Just thinking about going for job interviews give you the sweats? Don't worry, you're not alone.
It goes without saying that it's important to dress appropriately and be punctual for a job interview. But what else should you be doing to impress in your interview?
1. Research beforehand and find out about the company so that you know what you're getting into
Research the company, if you haven’t already done this as part of your job search. There is nothing less impressive than sitting there chatting away with zero knowledge about the company. If possible, also look for info about the person or people interviewing you – but use this sparingly or it can feel a little creepy.
2. Ask yourself if it's really what you want. You can only impress if you're interested!
The job that you are applying for also needs serious thought. Are you really sure what you are going to sign up for is for you? Or are you just pursuing the programme for the sake of better income? If it’s the money that you are after, do you think you can learn to embrace the programme’s core values?
3. Practice answering common questions so that you're prepared and save those nerves for the curveball questions
Take time to practice answering some of the most popular questions, with the help of your mirror or a recording device. You may also ask friends or family to do some mock interviews with you.
Get comfortable talking about yourself and all the good things you have to offer, without sounding too full of yourself – or conversely, too aw shucks and self-conscious. Just be yourself and think “conversation” rather than the far scarier word “interview”.
4. Make sure you know what you're selling. In this case, yourself. Learn your own résumé!
Know your own résumé. You’d be amazed at how many people I’ve interviewed who hemmed and hawed when I asked about some of their experiences listed right on the resume I had in front of me.
5. Always be present and engaged. Also, don't forget to listen and maintain eye contact.
If you feel yourself starting to think ahead about an answer or what else you might want to bring up later, stop yourself. You will lose more than you gain by trying to jump ahead. Just be in the moment and trust yourself. Again, the connection and a feeling that you would be a great person to have on their team is key.
6. Avoid bad-mouthing at all costs. It's impolite, unpleasant and looks bad on you more than the person you're criticising.
Whether it’s your prospective employer’s competition or a previous employer, only say positive nice things about others. As your mother may have said, “If you can’t something nice, don’t say anything at all.”
Saying negative things about your past work life in an interview will only give the impression that you’re both a complainer and indiscreet. Neither quality will put you on the ‘let’s hire’ list.
7. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Asking your interviewer great questions is a very huge plus!
The key is to ask great questions- not to ask questions that you should know the answers to already (“What does the position entail?) or questions that make it all about you (“What is your vacation policy?”)
Ask questions that demonstrate genuine interest in the organization and how you can fit in to their success.
Remember, also, job interviewing is a two-way-street! By asking questions, you can get a much better sense of the organization you’re interviewing at, and the extent to which you’d even want to work there.
8. Be your awesome self and offer a piece of yourself...
As one seasoned recruiter from a Human Resource department of an international fashion company puts it, “Too much effort is spent on trying to impress and giving the ‘right’ answers.Few provide windows to their true selves.”
The key here is to be clear about your own stand before you walk through the door. This will enable you to give your interviewers an honest account of yourself. Nothing can be more irritating than a candidate who has no idea of his own personal direction. Even worse if he is sniffed out as a bluff!
9. ...and that includes being sure of your personal values and sticking to them!
One manager told me about an interview he conducted where the interviewee was trying so hard to come across as flexible and accommodating, it felt as though he would have agreed with anything the manager said.
He told me he was tempted to say something truly outrageous (We have a policy that no one in the company can have children), just to see what response he’d get. Of course, most people don’t want to hire folks who are combative or rigid – but they do want people who have a sense of who they are, what they think, and what’s important to them.
10. Most important, breathe and relax. You won't be able to function if you let your nerves take over you.
Lastly, remember to relax. One useful mindset to adopt is to look at the interview session as a get-to-know-you session. Another is to remind yourself that if you ace it, good for you. If you don’t, then don’t beat yourself up over it. Things happen for a reason, and there is a big maybe that your destiny may lie with another who deserves your talents.
source: graduan.com
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