Tips for Succeeding at a Job Interview

Tips for Succeeding at a Job Interview Tips for Succeeding at a Job Interview To succeed in a job interview,  its important to make a positive first impression and convince employers you would be a good fit for their company. Its also important to avoid making major mistakes that could raise questions about your professionalism or competence and cost you a chance at getting hired. Use this strategy to properly navigate a job interview, so you can land the perfect job. Be Prepared Analyze the job requirements and the employer and be prepared to share compelling reasons why you would be a good fit. Prepare and rehearse what you plan to say, including answers  to  common interview questions  such as the dreaded inquiry about your weaknesses. Carefully review your resume and be prepared to discuss challenges and successes in each position listed in the document.   Make a Good First Impression Dress the part of someone successful in your chosen field. Make sure your clothing is  appropriate for the work environment, fits well, and is neatly pressed.  Greet your  interviewer  with a firm- but not bone-crunching- handshake  and a warm smile. Sit up straight and lean slightly forward during the interview.  Make regular- but not piercing or staring- eye contact. Show energy and enthusiasm through your vocal tone and listen carefully to each question before responding. When the interview is finished, thank the interviewers for the opportunity and reiterate your interest in the position. Follow up with a letter, card, or email to each interviewer, expressing the same thanks and interest. Project a Positive Image Describe specific situations or challenges you have faced, the actions you took to intervene, and the results you generated. Pay particular attention to how you have positively impacted the bottom line for past employers. Examples may include saving money, increasing sales, retaining staff, recruiting employees, securing funding, or improving quality. Ask the Right Questions Remember that you are interviewing the employer as much as the employer is interviewing you. Focus on questions about specific expectations and goals, both short-term and long-term for the company and for the position in question. Good questions help you to discover if the employer is a good fit for you, and they show the employer that youve done your homework and have a sincere interest in the company. Avoid Criticism or Negativity Never criticize any previous employers, supervisors, or co-workers during a job interview. It can raise questions about your ability to work well with others or to accept accountability. As well, dont fixate on your own weaknesses or treat them as hindrances. Be prepared to acknowledge them, but address them as an opportunity to learn and improve. Use Honesty Avoid the temptation to exaggerate when addressing your skills and accomplishments. Its important to put a positive spin on what youve done and what you can do, but it all needs to be truthful. Being caught in even the smallest of white lies can raise questions about your character and fitness for the position in question. Avoid Lateness or Excessive Earliness Be on time for your interview, and remember to take into account that youll likely want a few minutes to situate yourself, organize your notes, and maybe use the restroom. You should leave early enough to arrive at the interview no more than five to 10 minutes before it starts. Arriving too far in advance of the scheduled time can leave a negative impression and possibly raise questions about your time management skills or ability to follow directions. Use Common Sense Dressing or behaving too casually can raise questions about your professionalism, as can actions such as checking your cell phone during the interview. If the interview involves a meal, never order an alcoholic beverage or select an entree that is difficult to eat gracefully. In general, follow your gut. If something seems like it would be inappropriate for a job interview, it likely is not a good choice. Last Piece of Advice Be confident about your abilities and skills, and know that the company would be fortunate to have you. Showing a company that you believe in yourself will help convince them to believe in you as well. Also, stay calm and focused to ensure that information is clearly communicated and understood, thus demonstrating your people and communication skills.