This article focuses on some important job interviewing tips for job seekers:
- CONDUCT RESEARCH ON EMPLOYER, HIRING MANAGER & JOB OPPORTUNITY: Job interview starts with a sold foundation of knowledge on jobseeker's part. You should understand the employer, the requirements of the job, and the background of the person interviewing you. The ore research you conduct, the better you will be able to answer interview questions.
- REVIEW COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS & PREPARE YOUR RESPONSES: Another key for interview success is preparing responses to expected interview questions. A good tool for remembering your responses is to put them into story form that you can tell in the interview. No need to memorize responses but to develop talking points.
- DRESS FOR SUCCESS: Plan out a wardrobe that fits the organization and its culture, striving for the most professional appearance you can accomplish. Wear clothing that fits and is clean and pressed. Keep accessories and jewelry to a minimum.
- ARRIVE ON TIME, BE RELAXED AND BE PREPARED FOR INTERVIEW: There is no excuse ever for arriving late for an interview. Arrive about 15 minutes before your scheduled interview to complete additional paperwork and allow yourself time to get settled. Arriving a bit early gives us a chance to observe the dynamics of the workplace. The day before the interview pack up extra copies of your resume and reference lists.
- MAKE FIRST GOOD IMPRESSIONS: When its time for interview keep in mind the first impression interviewers get in the first few seconds of meeting you. First impression can make or break your interview. Make a strong first impression by dressing well, arriving early, and when greeting your interviewer : Stand, Smile, Make eye contact and offer a firm handshake. Remember that having a positive attitude and expressing enthusiasm for the job and employer are vital in the initial stages of the interview. Hiring managers make critical decisions about job applicants in the first 20 minutes of the interview.
- BE AUTHENTIC, FOCUSED, CONFIDENT, CANDID & CONCISE: Once the interview starts the key to success is the quality and delivery of your responses. You goal should always be authenticity responding truthfully to interview questions. Keep your responses short and to the point. The interview is about YOU and making your case that you are the ideal candidate for the job.
- REMEMBER THE IMPORTANCE OF BODY LANGUAGE: While the content of your interview responses is good, poor body language can be a distraction at best or a reason not to hire you at worst. Effective form of body language includes Smiling, Eye contact, Solid posture, Active listening & Nodding. Poor body language includes looking off in the distance, playing with a pen, fidgeting in a chair, brushing back your hair, touching your face, chewing gum. mumbling etc.
- ASK INSIGHTFUL QUESTIONS: Employers make a judgement about an applicants interest in the job by whether or not the interviewee asks questions. Smart job seeker prepares questions to ask days before the interview adding any additional queries that might arise from the interview.
- SELL YOURSELF AND CLOSE THE DEAL: Qualified applicant is not always the one who is hired, the winning candidate is often the job seeker who does the best job responding to interview. questions and showcasing his/ her fit with the job, department and organization. You are the salesperson and the product you are selling to the employer is your ability to fill the organization needs and solve its problems.
- THANK INTERVIEWER IN PERSON OR BY EMAIL: Common courtesy and politeness go far in interviewing thus the importance of thanking each person. Start the process while at the interview, thanking each person who interviewed you before you leave.