Interview Tips From an Experienced Recruiter
Preparing for a job interview can make you feel pressured. In addition to wanting to perform well and earn a good living, there's also the stigma of failure if you're not hired. Although there is no fool-proof method to pulling off the perfect interview, you can increase your chances for success if you follow a few tips from individuals trained to choose the right candidates.
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Be the Best Version of Yourself
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Remember all the things your grandmother told you. You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Dress to impress. If you're unsure about the company culture, err on the side of conservative, including your hairstyle. Cover your tattoos. Keep your nails manicured. Remove facial piercings. Speak clearly. Enunciate. Stand when shaking anyone's hand, as well as when new people enter the room. Remember everyone's name, even if you have to discreetly write them down. Don't interrupt anyone speaking. Smile, be charming and speak with enthusiasm. Remain humble. Always say thank you. Be on time.
Know About the Company
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Research your potential employer. During the interview, you will likely be asked what you know about the company. Know when it was founded, how quickly its grown, its strengths and weaknesses, and what sets it apart from the competition. Read the company's mission statement and understand its purpose. When you tell the interviewer what you know about the company, find a way to tie your answer in to how you can contribute to the organization. For example, "I admire how this company makes charitable contributions to non-profit organizations. I volunteer at an inner city literacy group, and I have some ideas on how employees might be able to use their time, as well as money to give back to the community."
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Remember Why You're There
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The interviewer will inevitably ask you something like, "Tell me about yourself," "Tell me about your strengths," or "Why do you think you'd be a good fit for our company?" These sound like simple questions but are surprisingly difficult to answer. Be prepared, and keep in mind what the interviewer is really asking: "How can you benefit us?" Know what your special skills and gifts are and how they can help your potential employer. When discussing yourself, only mention things you can tie into why they should hire you. Mention you were the star in your third-grade play only if you're drawing a parallel to your leadership skills. Discuss how you crashed your first car only if you're showing your adeptness at conflict resolution and your ability to accept responsibility. Remember, you're there to sell yourself.
Ask Questions of Your Own
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When the interviewer says, "Is there anything you want to ask me?" always have questions prepared to show that you're serious about the position and that you've done your homework. Don't ask questions about compensation, your competition for the position or the interview process. Learn-vest.com lists the following as good questions to ask at the close of an interview: "What are the best and worst aspects of this job?" "How do you expect this position to evolve over time?" How do you think this company's business strategy will change in the future?"
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References
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