviewer is done asking you questions, he/she will want to know if you have any questions. This is your time to show that you have an interest in not only the job, but the company as well. Make sure you have at least 2 questions ready to ask. They can be simple questions about the position, or more in depth questions about company structures, but make sure to have something ready.
Make a good first impression
Making a good first impression is one of, if not, THE most important tips about interviewing for a job. A person can generally tell within the first few seconds of meeting someone if they like them or not. If you show up and are dressed poorly and not respectful, you can almost guarantee that you will not get the position. Make sure you always put your best foot forward in the interview.
After the interviewer is done asking you questions, he/she will want to know if you have any questions. This is your time to show that you have an interest in not only the job, but the company as well. Make sure you have at least 2 questions ready to ask. They can be simple questions about the position, or more in depth questions about company structures, but make sure to have something ready.
Make a good first impression
Making a good first impression is one of, if not, THE most important tips about interviewing for a job. A person can generally tell within the first few seconds of meeting someone if they like them or not. If you show up and are dressed poorly and not respectful, you can almost guarantee that you will not get the position. Make sure you always put your best foot forward in the interview.
Think and be positive
One of the most toxic elements of a business is negativity. A company cannot grow if the employees are not excited about working. When you go in for your interview, make sure to show enthusiasm for the job. A manager wants to hire someone who will be on board with the program and do it with a smile. You do not know how the interviewer’s day is going, so being a positive influence can go a long way when the decision is made for who gets the job. Close on a positive note Closing on a positive note goes hand in hand with being positive during the interview. You want to nail the first and last impressions you make on the interviewer. The person conducting the interview will be more lenient on you if they have a positive first and last look. Make sure that you leave knowing you were as positive as you could be, so when the decision is made for the job, the interviewer can only remember your positivity. |
Bring a copy of your resume to every interview
Bringing one resume to a company is not good enough. Make sure you always bring a fresh and new resume to every step of the interview process. This will alleviate embarrassment for the hiring manager if he/she cannot find your resume. You will be able to pull out yours and continue without skipping a beat. This will show that you are prepared and eager for the job.
Prepare for the “Tell me about you” question
“Tell me about you” is usually the first question that is asked in an interview. You need to make sure you are ready to answer it. This is your time to shine. Let the interviewer know about your degree, how you raised profits by X% or you were employee of the month for 3 months in a row. If you are new to the work force, then focus on personal achievements; volunteer work, organizations, awards in school. This question is to see how you view yourself and your character. Make sure you keep it professional and do not over share.
Bringing one resume to a company is not good enough. Make sure you always bring a fresh and new resume to every step of the interview process. This will alleviate embarrassment for the hiring manager if he/she cannot find your resume. You will be able to pull out yours and continue without skipping a beat. This will show that you are prepared and eager for the job.
Prepare for the “Tell me about you” question
“Tell me about you” is usually the first question that is asked in an interview. You need to make sure you are ready to answer it. This is your time to shine. Let the interviewer know about your degree, how you raised profits by X% or you were employee of the month for 3 months in a row. If you are new to the work force, then focus on personal achievements; volunteer work, organizations, awards in school. This question is to see how you view yourself and your character. Make sure you keep it professional and do not over share.
Speak the right body language
Body language is usually the first impression that you give a person. Before you say your first words, you will be seen walking in to the company. How you carry yourself is just as important as how you speak. Make sure you have a confident yet humble body language. Do not crowd the interviewer; this will make you come across as aggressive. Show pride in yourself, and the interview will notice it. Dress for the job How you are dressed is vital to whether or not you get the position. Make sure to ask the person setting up the interview the dress code for the company, although it is always a good idea to dress business professional for your interview. Always stay away from loose or “sagging” apparel. For ladies, do not to wear low cut or revealing tops or dresses/skirts that are too short. Make sure your clothes are washed and ironed the night before, and men should wear a tie if possible. It is also a good idea to skip the cologne or perfume. You do not want to choke out the interviewer with overpowering scents. Dressing right for the interview is imperative for making a good first impression. |
Arrive on time and relaxed
Being on-time for an interview should go without saying, but late arrivals still happen. If you manage your time correctly, you should be able to show up early and prepare yourself for the interview. Go over your resume a few times and ask yourself some common interview questions (and answer them out loud) before going in. The interviewer will notice if you are nervous, so make sure to show up early enough to get yourself under control.
Sell yourself and then close the deal
The interview process is all about selling your skills and personality to the company you are applying for. This is your time to show how much of an asset you will be to the company. Build up your skills and knowledge so the hiring manager feels like you are the only one for the job. If you follow the tips of this post, then closing the deal will happen naturally.
Being on-time for an interview should go without saying, but late arrivals still happen. If you manage your time correctly, you should be able to show up early and prepare yourself for the interview. Go over your resume a few times and ask yourself some common interview questions (and answer them out loud) before going in. The interviewer will notice if you are nervous, so make sure to show up early enough to get yourself under control.
Sell yourself and then close the deal
The interview process is all about selling your skills and personality to the company you are applying for. This is your time to show how much of an asset you will be to the company. Build up your skills and knowledge so the hiring manager feels like you are the only one for the job. If you follow the tips of this post, then closing the deal will happen naturally.
Speak clearly and do not mumble
One of the most frustrating things that happen in an interview is when the person being interviewed doesn’t speak clearly. You should always pronounce your words clearly and stay away from “slang” terms while interviewing. Always remember that the interview is a business setting, and there are certain standards for business. You do not want to have the interviewer ask you to repeat your answer because you were mumbling or not speaking clearly.
Don’t appear desperate
The interviewer is looking for someone who is confident, not desperate. You may only have $5 to your name with rent due tomorrow, do not let the interviewer know that. Looking desperate does not show interest in the company, only interest in the money from the job. Never tell the interviewer that you are desperate for work either, as this will likely cause you to be passed by for the job.
One of the most frustrating things that happen in an interview is when the person being interviewed doesn’t speak clearly. You should always pronounce your words clearly and stay away from “slang” terms while interviewing. Always remember that the interview is a business setting, and there are certain standards for business. You do not want to have the interviewer ask you to repeat your answer because you were mumbling or not speaking clearly.
Don’t appear desperate
The interviewer is looking for someone who is confident, not desperate. You may only have $5 to your name with rent due tomorrow, do not let the interviewer know that. Looking desperate does not show interest in the company, only interest in the money from the job. Never tell the interviewer that you are desperate for work either, as this will likely cause you to be passed by for the job.
Thank the interviewer by phone or e-mail
Once the interview is over, it is best to send a follow up and thank you message. It can be by phone, e-mail, or a card but it should be within 48 hours of the interview. You can also address any other questions you have or questions you were unable to answer during the interview. This is a nice way to keep you on the mind of the interviewer while the big decision is being made. |